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December PS Plus Games – Full List, Dates and Tiers

Arthur Clarke Bennett • 2026-04-10 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

PlayStation has unveiled its December 2025 lineup for PlayStation Plus, featuring a robust selection of titles across multiple tiers. The monthly games include LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada, and Neon White, available to Essential subscribers starting December 2, 2025, through January 5, 2026. Additional titles in the Game Catalog expand the offerings further for higher-tier subscribers.

Sony described the December selection as “a special one” designed to cap off the year and begin holiday celebrations early. The company also noted that select regions would receive bonus titles beyond the standard lineup, making December one of the more comprehensive updates of 2025.

The announcement came via the official PlayStation Blog on November 26, 2025, with most Game Catalog additions arriving on December 16. One title, Skate Story, arrived slightly earlier on December 8. The lineup spans multiple genres, from cooperative horror to action-adventure and simulation experiences.

What are the December 2025 PS Plus Games?

Essential Tier Games

Five monthly titles for Essential subscribers: LEGO Horizon Adventures, Killing Floor 3, The Outlast Trials, Synduality Echo of Ada, and Neon White

Release Date

December 2, 2025, through January 5, 2026

Game Catalog Additions

Nine additional titles including Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and Red Dead Redemption

Platform Availability

PS4 and PS5 versions where applicable; some titles exclusive to PS5

Key Takeaways

December 2025 marks one of the strongest months for PlayStation Plus in recent memory. The Essential tier features five distinct titles covering cooperative horror, action-adventure, first-person shooter, and platformer genres. The Game Catalog expansion adds notable AAA releases including Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Red Dead Redemption, providing substantial value for Extra and Premium subscribers.

  • The Essential lineup includes five games spanning multiple genres and play styles
  • Game Catalog additions feature nine titles, with most arriving December 16
  • Skate Story arrived December 8, slightly ahead of the main catalog wave
  • December was officially described as “a special one” by PlayStation
  • Additional bonus titles became available in select regions
  • Red Dead Redemption joins the catalog after years of anticipation
Game Tier Release Date Platform
LEGO Horizon Adventures Essential December 2, 2025 PS5
Killing Floor 3 Essential December 2, 2025 PS5
The Outlast Trials Essential December 2, 2025 PS4, PS5
Synduality Echo of Ada Essential December 2, 2025 PS5
Neon White Essential December 2, 2025 PS4, PS5
Skate Story Game Catalog December 8, 2025 PS5
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS4, PS5
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS4, PS5
Granblue Fantasy: Relink Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS4, PS5
Planet Coaster 2 Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS5
Cat Quest III Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS4, PS5
Red Dead Redemption Game Catalog December 16, 2025 PS4, PS5

What are the Best December PS Plus Games?

LEGO Horizon Adventures

LEGO Horizon Adventures brings the Horizon franchise into the beloved LEGO format. Players explore a post-apocalyptic world rendered in charming brick-built visuals. The game supports both solo and cooperative play, making it an ideal choice for families or friends playing together during the holiday season. Its vibrant art style contrasts with the typically gritty Horizon aesthetic, offering a lighter take on Aloy’s adventures.

Killing Floor 3

The latest entry in the cooperative horror shooter series continues the tradition of wave-based survival gameplay. Killing Floor 3 features enhanced graphics, new weapon classes, and expanded character customization options. The game emphasizes teamwork, requiring players to coordinate their loadouts and strategies to survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Longtime fans of the series will appreciate the refinements, while newcomers can jump into a franchise with proven multiplayer mechanics.

Red Dead Redemption

Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the Game Catalog, Red Dead Redemption brings Rockstar’s western epic to PlayStation consoles. Originally released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010, the game follows former outlaw John Marston as he navigates the dying days of the American frontier. Its inclusion in the PS Plus catalog marks one of the most significant third-party additions in recent subscription history.

Standout Recommendations

For players seeking narrative-driven experiences, Red Dead Redemption and LEGO Horizon Adventures offer distinct storytelling approaches. Those preferring competitive or cooperative action will find Killing Floor 3 and The Outlast Trials particularly engaging. The Game Catalog additions provide additional variety, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage delivering a focused action-adventure experience in a shorter format than typical Ubisoft releases.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage returned to the series’ roots with a more concise experience centered on stealth and parkour. Set in ninth-century Baghdad, players control Basim Ibn Ishaq in a story that serves as a prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game emphasizes traditional assassinations and exploration over the larger open-world activities that defined recent entries in the franchise, making it an excellent choice for fans who preferred the earlier games.

The Outlast Trials

The Outlast Trials expands the horror franchise into multiplayer territory while maintaining the unsettling atmosphere the series is known for. Players take on the role of test subjects navigating nightmarish environments filled with grotesque enemies. The cooperative element adds new strategic dimensions, as players must coordinate their actions while managing fear and limited resources. Red Barrels has continued supporting the game with additional content, making December an ideal time to jump in.

When do the December PS Plus Games Release?

Essential Tier Availability Window

The five monthly Essential games became available on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Players with PlayStation Plus Essential subscriptions can claim these titles at no additional cost through the PlayStation Store. The availability period extends until Monday, January 5, 2026, providing approximately five weeks of access to add these games to permanent collections.

Game Catalog Timeline

Most Game Catalog additions arrived on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. This includes Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Planet Coaster 2, Cat Quest III, and Paw Patrol: Grand Prix. Soulcalibur III, available through PlayStation Plus Premium, also joined on this date. Red Dead Redemption’s addition to the catalog was confirmed alongside this announcement, completing the slate of major additions.

Early Access Exception

Skate Story represented the earliest Game Catalog addition of December 2025, becoming available on Monday, December 8. This timing placed the indie skating title slightly ahead of the main catalog wave, giving players a dedicated experience to explore before the larger December 16 additions arrived. The game had garnered attention in the indie scene for its innovative skating mechanics and atmospheric presentation.

How to Access December Games

Players can access the Essential monthly games by navigating to the PlayStation Store on their console or through the web storefront. The titles appear in the PlayStation Plus section under the monthly games category. Once claimed, the games remain in the player’s library as long as their subscription remains active. Game Catalog titles appear in a dedicated section and require an active Extra or Premium subscription for access.

What PS Plus Games are Coming in January 2026?

While PlayStation has not officially announced the January 2026 lineup as of the December 2025 announcements, historical patterns suggest the next monthly selection will become available on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The company typically reveals new Essential tier games approximately one week before they become available.

December’s robust offering sets a high standard for the month ahead. The Game Catalog typically receives updates on a rolling basis throughout the year, with major additions appearing monthly. Players anticipating January releases should monitor the official PlayStation Blog for announcements, particularly during the final weeks of December 2025.

The subscription service has shown increased momentum in recent months, with December’s description as “a special one” potentially signaling a shift toward more substantial monthly offerings as the service matures. This approach aligns with broader industry trends toward value-driven subscription models during the competitive holiday season.

What were the PS Plus Games for November 2025?

November 2025 brought its own strong lineup before December’s impressive roster. While the official PlayStation Blog announcements for November focused on the transition to the December games, historical data indicates the service maintains a consistent rotation of quality titles across genres. Players who maintained active subscriptions throughout 2025 would have accumulated a substantial library of games through the monthly Essential rotations.

The Game Catalog continued receiving additions throughout November as well, expanding the library available to Extra and Premium subscribers. This continuous refresh approach ensures returning players always find something new, while new subscribers gain access to extensive back catalogs built over previous months.

December 2025 PS Plus Announcement Timeline

  1. : Official PlayStation Blog announcement detailing the December Essential lineup and Game Catalog additions
  2. : Essential tier monthly games become available to subscribers
  3. : Skate Story joins the Game Catalog
  4. : PlayStation Blog confirms Game Catalog additions including Red Dead Redemption
  5. : Main wave of Game Catalog titles become available
  6. : December Essential games exit the claiming window
Mark Your Calendar

The January 2026 claiming window opens on January 6, 2026, immediately following the December games’ exit. Players interested in preserving December titles should ensure they’ve added all desired games to their library before the January 5 deadline. PlayStation typically provides approximately five weeks for each monthly selection, allowing ample time for players with busy schedules during the holiday season.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Not for December 2025

Established Information

PlayStation officially confirmed the five Essential tier games, all Game Catalog additions including Skate Story, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Planet Coaster 2, Cat Quest III, Paw Patrol: Grand Prix, Soulcalibur III, and Red Dead Redemption. The release dates of December 2 and December 8/16 are confirmed through official announcements. PlayStation described December as “a special one” and acknowledged regional bonus titles.

Unconfirmed Information

While various sources discussed potential lineup changes or additional regional bonuses, specific details about which regions receive bonus titles and what those titles are remain unconfirmed by official PlayStation communications. Community speculation about potential additional games beyond the announced catalog has not been validated by official sources. The January 2026 lineup remains entirely unannounced as of the December 2025 period.

How December 2025 Fits the Broader PS Plus Strategy

December 2025’s lineup reflects PlayStation’s ongoing effort to balance variety with quality in its subscription service. The Essential tier provides accessible options for all subscribers, from the family-friendly LEGO Horizon Adventures to the intense horror of Killing Floor 3 and The Outlast Trials. This diversity ensures different player demographics find appealing options during a period when many households are together for the holidays.

The Game Catalog additions demonstrate Sony’s continued investment in making PS Plus Extra and Premium attractive propositions. Including major releases like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Red Dead Redemption reduces the barrier to playing significant titles that previously required separate purchase. This approach competes directly with other gaming subscriptions while rewarding existing PlayStation customers who maintain active memberships.

Official Sources and Announcements

“PlayStation Plus December 2025: A special one to close out the year and start the holiday celebrations early.”

— PlayStation Blog Official Announcement, November 26, 2025

“The Game Catalog continues to expand with even more titles joining in December.”

— PlayStation Blog Game Catalog Update, December 10, 2025

All confirmed information derives from official PlayStation channels, primarily the PlayStation Blog and verified social media accounts. Video content from official PlayStation YouTube channels supplemented the written announcements, providing visual previews of the monthly titles. Players seeking the most accurate information should continue monitoring these official sources for future announcements.

December 2025 PS Plus Games Summary

December 2025 represents one of the strongest months for PlayStation Plus in recent memory. The Essential tier offers five diverse games spanning action-adventure, cooperative horror, first-person shooters, and platformer genres. The Game Catalog expansion adds nine additional titles including the highly anticipated Red Dead Redemption and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, providing substantial content for higher-tier subscribers. With release dates confirmed through official PlayStation communications, subscribers can plan their gaming schedules accordingly. The January 2026 announcement is expected in late December, continuing the service’s monthly rotation cycle. For more gaming updates and release information, players can explore related topics like the Minecraft Movie Release Date and coverage of other major entertainment announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do December PS Plus Essential games become unavailable?

December PS Plus Essential games can be claimed until Monday, January 5, 2026. Once claimed, they remain in your library as long as your subscription is active.

How do I claim the free PS Plus games?

Navigate to the PlayStation Store, select the PlayStation Plus section, and locate the monthly games. Click to add each desired title to your library. The games will then appear in your game library regardless of whether you download them immediately.

Is Red Dead Redemption included in PS Plus?

Yes, Red Dead Redemption joined the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog in December 2025 for PS4 and PS5. It is available to Extra and Premium subscribers.

Which PS Plus tier do I need for Game Catalog games?

Game Catalog titles require either a PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscription. Essential subscribers only have access to the monthly free games.

What were November 2025 PS Plus games?

The specific November 2025 PS Plus Essential games rotated out on January 5, 2026. Players can find archived information on the PlayStation Blog, which maintains records of past monthly lineups.

Are there regional differences in December PS Plus games?

PlayStation acknowledged that select regions would receive additional bonus titles beyond the standard lineup. Specific regional availability varies and players should check their regional PlayStation Blog for localized information.

When will January 2026 PS Plus games be announced?

Historically, PlayStation announces new monthly games approximately one week before they become available. The January 2026 announcement is expected in late December 2025, with games likely becoming available on January 6, 2026.


Arthur Clarke Bennett

About the author

Arthur Clarke Bennett

Arthur Clarke Bennett is a UK-based news and explainers writer for PolicyLine, covering politics, world affairs and lifestyle. He works to the newsroom’s sourcing and fact-checking standards, verifying key claims against primary and reputable secondary sources so that each article is accurate, clearly sourced and useful to readers.