Unleashing January 2026: New PlayStation Plus Games to Kick Off the Year!

As we close out 2025, the wait is officially over. Today, December 31, 2025, Sony has confirmed the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for January 2026!

Starting January 6, subscribers across all tiers can dive into a trio of titles that mark a historic turning point for the service. As previously teased, 2026 is the year PlayStation Plus begins its official shift toward a PS5-focused future, phasing out guaranteed PS4 titles in favor of current-gen performance.

The Big Reveal: What’s Coming to PlayStation Plus

The January 2026 lineup sets a high bar for the "new era" of the service. These games will be available to claim from Tuesday, January 6, until Monday, February 2.

 

 

• Need for Speed Unbound (PS5): Experience the ultimate street racing fantasy. With its unique graffiti-inspired art style and deep customization, Unbound challenges you to conquer the Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge.

   

• Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4, PS5): A stunning faithful remake of the beloved classic. Use your magic brush to paint or thin the world of Wasteland, meeting forgotten Disney characters and altering the story through your creative choices.

   

• Core Keeper (PS4, PS5): The hit mining sandbox adventure comes to the monthly lineup. Explore an endless cavern of creatures, relics, and resources in a 1-8 player adventure that blends crafting, farming, and massive boss battles.

Service Shakeup: The PS5 Transition

January 2026 marks the first month of Sony's new strategy for PlayStation Plus Essential.

Important Note: Sony has officially announced that starting this month, PS4-only games are no longer guaranteed monthly additions. While cross-gen titles like Epic Mickey and Core Keeper ensure PS4 players still have content this month, the service is now prioritizing native PS5 titles and technical showcases as the console's primary user base has fully transitioned to the current generation.

 

Last Chance for December’s Bumper Lineup

With the new games arriving soon, don't forget to add December's massive five-game selection to your library before they rotate out on January 5:

1. LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)

2. Killing Floor 3 (PS5)

3. The Outlast Trials (PS4, PS5)

4. Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5)

5. Neon White (PS4, PS5)

Final Thoughts

The January 2026 lineup is a strong opening statement for Sony's refined vision. By blending high-octane racing, nostalgic platforming, and deep survival crafting, they've ensured that even as the hardware focus shifts, the variety remains as broad as ever.

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Breaking: Kingdom Come: Deliverance Upgrade Teased for 2026!

 

If you’re a fan of immersive RPGs, your radar likely just pinged with some massive news. Rumors are swirling about a potential current-gen upgrade for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the beloved historical RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia.

Word on the street is that this update could hit PS5 and Xbox Series X/S as early as February 2026, bringing the smoother performance console players have been begging for since the hardware launched.

The Big Reveal: What’s Coming Our Way?

According to a series of leaks from reliable insider Bertik11 (who previously leaked the release date for the game's sequel), Warhorse Studios is preparing a native port of the original title. While not a ground-up remaster, it aims to bring the console experience up to PC standards.

• Rumored Release: February 2026 (marking the original game's 8th anniversary).

• Performance Targets: Stable 60 FPS and 4K textures.

• Faster Loading: Optimization for SSDs to eliminate those long waits between fast travels and cutscenes.

• Technical Polish: Higher-quality sound assets and the inclusion of the PC's high-definition texture packs.

What We Know So Far: Details and Expectations

This move makes perfect sense for Warhorse Studios. Following the massive critical and commercial success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (which launched in February 2025 and even secured a spot on the BAFTA 2026 longlist), there is a whole new audience of "Henry" fans who want to play the original story without the 30 FPS cap of the PS4/Xbox One version.

• A "Native" Port: This isn't just a patch; it's rumored to be a separate native application for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

• No New Content: Don’t expect new quests or dialogue. This is a technical "glow-up" focused on leveraging current-gen power.

• Switch 2 Arrival? Leaks also suggest this upgraded version could be a launch-window title for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a significantly better experience than the current-gen Switch port.

 

My Take on It: Excitement with a Dash of Caution

I think this upgrade could breathe new life into the original game. For many console players, the 30 FPS lock was the biggest hurdle to enjoying the meticulously detailed world. The prospect of riding through Rattay at 60 FPS is enough to make any veteran player want to restart their journey from Skalitz.

However, since this is still a rumor, it's wise to temper expectations. While Bertik11 has a great track record, Warhorse Studios is currently busy supporting KCD II and its post-launch DLC roadmap. We'll have to wait for an official announcement to see if existing owners will get a free upgrade or if this will be a paid "Anniversary Edition."

Conclusion

A February 2026 release would perfectly bridge the gap for fans waiting for more Kingdom Come content. It’s a chance to revisit a classic with modern tech, ensuring Henry’s first adventure looks as good as his second.

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Teases Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant Arrival in 2026

The Exclusion Zone is about to get a lot more crowded. As 2025 comes to a close, GSC Game World has dropped a cryptic, high-atmosphere teaser on their official YouTube channel, hinting at the long-awaited return to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP).

After a massive year that saw the game’s successful PlayStation 5 launch and the recent "Stories Untold" update, it seems the "Heart of Chornobyl" will finally be open for exploration in 2026.

 

The Teaser: A Foggy Glimpse into the Future

The six-minute atmospheric video, titled the "New Year Atmospheric Teaser," serves as both a "thank you" to fans and a roadmap for what’s coming next. Here’s what eagle-eyed Stalkers have spotted:

• The Iconic Silhouette: As the dense fog clears around a lonely campfire, the unmistakable chimney of the CNPP appears in the distance. While the plant is visible in the current game, it remains a "locked" and highly irradiated dead zone—until now.

• Signs of Life (and Death): The trailer reveals fresh corpses and modern military wreckage, including APCs and helicopter rotors. This suggests that the "northern push" toward the plant has begun in the game’s timeline.

• Anomaly Alert: Fans noticed what looks like the return of the Burnt Fuzz anomaly—hanging, vine-like growths on the skeletal trees. This fan-favorite hazard from the original trilogy has been missing from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 until this tease.

What This Means for 2026

GSC Game World accompanied the video with a community post confirming that the first major story DLC is "coming along nicely."

• The CNPP Expansion: This new area is expected to be part of the first paid story expansion included in the Season Pass, potentially allowing players to finally enter the Sarcophagus.

• Engine Upgrade: GSC also confirmed they are working on a major upgrade to a newer version of Unreal Engine 5. This update aims to improve stability and visual fidelity across PC, Xbox, and the newly released PS5 version.

• Strelok’s Legacy: With the "Stories Untold" update already diving into mysterious transmissions, the 2026 expansion will likely bring the search for the legendary Strelok to its ultimate conclusion at the center of the Zone.

Looking Back at 2025

It has been a transformative year for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Following its 2024 launch, the team has successfully:

1. Fixed the A-Life System: After months of tuning, the simulated living world is finally behaving as originally promised.

2. Expanded the PS5 Base: The November 2025 launch on PlayStation 5 brought in millions of new Stalkers.

3. Stories Untold Update: This free December update added eight new quests, seven locations, and a new hub in the Burnt Forest.

Final Thoughts

Whether this new content arrives as a free update or the first major expansion, the message is clear: the journey to the center of the Zone is finally resuming. If you haven't jumped back in yet, now is the time to stock up on antirads.

Are you ready to head back to the Power Plant, or are the memories of the Monolith gauntlet from Shadow of Chernobyl still giving you nightmares?

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LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Set to Revive the Iconic Series in 2026!

As a lifelong fan of LEGO games and the Dark Knight himself, I couldn’t contain my excitement when the trailer for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight dropped. Announced at The Game Awards 2025, this game is poised to be a monumental return to form for the series, blending the charm of LEGO with the gritty world of Gotham. Let’s dive into what makes this release a must-watch for gamers everywhere. The Big RevealThe trailer, shared on X, showcases a vibrant, action-packed adventure that promises to capture the essence of Batman’s legacy. Set for release on May 29, 2026, this game marks the longest gap between TT Games’ LEGO titles since LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. The anticipation is palpable, and the trailer’s footage hints at a return to the beloved formula of humor, puzzles, and DC lore.

• Release Date: May 29, 2026
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, with a later release for Nintendo Switch 2
• Developer: Traveller's Tales
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Games

What We Know So FarLEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight isn’t just another entry in the series; it’s a narrative-led action-adventure that draws inspiration from Batman’s rich cinematic and comic history. Unlike previous iterations, this game focuses on a select group of playable characters, each with unique skills and gadgets:

• Playable Characters: Batman, Jim Gordon, Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul
• Inspirations: Features skins from iconic adaptations, including Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman and Heath Ledger’s Joker
• Gameplay: Third-person perspective with action-adventure sequences and puzzle-solving scenarios

Pre-orders are already available, offering bonus digital content tied to LEGO sets, which adds an extra layer of excitement for collectors and fans alike. The deluxe edition promises additional gear, vehicles, and character packs, making it a tempting option for those looking to dive deep into Gotham’s underworld.My Take on ItI think this game has the potential to be generational, as one post on X put it. The blend of nostalgia with modern gaming mechanics could reignite the magic that made the original LEGO Batman games a staple in many households. However, the €70 price tag has sparked some debate among the community. While it’s a significant investment, the depth of content and the promise of co-op adventures across Gotham and beyond might just justify the cost for dedicated fans.The reactions on X are a mix of hype and caution. Some users are thrilled at the prospect of revisiting Gotham in LEGO form, while others are waiting for discounts before committing. This dichotomy reflects the broader gaming community’s approach to high-profile releases—excitement tempered by pragmatism. Implications for the Gaming WorldFor the gaming world, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight represents a revival of a beloved franchise at a time when players are craving fresh yet familiar experiences. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of LEGO games, which have consistently bridged generations of gamers. The inclusion of diverse characters and the focus on narrative could also appeal to a wide audience, promoting inclusivity within the gaming community.As we approach the release date, the buzz around this game will only grow. It’s not just about playing as Batman; it’s about experiencing a piece of gaming history reimagined for a new era.ConclusionIn conclusion, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is shaping up to be a significant release for 2026. With its rich narrative, iconic characters, and the signature LEGO charm, it’s poised to captivate both new players and veteran fans. I’m personally counting down the days until I can suit up as the Dark Knight and explore Gotham once more.What do you think? Are you excited for this release, or are you holding out for a price drop? Drop a comment below and share your predictions!

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Kneel Before Your Queen! Lady Loki Arrives in Marvel Rivals

Ring in 2026 with a touch of mischief! Today, January 1, 2026, NetEase has officially launched the highly anticipated Lady Loki skin in Marvel Rivals. This isn't just a simple outfit swap; it is the game's first fully "transformative" cosmetic, complete with a total presentation overhaul.

After weeks of teasers and fan theories (many of whom feared she would be a skin for Hela), the God of Mischief’s gender-fluid nature is finally being embraced with a comic-accurate design based on the legendary 2004 Ragnarok aftermath.

Lady Loki: Skin Details & Availability

This limited-time cosmetic represents the highest level of detail NetEase has brought to the game yet. Unlike standard skins, Lady Loki features a complete model swap and brand-new voice work.

• Release Date: January 1, 2026

• End Date: January 29, 2026

• Voice Actor: Abby Trott (the voice of Magik in-game).

• Role: Remains a Strategist, functionally identical to the base Loki model. 

   

 

More Than Just a Look: The Presentation Overhaul

While Lady Loki functions identically to the standard Loki, the cosmetic changes the entire "vibe" of the character:

• New Voicelines: Abby Trott has recorded an entirely new set of dialogues, providing a fresh perspective on the God of Mischief's interactions with the rest of the cast.

• Classic Aesthetics: The skin is as comic-accurate as it gets, redesigning Loki into the form adopted following the 2004 Ragnarok storyline.

• Visual Synergy: All abilities and doppelgängers are visually updated to match the Lady Loki model, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience.

Future Implications: Character Variants?

The launch of Lady Loki has opened a massive door for the Marvel Rivals community. Since NetEase has now proven they are willing to record entirely new voice sets for skins, fans are already speculating about future "Legendary Variants" for other heroes:

Potential Variant	Base Hero
Jane Foster	Thor
Sam Wilson	Captain America
Flash Thompson	Venom

While some argue these should be separate roster spots, the success of Lady Loki suggests that high-quality "re-voiced skins" might be the way NetEase handles the many iterations of these iconic mantles.

Final Thoughts

Lady Loki is easily the most intricate cosmetic NetEase has released to date. Though the limited-time availability until January 29 has some fans feeling the "FOMO," the level of effort put into the voice acting and model design sets a high bar for 2026's content.

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Battlefield 6 Smashes Records: The New King of the US Sales Charts!

As 2025 comes to a close, the data is in, and the impossible has happened: Battlefield 6 has officially dethroned Call of Duty to become the best-selling game of the year in the United States.

According to the latest year-end reports from GamesIndustry.biz and Circana, EA’s return to form didn’t just win the battle—it dominated the entire field. This marks the first time since 2008 (excluding Rockstar’s GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2) that a non-Rockstar title has kept Call of Duty from the #1 spot.

USA Best-Selling Games of 2025 (Retail and Digital)

While Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 won its launch month of November, it simply couldn't catch up to the massive momentum Battlefield 6 built since its October release. Here is how the US Top 10 looks at the end of the year:

1. Battlefield 6

2. NBA 2K26

3. Monster Hunter: Wilds

4. Borderlands 4

5. EA Sports College Football 26

6. Madden NFL 26

7. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

9. TES IV: Oblivion Remastered

10. Ghost of Yotei

Note: US data includes combined digital and physical sales but excludes hardware bundles. Black Ops 7’s lower ranking is partially attributed to its Day 1 release on Xbox Game Pass, which shifted many potential sales into subscription numbers.

 

 

The UK Story: A Physical Kingdom

Across the pond, the charts look wildly different. This is because UK retail data often focuses heavily on physical sales, which traditionally favors Nintendo hardware and major European sports titles.

UK Best-Selling Games of 2025 (Physical Only):

• Mario Kart World (Switch 2)

• EA Sports FC 26

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A

• Hogwarts Legacy

• EA Sports FC 25

• Battlefield 6

• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• Donkey Kong Bananza

• Minecraft

The Nintendo Switch 2 (launched June 2025) has been a juggernaut in the UK, with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza driving massive physical sales that don't always reflect on the US digital-heavy charts.

Why Did Battlefield Win?

Analysts suggest a "perfect storm" led to this upset:

• Return to Form: Battlefield 6 abandoned the "specialists" of the previous entry and returned to the modern-day, class-based destruction that fans have been craving for a decade.

• COD Fatigue: Black Ops 7 launched just one year after Black Ops 6, leading to what many fans called "franchise exhaustion" and lower-than-average review scores.

• The Steam Factor: Battlefield 6 shattered PC records, peaking at over 747,000 concurrent players on Steam, while Black Ops 7 struggled to break 100,000 on the same platform.

 

The "Oblivion" Surprise

One of the biggest shocks of the year is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered landing at #9 in the US. Even 19 years after its original release, the return to Cyrodiil proved that gamers are hungry for classic Bethesda RPGs while they wait for The Elder Scrolls VI.

Final Thoughts

2025 has been a year of upsets. Between the rise of the Switch 2 and the fall of the Call of Duty monopoly, the industry landscape is shifting. Whether Battlefield can hold onto this crown in 2026—when GTA VI is expected to launch—remains to be seen.

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