Sony has officially confirmed the nine titles heading to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on January 20, 2026. While standard reports are simply listing the titles, the timing of this month’s drop reveals a calculated move by Sony and Capcom to prepare players for a massive February. From "hidden" trials that save you dozens of hours to a direct narrative bridge that you must cross before next week, this month’s lineup is all about tactical preparation.
The January 2026 Game Catalog
| Game Title | Platforms | Tier | Why Play? |
| Resident Evil Village | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Essential "homework" before RE: Requiem. |
| LAD: Infinite Wealth | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Use the 10-hour trial for an early start. |
| Darkest Dungeon II | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Best for tactical play in short bursts. |
| A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead | PS5 | Extra | High-intensity "one-weekend" completion. |
| Expeditions: A MudRunner Game | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Zen alternative to the month's horror. |
| The Exit 8 | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Fastest trophy "win" (under 1 hour). |
| Art of Rally | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Minimalist palette cleanser racer. |
| A Little to the Left | PS4, PS5 | Extra | Mental reset for high-stress gamers. |
| Ridge Racer | PS4, PS5 | Premium | Classic arcade fix for retro enthusiasts. |
- Resident Evil Village
This first-person survival horror game continues Ethan Winters' journey as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a snowy village overrun by vampires. It's a fantastic combination of high-intensity combat in an absolutely haunting and gothic atmosphere.
Why play it?
With the highly anticipated Resident Evil: Requiem (RE9) confirmed for February 27 this year, this is your 5-week window to revisit the story. Playing a couple of hours every week will have you RE-ready exactly in time for the sequel.
- Like a Dragon : Infinite Wealth
This massive turn-based RPG follows Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they explore Honolulu and Yokohama. The game features a deep character bonds, and countless interesting minigames - from delivery services to building your own island resort.
Why play it?
If you're looking to save time on the 70-hour journey, the 10-hour full game trial is currently live for Premium members. This trial instantly allows you to sync your progress and skip the lengthy Yokohama prologue when the full version launches.
- Darkest Dungeon II
An intense road trip where players lead a party of flawed heroes across a messed-up landscape. You must manage their relationships, combat skills, and increasing stress levels via turn-based battles to reach the mountain and prevent the apocalypse.
Why play it?
Its turn-based gameplay and dynamic structure offer a high-stakes challenge that keeps your skills sharp between the month’s longer and cinematic story-driven experiences.
- A Quiet Place : The Road Ahead
Inspired by the film franchise, this FPS game is all about 'absolute silence'. You will control Alex, an asthmatic survivor navigating a world filled with sound-sensitive aliens, using a gadget to check noise levels while gathering supplies.
Why play it?
As a 6-hour experience, it seems like the perfect "one-weekend" completion goal. Finishing it now allows you to clear a high-quality horror title from your list before the heavy hitters of late Q1 begin to show up.
- Expeditions : A MudRunner Game
In this vehicle simulation game, players lead research missions across deserts and mountains, using high-tech tools like drones and sonars. You will get to navigate various terrains, manage fuel, and upgrade off-road vehicles for difficult geological surveys.
Why play it?
It offers a meditative, slow-paced gameplay loop that feels like a necessary "zen" alternative to the high-stress horror games. It’s perfect to decompress while still making meaningful progression in a deep simulation.
- The Exit 8
An FPS "anomaly hunt" set in an endless Japanese underground passage. The goal is to reach Exit 8 by walking forward if everything looks normal or turning back immediately if you spot supernatural stuff, like changing posters or shifting shadows.
Why play it?
Because you can beat it 'within an hour'! It's the perfect low-investment game to start your 2026 trophy count. It offers a unique, viral experience that promises genuine chills (while respecting your time and efforts).
- Art of Rally
A top-down racing game that pays tribute to the golden era of rally driving. With minimalist aesthetics and a huge focus on car handling, players race through lovely environments that are real-world locations, driving iconic vintage cars.
Why play it?
Its simple visuals and "pick-up-and-play" controls make it a great choice. It gives you a refreshing break after the depth and long-term commitment demanded by Infinite Wealth, keeping your gaming diet balanced.
- A Little to the Left
A cozy puzzle game where you sort, stack, and organize everyday household objects into pleasing arrangements (a treat for those with OCD). You must find the hidden logic in each mess while dealing with a mischievous cat that tries to disrupt your progress.
Why play it?
It's a unique mental reset for gamers who are overwhelmed by the 100+ combined hours of this month’s major RPG and horror additions.
- Ridge Racer
A legendary arcade racer known for its high-speed drifting and iconic soundtrack. This classic port features 3 different circuits and a several unlockable cars, challenging players to master the perfect drift and hit the best lap times.
Why play it?
As the only retro title this month, it highlights the increasing importance of using the "Game Trials" perk to truly maximize the value of the top-tier subscription.
So, What's There to Lose?
While the excitement for these new additions is high, players should know the cost of waiting. On the same day these games arrive, 'Like a Dragon Gaiden : The Man Who Erased His Name' will leave the service.
Since Gaiden is the essential story bridge leading directly into Infinite Wealth, you can either finish its 10-hour campaign before 20th January 2026 OR add it to your library, which will let you retain the title until your PS plus subscription is active.
Completing it now ensures you aren't entering the new Hawaiian adventure with a massive gap in Kazuma Kiryu's storyline.