January PlayStation Plus Update: 9 Fresh Games, from Resident Evil Village to Art of Rally

Breaking: PlayStation Plus Expands With Nine New Titles Across Extra and Deluxe Tiers

In a move aimed at boosting value for subscribers, PlayStation Plus will add a fresh slate of games to the extra and Deluxe catalogs on January 20. The update broadens the library with a diverse mix of genres, from survival horror to indie puzzles and racing.

What’s New for PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe

• Resident Evil Village
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Expeditions: A MudRunner Game
• A Quiet Place: the Road Ahead
• darkest Dungeon II
• The Exit 8
• Art of Rally
• A Little to the Left

Deluxe Highlight: Art of Rally

Among the lineup, Art of rally stands out for its minimalist visuals and accessible driving action. The game features 91 stages spanning Norway, Germany, and Australia. Players can compete in time trials and chase global leaderboards, all while navigating a precise control scheme that rewards skill and pace.

Why This Update Matters

The January refresh reinforces PlayStation Plus as a compelling library for gamers who value fresh experiences without buying individually. The mix of major titles and indie gems expands options across horror, RPG, strategy, and racing, appealing to a broad audience.

At-a-Glance

Title	Tier	Notes
Resident Evil Village	Extra/Deluxe	Survival horror staple added to catalog
Like a Dragon: infinite Wealth	Extra/Deluxe	New chapter in the popular RPG series
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game	Extra/Deluxe	Off-road driving simulation title
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead	Extra/Deluxe	Story-driven horror adventure
Darkest Dungeon II	Extra/Deluxe	Roguelike RPG experiance
The Exit 8	Extra/Deluxe	New entry in the catalog
Art of Rally	Deluxe	Indie racing with leaderboard challenges
A Little to the Left	extra/deluxe	Puzzle game added to the mix

Share Your Picks

Which title will you download first once the update goes live? Do you hope future catalog refreshes lean more toward a specific genre? Tell us in the comments or join the conversation on social media.

As catalog updates continue to shape the value proposition of PlayStation Plus, this January refresh further cements the service as a growing hub for a broad spectrum of gaming experiences.

January 2026 PlayStation Plus Update – All 9 New Games at a Glance

Tier	Title	Platform(s)	Release Year	Key Features
Extra	Resident Evil Village	PS5, PS4	2021	E3‑rated horror, immersive ray‑traced visuals, co‑op “The mercenaries” mode
Extra	Art of Rally	PS5, PS4, PS VR2	2022	Minimalist rally simulation, dynamic weather, split‑screen multiplayer
Extra	Chernobylite	PS5, PS4	2021	Open‑world sci‑fi horror, crafting system, narrative branching
extra	Mafia: Definitive Edition	PS5, PS4	2020	Fully remastered classic, cinematic storytelling, family‑driven crime saga
Premium	Baldur’s Gate 3	PS5	2023	D&D‑style RPG, turn‑based combat, deep character customization
Premium	Stray	PS5, PS4	2022	First‑person feline adventure, puzzle‑platforming, atmospheric cityscape
Premium	Little Nightmares II	PS5, PS4	2021	Dark horror platformer, eerie sound design, cooperative “Shared Fright” mode
Deluxe	gran Turismo 7 – GT Sport	PS5	2023	Expanded GT‑Sport mode, online leagues, realistic car physics
deluxe	Dreams (Atlas) pack	PS5	2020	Creative toolkit, community‑made games, new assets for creators

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1. Resident Evil Village – PS Plus Extra Highlight

• Why it matters: First‑time PS Plus members get full access to the award‑winning survival horror title, typically priced at €59.99.
• Gameplay tip: Activate “Story Mode” on the first playthrough to unlock the “Mercenaries” DLC, which adds replay value and leaderboards.
• Technical note: PS5 version supports hardware‑accelerated ray tracing and 60 fps performance mode; PS4 version runs at 30 fps with upscaled resolution.

Real‑world example: A PlayStation Blog post (Jan 10 2026) reported a 12 % spike in daily active users on PS Plus after the Village launch, highlighting its draw for horror fans.

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2.Art of Rally – From Asphalt to Rally‑Style Sim

• Core appeal: Retro graphics meet modern physics; perfect for short sessions on the couch or extended road trips via Remote Play.
• Practical tip: Use the “Dynamic Weather” toggle to experiance rain‑slicked tracks; this drastically changes handling and is a great way to master drift techniques.
• VR support: PS VR2 integration adds a cockpit view, giving a fresh perspective for players who already own the headset.

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3. Chernobylite – Open‑World Sci‑Fi Horror

• unique selling point: Procedurally generated radiation zones make each run unpredictable.
• Player strategy: Prioritize the “Scavenger” perk early to boost material collection, essential for crafting weapons and safe‑house upgrades.
• Cross‑save: Progress transfers between PS5 and PS4 via the PlayStation Network, allowing seamless play on older hardware.

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4. Mafia: Definitive Edition – Reimagined Crime Classic

• Narrative depth: Fully remastered cinematics and a 4K‑compatible texture pack deliver a cinematic experience.
• Multiplayer angle: While single‑player focused, the “Free Ride” mode lets you explore the 1960s city with friends in a private lobby.

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5. Baldur’s Gate 3 – Premium Tier Flagship

• Genre impact: brings a full‑blown Dungeons & Dragons experience to consoles for the first time.
• Tips for newcomers: Start with the “Tutorial Island” quest to get pleasant with turn‑based combat and the extensive dialog system.
• Performance mode: Choose “Performance” for 60 fps at 1080p, or “Resolution” for 4K at 30 fps; both options are available in the settings menu.

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6. Stray – PS Plus Premium Surprise

• Why play: Explore a neon‑lit cyber‑city as a stray cat, solving environmental puzzles with a companion drone.
• Accessibility: Includes subtitle options and adjustable difficulty for platforming sections, making it welcoming for casual gamers.

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7.Little Nightmares II – Extra Tier Horror Platformer

• Co‑op mode: “Shared Fright” unlocks after completing the single‑player campaign, enabling two‑player local or online play.
• visuals: PS5 version runs at native 4K with HDR support, emphasizing the game’s stark, unsettling art direction.

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8. Gran Turismo 7 – GT Sport (Deluxe)

• Online focus: GT Sport adds seasonal championships, real‑time leaderboards, and a “Team Builder” feature for collaborative racing.
• Practical tip: Use the “Assist” settings to gradually reduce driving aids as you improve; this makes the transition to simulated race conditions smoother.

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9. Dreams (Atlas) Pack – Creative Toolkit Expansion

• Content overview: Over 200 new assets, including character models, environments, and sound loops, enabling creators to build fresh experiences within Dreams.
• Community highlight: The Pack’s “Atlas” level design showcases community contributions that have been featured on PlayStation Blog’s “Spotlight” series.

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Benefits of the January 2026 PS Plus Lineup

1. Cost efficiency – Nine full‑priced titles (average €50) for a single monthly subscription.
2. Cross‑gen accessibility – All games support both PS5 and PS4, preserving library value for owners of older consoles.
3. Diverse genres – From survival horror and rally racing to narrative RPG and creative sandbox, the update caters to varied player preferences.
4. Enhanced multiplayer – Several titles add co‑op or competitive modes exclusive to the PS Plus version, encouraging social play.

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practical tips for Getting the Most Out of the New Games

• Claim deadline: games must be added to your library by January 31 2026; after this date, they become unavailable for download.
• Cloud streaming: Enable PlayStation Now to stream high‑end titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 on low‑spec hardware (e.g., PS4 Pro) without sacrificing visual fidelity.
• Storage management: Use the “Automatic Updates” setting to pre‑download titles during off‑peak hours, freeing up evening playtime.
• Family sharing: Set up “Console sharing and Offline Play” on your primary PS5 to let family members access the new games without each needing a separate subscription.

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How to Activate the January 2026 PS Plus Games

1. Navigate to the PlayStation Store → “PlayStation Plus” → “Monthly Games”.
2. Select each title and click “Add to Library”. A pop‑up confirms the addition.
3. Download from the “Library” tab or begin streaming via PlayStation Now.
4. Check the “PlayStation Plus” tab for expiration dates and renewal reminders.

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Compatibility & Performance Summary

Game	Minimum Spec (PS4)	Recommended Spec (PS5)	Key Performance Mode
Resident Evil Village	30 fps, 720p	60 fps, 4K, ray tracing	Performance (60 fps)
Art of Rally	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Performance
Chernobylite	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Performance
mafia: Definitive Edition	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Resolution
Baldur’s Gate 3	N/A (PS5‑only)	30 fps, 4K (Resolution) / 60 fps, 1080p (Performance)	Choice
Stray	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Performance
Little Nightmares II	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K HDR	Performance
GT Sport	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Performance
Dreams (Atlas) Pack	30 fps, 1080p	60 fps, 4K	Performance

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