In a surprise move, Sony is boosting the value of PlayStation Plus Essential in February 2026 by offering subscribers four monthly games instead of the standard three. This expanded lineup delivers a diverse package that includes a boxing simulator, an arctic survival sequel, a psychedelic Metroidvania, and a combat flight sim. For PS5 and PS4 owners, this represents a substantial and varied addition to their libraries. Here is the complete official lineup, what each game offers, and the key dates you need to know.
Sony revealed the upcoming monthly games on January 28, 2026, confirming the unexpected fourth title. The complete list for all PlayStation Plus Essential tier subscribers is:
- Undisputed (PS5)
- Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5/PS4)
- Ultros (PS5/PS4)
- Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4)
The games will be available to add to your permanent library starting Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The claim period runs until Monday, March 2, 2026 (with some regions potentially having until March 3). As always, claimed games are accessible as long as an active Essential or higher subscription is maintained.
Remember, the current January 2026 lineup—featuring Need for Speed Unbound, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, and Core Keeper—will be replaced on Monday, February 2.
Game Spotlight: Undisputed (PS5)
Leading the pack as the sole PS5-exclusive offering is Undisputed, the 2024 boxing simulation from Steel City Interactive and publisher Deep Silver. This title aims to be the definitive digital pugilist experience, boasting a roster of over 70 licensed fighters and a deep, physics-driven simulation.
Undisputed emphasizes technical depth and customization. Beyond stepping into the shoes of modern and classic champions, players can use extensive creation tools to craft their own fighter. The game’s mechanics focus on realistic footwork, punch placement, and stamina management, seeking to reward strategy over button-mashing.
It’s important to provide context on its reception. Upon release, Undisputed garnered a mixed to average critical response. Reviewers often praised its ambition and foundational mechanics but noted that it launched feeling somewhat unpolished. For PlayStation Plus subscribers, this presents a low-risk opportunity to step into the ring and judge the title’s progress.

Game Spotlight: Subnautica: Below Zero
The sequel to the beloved underwater survival game, Below Zero trades tropical alien oceans for a frigid, arctic alien planet. Players are tasked with surviving and uncovering mysteries on Planet 4546B, navigating glacial biomes, underwater caves, and treacherous ice floes. The core loop of scavenging resources, crafting equipment, and building bases remains, now complemented by a more direct narrative.
Available on both PS5 and PS4, Below Zero received a generally positive reception. Critics and fans agreed it delivered more of the tense, exploratory survival that made the original a hit, though some felt it didn't significantly innovate. For those who missed it, it’s a substantial and high-quality addition.
Game Spotlight: Ultros
On the opposite end of the aesthetic spectrum is Ultros, a psychedelic sci-fi Metroidvania from developer Hadoque. This title stands out with its stunning, hallucinogenic art style, which paints a bizarre, organic spaceship known as The Sarcophagus. Gameplay weaves together classic exploratory progression with unique time-loop mechanics and a deep focus on environmental interaction.
Ultros was praised for its bold artistic vision and inventive gameplay loops, earning stronger critical marks for its creativity and execution. It’s precisely the type of inventive indie gem that PlayStation Plus excels at spotlighting.

Game Spotlight: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (PS4)
Rounding out the quartet is a modern classic of the flight combat genre: 2019’s Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Published by Bandai Namco, this title revived the long-running series with a triumphant return to form, delivering an intense, narrative-driven campaign that blends realistic aircraft with an over-the-top, anime-esque geopolitical drama.
Praised for its exhilarating gameplay and compelling story, Ace Combat 7 solidified itself as a fan-favorite with a positive critical legacy. A crucial technical note: this offering is the native PS4 version of the game. While there is no dedicated PS5 port, it is fully playable on the current-generation console via backward compatibility, often with improved performance.
Platform Breakdown and Value Assessment
The February 2026 lineup presents a thoughtful distribution across PlayStation’s ecosystem. Subscribers receive two cross-gen titles (Subnautica: Below Zero and Ultros), one current-gen exclusive (Undisputed on PS5), and one legacy title playable via backward compatibility (Ace Combat 7 on PS4). This ensures value for the entire active user base.
The decision to include a fourth game significantly amplifies the monthly proposition. More importantly, the genre diversity is exceptional. In one month, PS Plus covers a sports simulation, a survival-adventure, a psychedelic Metroidvania, and a combat flight simulator. This variety guarantees that nearly every type of gamer will find something of interest.
The February 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential lineup is a compelling package. By delivering four notable games across four distinct genres, Sony has provided a mix of substantial depth and variety. It offers the chance to experience an ambitious sports sim, revisit a beloved survival sequel, lose oneself in a critically acclaimed indie gem, and master the skies in a genre-defining classic. The added value of a bonus game makes this one of the most interesting monthly offerings in recent memory. This generous package sets a high bar for 2026. Remember to claim these titles between February 3 and March 2.






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