The 2 biggest PS5 games releasing in January 2026 are free-to-play

PlayStation 5 Players looking for new free-to-play games in January should mark their calendars 2XKO and Highguard. PlayStation 5 is home to all kinds of free-to-play games, like Heavy Hitters Fortnite and Marvel Rivals. Those who sign up for PlayStation Plus get additional “freebies” for the free games offered as part of the mandatory tier.

PS5 gamers already know what free PS Plus games are in store for January 2026, and they may be looking forward to what the month brings to the table in terms of new game releases. Historically, January is usually one of the slowest months when it comes to new video game releases, and this year is no exception to the rule. However, there are still some high-profile new games being released for the PS5 in January, and as it happens, two of the more notable ones are being released for free.

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New free PS5 games releasing in January 2026

2XKO – January 20th
Highgard – January 26

On January 20th, PS5 gamers can look forward to the release 2XKO from Riot Games, while January 26 will see a release HighguardThe first project of Wildlight Entertainment, a new studio made up of ex-Respawn developers. Both games are being released as free-to-play titles, meaning they can be played at no additional cost, but they will sell things like microtransactions and other premium content. What the premium content will actually include will have to wait until the games are fully released on their respective release dates.

For those unfamiliar with games, 2XKO is a fighting game set in League of Legends Runeterra universe. It features a cartoony art style and features some characters that were critically-acclaimed. League of Legends Show me mysteriousLike Jinx and Vi. 2XKO It is currently available in Early Access on PC and has enjoyed a positive reception. in fact, 2XKO It was also nominated for Best Fighting Game of the Year at the Game Awards 2025 despite not having a full release. The full release comes on January 20th, and while details about what exactly that means for the game have yet to be revealed, we do know that it will mark its release on consoles, including the PS5.

systems

PC-1

issued: 2025
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer: Online multiplayer

Highguard is coming to PS5 this month

Less than a week later 2XKO Hit on PS5, Highguard The platform will launch on January 26. Described as a PvP raid shooter, Highguard Looks like a wild mix of different hero shooter games. Characters have unique special abilities OverwatchPlayers are able to ride into battle on horseback Paladins. Highguard Players are fighting over items that give them access to enemy bases, which is an interesting dynamic for a hero shooter game.

Highguard It will be released about a month after it was first announced. The game was revealed as a finalist for The Game Awards 2025, although it was unfortunately met with widespread negative feedback. however, HighguardThe gameplay looks solid and you can try it for free. There is zero loss at check out Highguard When it launches for PS5 on January 26, and fans of the genre should definitely consider checking it out.

2XKO and Highguard Those are the two biggest free PS5 games releasing in January 2026, but there are other notable new releases as well. Stylish Metroidvania game Mio: Memories in class Together will release on January 20 2XKOWhile rock climbing is sport Kern Coming January 29th. Finally, anime Soulslike Code vein 2 It is scheduled for release on January 30. All of these games ensure that this January is busier than usual for the PS5, and gamers should have plenty of options in the weeks ahead.