PS Plus Extra & Premium January 2026: A Shrewd Play with Familiar Caveats

As veteran editors at In Game News, we've come to expect the unexpected from Sony's PS Plus announcements, but the partial lineup for January 2026, initially leaked by the almost peerless Billbil-Kun and now critically updated, presents a fascinating picture. With the official reveal just hours away, we can already confirm a significant, last-minute addition to the Extra tier, shaping what could be a very strong start to the year for subscribers, albeit with some familiar questions lingering over the Premium offering.

Billbil-Kun, whose track record is almost peerless in predicting these drops, first gave us a glimpse, and our analysis immediately noted the ambition. The subsequent update confirming the quirky horror title, The Exit 8, simply reinforces that Sony is looking to diversify its offerings, even if it’s on the lower-budget end of the spectrum. These titles are slated to hit the service on January 20th, giving players plenty to dive into.

PS Plus Extra: A Power Play

This month’s Extra selection is undeniably where the true value lies. Sony appears to be making a genuine effort to compete in the subscription service arena, particularly with one massive headline grabber.

  • Resident Evil Village (PS5, PS4): A genuine heavy-hitter. This ensures many new PS5 owners will have a top-tier horror experience ready to go, and it’s a brilliant inclusion for replayability. It’s the kind of AAA muscle Extra needs to maintain its appeal.
  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5, PS4): This is the absolute game-changer. For Sony to secure a major new release, *day-and-date* no less, on PS Plus Extra is a monumental play. This isn't just a value add; it's a direct challenge in the subscription service wars and a strategic move that seriously impacts purchasing decisions. It screams "Game Pass competitor."
  • Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (PS5, PS4): A solid, albeit niche, pick. Fans of realistic off-road simulation will be thrilled; others might find it a slow burn. It’s a quality-of-life title for a dedicated audience that appreciates the grind.
  • A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead (PS5): An intriguing wildcard. Releasing so close to the movie's IP suggests either a confident tie-in or a rushed cash-grab. We're cautiously optimistic for a unique horror experience, but our radar is up for potential jank.
  • Art of Rally (PS5, PS4): A stylish indie gem that’s earned its stripes. Its inclusion is a testament to the diverse curation we appreciate in the Extra tier, offering something different from the blockbusters.
  • The Exit 8 (PS5, PS4): The newly added title is a clever, low-cost inclusion. While a short experience, its unique "spot the difference" horror premise has garnered significant buzz. It's a smart way to add an intriguing, viral-friendly title without breaking the bank.

PS Plus Premium: The Familiar Head-Scratcher

This is where our enthusiasm hits a snag, a sentiment we've unfortunately vocalized before. While we adore the PS1 classic Ridge Racer, a single retro title for the Premium tier feels like a continued pattern of neglect.

  • Ridge Racer (PS1): A legendary arcade racer, no doubt. But one classic isn't going to move the needle for many subscribers paying a premium price point. We've consistently advocated for a more robust retro library for Premium, echoing sentiments from frustrating months past where the tier's value was questionable. This feels like Sony is still leaving money on the table.

Our Verdict: A Strong Start, But Premium Needs a Buff

When the full lineup is officially confirmed, Extra subscribers are clearly the big winners this month. Sony is making a strong statement with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth leading the charge, hinting at a potential strategic shift to compete more directly for day-one releases. This kind of value makes Extra incredibly compelling. For Premium, however, the value proposition remains elusive. We'll be watching closely in the coming months to see if this trend holds, or if Sony truly intends to buff its most expensive tier with a library that genuinely justifies its price tag, rather than offering sparse, solitary classics.