PlayStation is kicking off the year by giving away a two-year-old racing game. A reliable leaker indicates Need for Speed Unbound will headline the January 2026 PS Plus Essential monthly lineup. This marks the second time the title has hit the subscription service, having previously been available in the higher-tier game catalog back in early 2024.
The game launched in late 2022 to moderately positive reviews, praised for its solid tech and open-world design, but criticized for a grindy progression system. Developer Criterion supported it with multiple updates before shifting focus to other projects. Its addition as a monthly freebie technically offers less value for Extra and Premium subscribers who already have access, potentially reducing the perceived number of new games for that month.
While the report comes from a source with a near-perfect track record, it remains unofficial until Sony's announcement. For those skeptical or unwilling to wait, a deep discount on the game's ultimate edition is currently live on the PlayStation Store as part of a holiday promotion.
The game launched in late 2022 to moderately positive reviews, praised for its solid tech and open-world design, but criticized for a grindy progression system. Developer Criterion supported it with multiple updates before shifting focus to other projects. Its addition as a monthly freebie technically offers less value for Extra and Premium subscribers who already have access, potentially reducing the perceived number of new games for that month.
While the report comes from a source with a near-perfect track record, it remains unofficial until Sony's announcement. For those skeptical or unwilling to wait, a deep discount on the game's ultimate edition is currently live on the PlayStation Store as part of a holiday promotion.
