The PlayStation Plus service is gearing up for a challenging December 2025, with a notable shrinkage in the number of high-profile games available to subscribers. For gamers eagerly anticipating the festive season, the lineup of free games leaving the service might feel less like a gift and more like a setback. This development comes just ahead of a major overhaul scheduled for January 2026, signaling a period of transition and uncertainty for PlayStation Plus users.
December 2025 Lineup Looks Bleak for PlayStation Plus Subscribers
Every month, PlayStation Plus rotates its library of free games, removing some titles and adding others to keep the service fresh. However, this December, the scale of games exiting the Extra and Premium tiers is notably heavy, with nine games set to be pulled on December 16. This mass departure has left many subscribers concerned about the value they’re getting from their membership, especially with a wave of popular titles leaving simultaneously.
The departing games include some beloved and critically acclaimed titles such as Battlefield 2042, Forspoken, and Grand Theft Auto 3. Other games leaving the service are Firefighting Simulator: The Squad, Sonic Frontiers, Star Trek: Bridge Crew, Surviving Mars, Arcade Paradise VR, and Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge. With such a diverse and engaging catalog going offline, players will need to prioritize which games to complete before the mid-December deadline.
Impact on PSVR 2 Gamers: A Cause for Concern
One of the most significant worries for the PlayStation community is the removal of several PSVR 2 titles from the Plus service. This change particularly affects gamers who have invested in Sony’s virtual reality hardware, which has yet to reach widespread adoption. Many subscribers have expressed disappointment on forums such as Reddit, questioning the rationale behind pulling VR content from the subscription tiers.
Some members speculate that this move might pave the way for relocating PSVR 2 games from the Premium tier to the Extra tier, potentially broadening access. As one user pointed out, featuring VR titles behind the more expensive Premium access may have limited their exposure and appeal. By reclassifying these games, Sony could encourage greater interest in the PSVR 2 hardware by making VR games accessible to a larger audience of Extra subscribers.
Upcoming PlayStation Plus Changes in January 2026
These December shifts are overshadowed by a major update arriving in January 2026, which will see the phasing out of PlayStation 4 titles from the Essential tier. This is designed to streamline the subscription offerings but will inevitably limit the library available to Essential subscribers. The change is part of Sony’s broader strategy to refine the PlayStation Plus service to better suit modern gaming preferences and technology trends.
Despite these challenges, PlayStation Plus is expected to announce its Essential tier games for December soon. Fans hope that Sony will introduce some strong titles to soften the blow of losing nine games from Extra and Premium. Whether new additions can match the quality and appeal of those departing remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Plus free games lineup for December 2025 is undeniably starting off on a rough note, with a significant removal of popular titles shaking up subscriber expectations. The impact on PSVR 2 content further complicates the outlook for users invested in virtual reality gaming on PlayStation. Looking ahead, January 2026 will bring a crucial transformation to the service with the removal of PS4 games from the Essential tier, signaling continuing evolution for PlayStation Plus. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
