January 2026 kicks off strong for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members. Sony has added a solid mix of big-budget hits, fan-favorite franchises, and smart indie picks to the Game Catalog. Whether you enjoy story-driven RPGs, survival horror, or relaxing puzzle games, this month’s lineup gives you plenty of reasons to clear some storage space.
Here’s a full breakdown of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for January 2026, what makes each game worth your time, and who should play what first.
Big PlayStation Plus Game You Should Not Miss
Resident Evil Village (PS4, PS5)
If you skipped this when it launched, January is the perfect time to fix that. Resident Evil Village blends classic survival horror with modern action pacing. The story continues Ethan Winters’ journey and introduces one of the most memorable horror settings in recent years.
On PS5, you get faster load times, ray tracing support, and smoother performance. The game strikes a nice balance between fear and firepower, making it accessible even if you are not a hardcore horror fan.
Best for: Horror fans, story-driven players, and anyone who enjoys atmospheric games.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS4, PS5)
This is easily one of the biggest additions this month. Infinite Wealth expands the turn-based RPG formula with a massive world, deeper combat systems, and a surprisingly emotional story. It mixes humor with serious themes in a way few franchises can pull off.
The game also adds quality-of-life improvements that make combat faster and exploration more rewarding. Even if you are new to the series, this entry does a great job easing you in.
Best for: RPG fans, long-form story lovers, and players who enjoy character-driven games.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (PS4, PS5)
This one is for players who enjoy slow, methodical gameplay. Expeditions focuses on off-road exploration, vehicle management, and navigating extreme terrain. It rewards patience and planning rather than speed.
The environments are detailed, and every successful journey feels earned. It is not flashy, but it is deeply satisfying if you like simulation-style games.
Best for: Simulation fans and players who enjoy strategic, low-stress gameplay.
Horror and Atmospheric Experiences
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead (PS5)
Inspired by the film franchise, this game leans heavily into sound-based stealth mechanics. Making noise can be deadly, which adds real tension to exploration and puzzles. It is more about atmosphere than combat, and it succeeds because of that focus.
Best for: Players who enjoy slow-burn horror and stealth-based gameplay.
The Exit 8 (PS4, PS5)
The Exit 8 is a short but memorable experience. It places you in a looping underground passage where small visual changes are the key to survival. The game messes with perception and keeps you guessing without relying on cheap jump scares.
Best for: Fans of psychological horror and experimental indie games.
Darkest Dungeon II (PS4, PS5)
Darkest Dungeon II builds on the punishing systems of the original while changing its structure. It focuses more on journey-based progression and party management. The art style remains striking, and the difficulty is still unforgiving.
Best for: Hardcore players who enjoy challenging, strategic RPGs.
Indie and Relaxing Picks
Art of Rally (PS4, PS5)
This is racing without the pressure. Art of Rally uses a clean visual style and smooth controls to create a relaxing but engaging driving experience. It is easy to learn but still rewarding if you push for better times.
Best for: Casual racing fans and players who want something visually soothing.
A Little to the Left (PS4, PS5)
If you enjoy organizing and light puzzles, this game feels like therapy. It focuses on sorting everyday objects in clever ways, with gentle humor and a calm pace. It is perfect for short play sessions.
Best for: Puzzle fans and anyone looking to unwind.
Ridge Racer (PS Plus Premium)
A classic that needs no introduction. Ridge Racer represents old-school arcade racing at its best. It is simple, fast, and still fun decades later.
Best for: Retro fans and arcade racing enthusiasts.
Why January 2026’s Lineup Stands Out
This month’s Game Catalog update feels well balanced. Sony did not rely on just one genre or audience. Instead, it delivers:
- A major RPG for long-term play
- High-quality horror options
- A mix of hardcore and relaxing indie games
- A nostalgic classic for Premium members
It also shows Sony’s continued focus on adding relatively recent releases rather than only older titles. That makes the Extra and Premium tiers feel more valuable going into 2026.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for January 2026 offer something for almost every type of player. If you want depth and story, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth delivers. If you crave tension, Resident Evil Village and A Quiet Place step up. If you just want to relax, A Little to the Left and Art of Rally are easy wins.
It is one of those months where even downloading two or three games easily justifies the subscription.
If you want, I can also help you pick the best games to start with based on your playstyle or compare this lineup to previous months.
