PlayStation Plus Monthly Games | Latest Lineup, Features, and How to Claim Games
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games give PlayStation players an opportunity to discover and play selected games every month as part of their subscription. The monthly lineup can include racing games, action adventures, shooters, sports titles, and independent games for PS5 and PS4. For players who want to expand their gaming library without purchasing every title separately, this benefit is an important part of the PlayStation Plus service.
In this guide, you will learn what PlayStation Plus Monthly Games are, which games are available in the October 2026 lineup, how to claim them, and how the monthly games benefit differs from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog.
What Are PlayStation Plus Monthly Games?
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games are selected games that eligible subscribers can add to their game library during a limited claiming period. Sony introduces a new selection each calendar month, giving members opportunities to explore different genres and gaming experiences.
These games are included with an eligible PlayStation Plus membership at no additional game purchase cost while the membership remains active and the relevant access conditions are met. However, they are not permanently free games for everyone. Players generally need an active subscription and must claim each title before its monthly offer expires.
Monthly games can be useful for players who enjoy trying different types of games, including major releases, multiplayer experiences, and smaller titles they might not otherwise purchase.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for October 2026
Sony announced three games for the October 2026 monthly lineup. According to the official PlayStation Blog announcement, members can claim them from October 6 through November 2, 2026. Platform availability varies by title.
1. F1 25 — PS5
F1 25 is a racing game based on the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. It offers racing experiences for players who enjoy motorsport, competitive driving, and managing their own racing journey.
The game includes Career and My Team 2.0 modes, allowing players to develop their racing stories and take on the role of a Formula One team owner. Players can also compete online, including through a multiplayer mode in F1 World.
Who may enjoy it? F1 25 may appeal to Formula One fans, racing enthusiasts, and players who enjoy improving their driving skills and competing for better results.
Because this monthly selection is listed for PS5, players should check their console compatibility before attempting to claim or download it.
2. Hunt: Showdown 1896 — PS5
Hunt: Showdown 1896 combines competitive extraction-shooter gameplay with a dark setting filled with dangerous monsters and rival hunters. Players must explore hostile environments, track targets, manage risks, and attempt to escape successfully with their rewards.
The game supports solo play as well as team-based play with friends. Its gameplay emphasizes awareness, tactical decisions, and managing encounters with both enemies and other players.
Who may enjoy it? This title may interest players who like challenging shooters, tense exploration, multiplayer competition, and strategic combat rather than straightforward action alone.
Before playing online, check the game’s current requirements and available features for your region and platform.
3. Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 — PS5 and PS4
Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 offers a different experience from the other October selections. It features voxel-style visuals and battles against giant enemies threatening a block-shaped version of Earth.
Players can rescue teammates, assemble a team, select equipment, and fight through missions. The game also supports cooperative play, with online co-op for up to four players and local split-screen for two players on PS5 and PS4.
Who may enjoy it? This game may suit players who prefer colorful action, large enemy encounters, team-building mechanics, and cooperative gameplay.
Its visual style and team-based combat make it a distinct option for players who want something different from realistic racing or darker shooter experiences.
How to Claim PlayStation Plus Monthly Games
Claiming monthly games is straightforward, but you must add the games to your library while they are available. Follow these steps.
- Sign in to the PlayStation Network account that has an eligible PlayStation Plus membership.
- Open the PlayStation Plus section on your PS5 or PS4, or visit the PlayStation Store through a browser or the PlayStation App.
- Find the Monthly Games section and review the current selection.
- Open the game you want to claim and choose the available option to add it to your library or download it.
- Repeat the process for every title you want to keep access to.
- Download and install the games when you are ready to play, provided you have sufficient storage space.
On PS5, you can open PlayStation Plus from the Games home screen and find Monthly Games under the Benefits tab. On PS4, open PlayStation Plus, select Monthly Games, and choose the game to add it to your library.
If a game is already included in your library, check its store page or library status rather than assuming you need to claim it again.
Do You Need PlayStation Plus to Play Monthly Games?
Yes. PlayStation Plus Monthly Games are a subscription benefit. You need an eligible, active membership to claim and access these games under the applicable terms.
If your membership expires, access to games claimed through the monthly benefit is generally suspended until you renew an eligible subscription. This differs from purchasing a game outright, where access is governed by the purchase and licensing terms.
Also remember that individual games may have separate requirements, such as an internet connection, additional downloads, or online services. Check the PlayStation Store listing for the specific title before downloading it.
Monthly Games vs. PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
Although both benefits are part of PlayStation Plus, they work differently.
Monthly Games: Subscribers claim selected titles during a specific monthly window. Once claimed, those games remain associated with the account, subject to an active eligible subscription and other access conditions.
Game Catalog: The Game Catalog is a rotating collection of games available to members with PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium. Games can be added or removed from the catalog, so availability may change even if a player previously downloaded a title.
Classics Catalog: PlayStation Plus Premium also provides access to a Classics Catalog featuring selected older games. Availability depends on the membership, region, and supported platform.
The important distinction is that adding a monthly game to your library is not the same as downloading a title from the rotating Game Catalog. Always check which benefit provides access to a particular game.
Tips for Getting More Value from Monthly Games
To make better use of your subscription, consider these practical tips:
- Claim every game that interests you: Do not wait until the last day of the monthly offer.
- Check platform compatibility: Some titles are available only on PS5, while others support both PS5 and PS4.
- Review storage space: Large games may require substantial free storage before installation.
- Explore unfamiliar genres: Monthly selections can introduce you to racing, action, strategy, cooperative, and independent games.
- Check official announcements: Sony publishes monthly lineups and availability dates through its official PlayStation channels.
- Review membership conditions: Understand the difference between monthly games, catalog titles, and games purchased separately.
These habits can help you avoid missing a title you want to play and make it easier to organize your gaming library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PlayStation Plus Monthly Games?
They are selected games that eligible PlayStation Plus subscribers can claim during a limited monthly period and access under the subscription’s terms.
Which games are included in October 2026?
The announced October lineup includes F1 25 for PS5, Hunt: Showdown 1896 for PS5, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 for PS5 and PS4.
When does the October 2026 lineup expire?
The official announcement lists October 6 through November 2, 2026, as the availability period for the October monthly games. Check the PlayStation Store in your region for confirmation.
Can I keep monthly games after claiming them?
Claimed monthly games remain associated with your account, but access generally requires an active eligible PlayStation Plus membership. They should not be confused with games purchased outright.
Are PlayStation Plus Monthly Games available on PS4?
Some monthly games support PS4, while others are PS5-only. For October 2026, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 supports PS4 and PS5; the other two announced titles are listed for PS5.
Are Monthly Games the same as the Game Catalog?
No. Monthly Games are claimed during a set offer period, while the Game Catalog is a rotating library available through eligible higher-tier memberships. Always check the listing and membership requirements for each game.
Final Thoughts
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games offer subscribers a changing selection of gaming experiences, from competitive racing to tactical shooting and cooperative action. The October 2026 lineup features F1 25, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2, providing different options for players with different interests.
To avoid missing a title, review the monthly announcement, check platform compatibility, and claim the games you want before the offer period ends. For the latest availability details, always consult the official PlayStation Blog and PlayStation Store.
At Addicting Games Hub, we aim to help gaming fans stay informed about game updates, subscription benefits, and useful gaming tips.
