PlayStation Plus Essential Free Game Leaked for January 2026
The first free game for PlayStation Plus Essential in January 2026 has been leaked ahead of its official reveal. According to a reliable leaker, bibil-kun, who has a 100% track record of accurate leaks, the game is none other than Need For Speed Unbound, developed by EA and Criterion. This leak has generated significant excitement among gamers, and we can’t wait to dive into the details.
Get Ready to Race with Need For Speed Unbound
Need For Speed Unbound, released in 2022, is the latest installment in the popular racing series. With a critic score of 77 on Metacritic and a user score of 5.9, this game has received mixed reviews. However, as a fan of the franchise, I can attest that it’s a great game worth checking out. The game’s graphics and gameplay are top-notch, making it an excellent addition to the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup.
It’s worth noting that Need For Speed Unbound is a PlayStation 5 exclusive, marking the beginning of a new era for PlayStation Plus Essential. As of January 2026, the service will focus on offering PS5 titles, phasing out PS4 games from the monthly lineup. This change is a significant milestone, and we’re excited to see how it will impact the gaming community.
The End of an Era for PlayStation Plus
A New Chapter for PlayStation Plus Essential
PlayStation announced earlier this year that the service would evolve to focus on PS5 titles, citing the shift in player behavior towards redeeming and accessing PS5 games. This change is a natural progression, given the growing popularity of the PS5 console. As PlayStation explained, “PlayStation Plus is also evolving with this trend and will focus on offering PS5 titles through the Monthly Games and Game Catalog benefit starting January 2026.”
While this change might be a disappointment for PS4 gamers, it’s essential to note that they can still add PS5 games to their library through the PlayStation App or the PlayStation Store website. This ensures that all players can access and enjoy the latest games, regardless of their console.
We’ll keep you updated on the remaining free games for January 2026 as they’re announced. In the meantime, get ready to experience the thrill of Need For Speed Unbound, and stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of PlayStation Plus Essential.
Brand: Sony
Original Release Date: June 29, 2010
Original MSRP (USD): $59.99 (Essential), $99.99 (Extra), $119.99 (Premium) – Per Year
App Store: PlayStation Store
