Sony has officially confirmed the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for February 2026. The new selection will become available on Tuesday, February 3, replacing January’s free games.
Players still have time to claim January’s titles until Monday, February 2, after which they will be permanently removed from the Essential rotation.
January 2026 Lineup Recap
January’s PlayStation Plus Essential offering included three very different titles, though overall community reception remained mixed.
Included games
- Need for Speed Unbound — A stylized arcade racing title with a strong visual identity but divided player opinions.
- Epic Mickey: Rebrushed — A modern remake of the Wii-era platformer starring Mickey Mouse.
- Core Keeper — A cooperative survival experience often compared to sandbox and farming-style games, which received generally positive feedback at launch.
Despite the genre variety, many subscribers felt the lineup lacked strong long-term value.
February 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential Games
All titles listed below will be available from February 3 until the March 2026 rotation.
Undisputed (PS5)
Serving as February’s headliner, Undisputed delivers a realistic boxing experience focused on timing, stamina management, and authentic presentation. While reviews have been mixed, the game maintains an active player base and continues to evolve through ongoing updates.
Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5 / PS4)
Below Zero returns players to the alien ocean world in a colder, more hostile region. The game expands on exploration, survival mechanics, and narrative elements, making it a strong addition for fans of open-world survival gameplay.
Ultros (PS5 / PS4)
Ultros is a visually distinct sci-fi Metroidvania built around exploration, looping progression, and environmental storytelling. Its artistic direction and unconventional structure have earned it a niche but dedicated following.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4)
The surprise addition for February is Ace Combat 7, a cinematic combat flight simulator released in 2019. Known for its intense aerial battles and memorable soundtrack, its inclusion as a PS4-only title was unexpected.
PS4 Support Continues Into 2026
Sony previously stated that PlayStation Plus would no longer guarantee PS4 titles starting in 2026. However, February’s lineup once again includes multiple PS4-compatible games, suggesting a slower transition away from last-generation support than originally anticipated.
This remains a positive development for players who have not yet moved to PlayStation 5.
Final Thoughts
February 2026 delivers a broader-than-usual PlayStation Plus Essential lineup, offering four games across multiple genres. With a mix of modern sports, survival, indie exploration, and classic aerial combat, the month provides more variety than recent rotations.
Whether it satisfies subscribers fully will depend on individual taste, but the added fourth title and continued PS4 support make this month stand out.
Enjoy our updates? You can add GamingHQ as a preferred source in Google Search to see our articles more often.
