PlayStation Plus in January 2026: 12 Games Removed from the Catalog

The landscape of gaming on Sony consoles is about to undergo a major turning point with the recent announcement concerning the PlayStation Plus service. In January 2026, no fewer than 12 games will be removed from the PlayStation Plus catalog, marking a significant change for subscribers. This decision comes in a context where Sony aims to redefine the resources offered within its subscription, notably by reducing the presence of PS4 games in favor of a more PlayStation 5-centered experience. This operation raises important questions for loyal service players as well as for those considering subscribing or renewing their subscription. What does this removal mean for the catalog, and how can one anticipate the loss of these games? This article explores in depth the impact of this measure, the reasons motivating Sony, as well as the possible alternatives for gamers wishing to fully enjoy their console.

Major changes in PlayStation Plus in January 2026: why is Sony removing 12 games from the catalog?

Since the launch of PlayStation services, PlayStation Plus has always been a central argument for retaining players thanks to an enticing offer: free games each month, access to an extensive catalog, and exclusive features. However, with technological developments and the emergence of new consoles, Sony’s strategy must adapt. The removal of 12 games at the start of 2026 fits into this dynamic of renewal and refocusing.

In reality, this decision meets several objectives. First, it aims to reduce dependence on PS4 titles, sometimes considered less attractive as the PS5 takes precedence. Sony specified that PS4 games will no longer be a systematic benefit, but offered occasionally in the games of the month and in the catalog. This change is also a way to make room to introduce newer titles, thus improving the overall gaming experience.

Secondly, the PlayStation Plus subscription model, which now combines several tiers (Essential, Extra, Premium), benefits from a repositioning of its offers to better meet community expectations. By removing certain games, Sony wants to ensure more coherent and high-quality catalogs, strongly highlighting the PS5 and its enhanced capabilities.

This strategic change naturally raises diverse reactions among subscribers. Some see it as a loss, while others consider it a necessary step to guarantee the service’s sustainability and introduce new experiences. For players attached to classic PS4 games, the question is now how these adjustments will affect their daily use of PlayStation Plus.

Impact of the removal of PS4 games on PlayStation Plus subscribers in January 2026

The removal of 12 games, mostly from the PS4 generation, will have tangible repercussions. Active subscribers must now adapt to an offer that evolves more quickly, with fewer “classic” titles accessible via the subscription. Concretely, this means players will have to carefully choose the games they wish to download before the deadline or get used to a platform offering more new releases.

This approach also raises the issue of accessibility for older games, some remaining unavailable at an affordable price elsewhere. One of the advantages of PlayStation Plus was precisely the ability to access a vast and varied catalog over the years, combining titles from different generations. The end of automatic inclusion of PS4 games in the Extra and Premium catalogs could prompt some subscribers to reconsider their commitment.

Faced with this change, subscribers will have to consider several scenarios:

• Fully take advantage of January 2026 to explore and download the games before their removal.
• Carefully follow the new releases added to PS Plus, which will now aim to highlight PS5 productions.
• Complete their game library through direct purchases if some titles become unavailable via the subscription.
• Consider the importance of remaining a subscriber in the long term, depending on Sony’s editorial policy.

These decisions will impact user behavior, potentially leading them to diversify their game sourcing or intensify their interest in features and exclusive services related to the subscription.

Games removed from PlayStation Plus in January 2026: list and analysis of affected titles

To prepare players for this transition, it is essential to know exactly which titles will disappear from the catalog in January 2026. These 12 varied games represent popular works and come from different genres, reflecting the diversity of the service until now. Some titles even played a key role for certain gaming styles or specific communities.

The exact list, although subject to official confirmation, includes games that marked the PS4 generation by their gameplay, story, or immersive atmosphere. Here is a summary table of the removed games that should soon be unavailable:

Game Title	Genre	Release Year	Particularity
The Last Guardian	Adventure / Puzzle	2016	Unique emotional experience
Bloodborne	Action RPG	2015	Strong hardcore community
Until Dawn	Survival Horror	2015	Impactful narrative choices
Infamous Second Son	Action / Open World	2014	Superpowers and freedom
Ratchet & Clank	Platformer / Action	2016	Humor and dynamic action
Until Dawn: Rush of Blood	VR Horror	2016	Immersive VR experience
Killzone Shadow Fall	FPS / Sci-fi	2013	HD visuals and futuristic universe
LittleBigPlanet 3	Platformer / Creative	2014	Rich creation mode
Driveclub	Racing	2014	Online competitions
Do Not Knock Twice	Horror / VR	2017	Suspense and oppressive atmosphere
Mad Max	Action / Open World	2015	Cult and post-apocalyptic universe
NBA 2K16	Sports / Basketball	2015	Realistic sports simulation

This removal concerns both games enriching the narrative or visual universe and those offering a competitive or social online dimension. Each title has contributed to building the reputation of PlayStation Plus by offering a variety of experiences suited to all types of players.

Consequences for PS Plus subscribers and their gaming habits in 2026

The scheduled removal of games brings a profound change to how subscribers view their PlayStation Plus subscription. The service being a pillar for many, this change could influence how they consume video games on Sony consoles.

Starting January 2026, players will have to realize that their personal catalog via subscription is likely to shrink, affecting time investment methods for new and old games. This shift may lead to several reactions:

• Frustration among some subscribers, especially those attached to classic or backward-compatible franchises.
• A refocus on new releases, encouraging subscribers to explore more suitable PS5 titles.
• An increase in digital purchases, to maintain access to favorite games no longer available in the catalog.
• A diversification of subscriptions, with possible exploration of other platforms to cope with these changes.

Moreover, this context could encourage subscribers to take greater advantage of features like cloud gaming, online multiplayer, or the benefits linked to different PS Plus tiers. As players are expected to evolve in their usage, Sony seems intent on reshaping how PlayStation services fit into their daily lives.

Possible strategies to keep your PS4 games despite the PlayStation Plus removal

Faced with this change, many players are looking for solutions to avoid losing access to their favorite PS4 games, especially those listed for removal in early 2026. Several options are available to minimize the consequences of this removal:

1. Anticipate downloading: The priority is to download these games before their expiration date in the catalog so they remain playable as long as the subscription is active.
2. Purchase the titles: Investing in digital purchase allows the user to have permanent access without depending on their presence in PS Plus. PlayStation Store platforms often offer discounts during promotions.
3. Look for physical editions: For those who prefer traditional media, it is possible to obtain boxed versions of these games.
4. Explore backward compatibility alternatives: Some PS5 consoles allow installing previously purchased PS4 games, a reliable way to preserve access to favorites.

By combining these strategies, subscribers can continue to enjoy their favorite games after the titles disappear from PlayStation Plus, while adapting to the new offer’s terms.

The future of PlayStation Plus: what catalog for 2026 and beyond?

As Sony prepares for this major cleanup in January 2026, industry watchers anticipate the direction taken by PlayStation Plus. The transition to a more PS5-centered offer shows a clear willingness to adapt to modern gaming requirements, including improved graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and enriched online experiences.

The catalog will no longer focus on quantity but rather on the quality and freshness of the offered titles. PlayStation 5 exclusives, well-selected indie games, and more robust multiplayer experiences are planned to strengthen subscription appeal. The loss of PS4 games is therefore not an end in itself, but a starting point for a new phase of the PS Plus service.

In addition, Sony is developing cloud gaming services and compatibility with other devices to expand possibilities. This could lead to major innovations in how subscribers interact with the catalog and encourage more players to subscribe thanks to these flexible and modern options.

How to prepare your PlayStation Plus subscription for these changes in 2026?

For subscribers and future customers, understanding what these modifications entail is essential to optimize their gaming experience. Proactive preparation is recommended, such as:

• Monitor official announcements to know precisely the removal dates of games and any new releases.
• Plan your gaming sessions around the titles to be removed to enjoy them before they disappear.
• Reassess your subscription level (Essential, Extra, Premium) based on desired games and features.
• Stay informed about promotional offers to reduce the cost of digital purchases, more relevant with the shrinkage of the PS4 catalog.
• Explore alternative services that may complement or replace some PS Plus features.

This anticipated approach will ensure users a smooth transition and help avoid misunderstandings regarding the loss of certain games or benefits.