PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that gives members access to online multiplayer, monthly free games, and game discounts. The service has three tiers, each offering different benefits and game libraries.
What Are PlayStation Plus Monthly Games
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games are free titles given to subscribers every month. These games are available to all PS Plus members, no matter which tier they choose. Once a game is added to your library during the promotional month, you keep access to it for as long as your subscription stays active.
The Monthly Games program has been part of PlayStation Plus since 2010. It remains one of the biggest reasons people subscribe to the service.
PlayStation Plus Plans
PlayStation Plus plans differ mainly in which extra features they include. All three tiers offer online multiplayer and a set of free monthly games. The Extra plan adds a large Game Catalog of downloadable PS4/PS5 titles. The Premium plan includes everything in Extra plus the Classics Catalog (PS1/PS2 era games) and cloud streaming of select games. In summary, Premium has the most benefits, Extra has hundreds of recent games in its catalog, and Essential provides the core features.
| Feature | Essential | Extra | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly free games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Game Catalog (PS4/PS5) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Classics Catalog (retro) | No | No | Yes |
| PS5 Cloud Streaming | No | No | Yes |
| Cloud game trials | No | No | Yes |
| Exclusive discounts/content | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This table highlights the tier differences. For example, the Premium plan includes game trials, the Classics Catalog, and PS5 streaming, whereas the Extra plan adds the large Game Catalog of recent titles. The Essential plan includes only the basic benefits: monthly free games, online multiplayer, cloud saves, Share Play, and member discounts. All plans require a paid subscription (prices vary by region) but do not differ in how they receive the monthly free games.
PlayStation Plus Tiers Explained
PlayStation Plus offers three membership tiers. Each tier builds on the one before it.
| Tier | Monthly Games | Game Catalog | Cloud Streaming | Game Trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Yes | No | No | No |
| Extra | Yes | Yes (up to 400 games) | No | No |
| Premium | Yes | Yes (larger catalog) | Yes | Yes |
PlayStation Plus Essential
Essential is the entry-level tier. It includes:
- Two to three free monthly games
- Online multiplayer access
- Cloud storage for saved data
- Discounts on select PlayStation Store titles
PlayStation Plus Extra
Extra includes everything in Essential, plus access to a large catalog of downloadable games. This catalog includes both PS4 and PS5 titles from major publishers and first-party PlayStation studios.
PlayStation Plus Premium
Premium is the top tier. It includes everything in Extra, plus:
- Cloud streaming for select games
- Time-limited game trials
- Access to classic games from PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP
How PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Work
Each month, Sony announces a new set of free games. These games are usually revealed toward the end of the previous month. Members can claim the games starting on the first Tuesday of the new month.
To claim a game, subscribers open the PlayStation Store, go to the PlayStation Plus section, and add the game to their library. The game then appears in the user’s download list on their console.
Claiming Deadline
Each monthly game lineup stays available to claim for about one month. After the claim window closes, those games are replaced by the next month’s titles. Games that were not claimed during their active month become unavailable through the Monthly Games benefit.
Keeping the Games
Once claimed, a game stays in your library permanently, as long as you maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If the subscription lapses, access to these games pauses until the membership is renewed.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Schedule
Sony follows a consistent monthly schedule for announcing and releasing free games.
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Games announced | Last week of the previous month |
| Games become claimable | First Tuesday of the new month |
| Claim window closes | Day before the next month’s games arrive |
This schedule has remained stable for several years, making it easy for subscribers to plan ahead.
Monthly Games Schedule (2026)
Below is the schedule of PS Plus monthly games for 2026 so far. New games typically go live on the first Tuesday of each month and remain available until around the first Monday of the next month.
| Month | Titles (Platforms) |
|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Need for Speed Unbound (PS5), Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4/PS5), Core Keeper (PS4/PS5) |
| Feb 2026 | Undisputed (PS5), Subnautica: Below Zero (PS4/PS5), Ultros (PS4/PS5), Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4) |
| Mar 2026 | PGA Tour 2K25 (PS5), Monster Hunter Rise (PS4/PS5), Slime Rancher 2 (PS5), The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road (PS4/PS5) |
| Apr 2026 | Lords of the Fallen (PS4/PS5), Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (PS4/PS5), Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream (PS5) |
| May 2026 | EA Sports FC 26 (PS4/PS5), Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (PS5), Nine Sols (PS4/PS5) |
| Jun 2026 | Grounded Fully Yoked Edition (PS4/PS5), Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 (PS4/PS5), Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (PS5)<br>Also: EA Sports FC 26 remained available through Jun 16, 2026. |
| Jul 2026 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (PS4/PS5), For the King II (PS4/PS5), CrossCode (PS4/PS5) |
Table: PS Plus free games released each month in 2026 (platforms in parentheses). Source: official PlayStation announcements.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Catalog Updates
Beyond the Monthly Games, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers get access to a rotating catalog of games. Sony adds new titles to this catalog roughly twice a month. Some games leave the catalog after a set period, so availability can change over time.
This catalog is separate from the Monthly Games program. Games in the catalog can be played as long as the subscription is active, but they are not permanently added to your library the way Monthly Games are.
How to Check Your PlayStation Plus Tier
You can check your current tier through your PlayStation account settings or the PlayStation App. This shows your subscription level, renewal date, and payment details.
Switching Between PlayStation Plus Tiers
Subscribers can upgrade or downgrade their tier at any time. When upgrading, Sony calculates the price difference based on the remaining time on the current subscription. Downgrading takes effect at the next renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all PS Plus tiers get the same Monthly Games? Yes. Monthly Games are included in all three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium.
What happens if I forget to claim a Monthly Game? The game becomes unavailable once the claim window closes. It may return later through the Extra or Premium catalog, but this is not guaranteed.
Can I keep Monthly Games if I cancel my subscription? No. Access to Monthly Games requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If you cancel, access pauses until you resubscribe.
Are Monthly Games different for PS4 and PS5? Some months include separate versions for PS4 and PS5. Other months feature cross-generation titles that work on both consoles.
