PlayStation Plus in January 2026: My Predictions for a Killer Start to the Year

Hey everyone, let's chat about sports.

You know that feeling, right?
The Christmas decorations are up, the holiday food coma is fading, and you're staring at your PlayStation menu wondering, "What's next?" The first batch of PlayStation Plus games for the new year always feels like a big deal. It sets the tone for the whole year.

Since we're still in 2025, we don’t know the actual PS Plus lineup for January 2026 yet.
Sony has kept that a secret! But predicting is part of the fun. So, let's put on our guessing hats and imagine what a great "Happy New Year" lineup might look like.

This is my dream — and somewhat realistic — prediction for January 2026's PlayStation Plus Essential Games.

Headliner: A big, popular game you might have missed
For January, Sony usually likes to release a game that makes everyone say, "Wow, they're off to a strong start!"
This is often a title that was a hit a year or two ago but might have just slipped your mind.

My Prediction: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)

Listen, by January 2026, Rebirth will be about two years old.
The third part of the Remake trilogy is probably around the corner, and what better way to get everyone excited than to put the middle chapter on PS Plus? It's a big, beautiful, critically loved game. Adding it to the service would be a huge win. It could encourage people like me, who haven’t played it yet, to finally jump into the vast open world. That sounds like a perfect way to kick off the year.

Backup Prediction: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5)

If Rebirth isn’t on the list, then Jedi: Survivor fits the bill perfectly.
It has a great single-player story, great action, and in early 2026 it will be in the sweet spot where big sales have slowed down but it’s still a modern masterpiece that people want.

Hey everyone, have a drink and relax.
Let’s actually talk about the future of our game library.

We're at the end of 2025, looking toward a new year.

For PlayStation gamers, the first event of a gaming year isn’t E3 or some random event — it’s the monthly announcement of PlayStation Plus. The first drop sets the tone. This is a signal from Sony: “This is how we value you as a customer this year.”

Since the official list for January 2026 is still a secret hidden away in Tokyo, let’s do more than just guess three names.
Let’s make a full, realistic, and hype-worthy prediction about what can await us when we "download" the first Tuesday of the new year. We'll look at trends, business sense, and the old hopes of players.

Part 1: Visions of the January Drop

First, you need to understand the mindset.
January is a unique month.

The post-holiday slump: November and December bring big game sales.
People are turned off by buying a $70 game.

New year, new engagement: Sony wants to re-energize its gamer base.
They want you to fire up your PS5, connect to the service, and feel good about that subscription you just renewed (or are thinking about renewing).

"Catch-up" atmosphere: Many people get new consoles for Christmas.
January is the perfect time to give new members (and old members) a good reason to stick around.

So, the ideal January lineup should be bold, diverse, and valuable.
It can’t feel like leftovers. It has to feel like a gift.

Part 2: Headliner — System Seller (who has already sold the system)

This is the game making headlines.
This is what you take a screenshot of and send to your group chat with the eyes emoji.

Therefore, the best January lineup should be strong, varied, and worth your time. It shouldn’t feel like old stuff. It needs to feel like something special.

Part 2: Headliner – System Seller (someone who has already bought the system)

This is the game that everyone is talking about.
This is the one you take a screenshot of and send to your group chat with the eyes emoji.

My Deepest Prediction: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)

Why it makes perfect sense:

The Trilogy Hook: By January 2026, the third and last part of the FFVII remake series is likely to be coming up, with a trailer and a release date in late 2026 or 2027.
What’s the best way to promote part 3? Getting millions of players to experience part 2 for free on PS Plus. That’s smart. It takes away the cost for those who haven’t bought it yet and builds a crowd for the big finish.

"Game of the Year" Shine: Rebirth was highly praised by critics.
By putting it on PS Plus, Sony isn’t offering bad games; they’re sharing a true masterpiece and saying, “Look at what we’re creating. This is the kind of quality you get with a subscription.” That really boosts the value of PS Plus in people’s eyes.

Time Factor: At around two years old, the first wave of sales has already happened.
It’s now in the long-tail phase, where being on a subscription service leads to more engagement than usual sales. They can also see extra content like costumes or boosters for new players.

What does this mean for you:

If this happens, you’re in for an 80-100 hour RPG with a massive open world, a legendary story, and production values that compare to anything else.
This is a game that can really shape your winter gaming experience. It’s not just a game—it’s an event that comes straight to your dashboard.

(The very strong alternative: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)

If not Rebirth, then Survivor is the other big choice.
It follows the same pattern: a beloved, single-player, story-driven sequel that's nearly two years old. It would please the huge Star Wars fanbase and also help promote the final part of the trilogy. This is a bit safer as it's probably more mainstream than JRPGs.

Part 3: Palate Cleanser – C

My Deepest Prediction: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5)

Why it makes perfect sense:

The Trilogy Hook: By January 2026, the third and last part of the FFVII remake series is likely to be coming up, with a trailer and a release date in late 2026 or 2027.
What’s the best way to promote part 3? Getting millions of players to experience part 2 for free on PS Plus. That’s smart. It takes away the cost for those who haven’t bought it yet and builds a crowd for the big finish.

"Game of the Year" Shine: Rebirth was highly praised by critics.
By putting it on PS Plus, Sony isn’t offering bad games; they’re sharing a true masterpiece and saying, “Look at what we’re creating. This is the kind of quality you get with a subscription.” That really boosts the value of PS Plus in people’s eyes.

Time Factor: At around two years old, the first wave of sales has already happened.
It’s now in the long-tail phase, where being on a subscription service leads to more engagement than usual sales. They can also see extra content like costumes or boosters for new players.

What does this mean for you:

If this happens, you’re in for an 80-100 hour RPG with a massive open world, a legendary story, and production values that compare to anything else.
This is a game that can really shape your winter gaming experience. It’s not just a game—it’s an event that comes straight to your dashboard.

(The very strong alternative: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)

If not Rebirth, then Survivor is the other big choice.
It follows the same pattern: a beloved, single-player, story-driven sequel that's nearly two years old. It would please the huge Star Wars fanbase and also help promote the final part of the trilogy. This is a bit safer as it's probably more mainstream than JRPGs.