The latest lineup of essentials PlayStation Plus Games has been unveiled, offering a variety of healthy experiences through its three “free” games in April 2026. PS Plus is the headliner for this round of releases Lords of the FallenA solid successor to the 2014 game of the same name that boasts all Souls-like staples along with the fun “two worlds” format. Sword Art Online Fractured DaydreamWhich PS5 will be a win for any anime fans. Contrary to its name, it features a single player mode along with its 20-player multiplayer, featuring 21 characters from the series. However, it's the last game of the group that's the most interesting, and it's none other than that. Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered.
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered It has recently come under fire for its Challenge Mode update, which added AI skins to games and introduced new bugs that include music and subtitles. Fortunately, another update was released on March 31 that addressed many of the complaints, which was definitely well-timed. With its PS Plus release lined up with now-polished new content, it's a solid addition to Essential Level. However, this trip is not why these remasters are so interesting, instead, it is because their presence breaks the promise made by Sony regarding PS4 games on PS Plus.
25 Best PS Plus Extra Games You Should Be Playing Right Now (March 2026)
From big exclusives to overlooked gems, here are the top PlayStation Plus games you should download to your PS5 next.
PS Plus Essential still hasn't made good on Sony's planned end of the era
Last year, Sony announced that PS4 games on PS Plus Essential will no longer be a core benefit of the service in 2026. Naturally, members are already waiting for the next shoe to drop, but with each passing month, gamers are left scratching their heads. Four months into 2026, PS Plus Essential will offer at least one PS4 game each month, with the following titles all added to the tier this year:
- Epic Mickey Remastered (January)
- Core Keeper (January)
- Subnautica: Zero Below (February)
- Ultras (February)
- Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (February)
- Elder Scrolls Online: The Gold Road Collection (March)
- Rise of the Demon Hunter (March)
- Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered (April)
While Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered While there are PS4 and PS5 versions, it's technically a collection of PS1 games, breaking Sony's “PS5 only” promise for PS Plus Essential.
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Of the games listed above, the Feb Ace Battle 7 It stands out as a pure PS4 addition as it doesn't have a PS5 version to speak of while other PS4 games also have a PS5 version that can be downloaded. Every single month of 2026 has something for PS4 users to download, however, it feels like Sony either forgot their plan or quietly chose to abandon the idea. Alternatively, maybe Sony is aiming to wean players off PS4 games, since April only has one of them while other months have two or three. Regardless, it looks like the PS4 versions are still the main advantage of the service in all but name, at least for the time being.
Why PS Plus is ultimately a good thing keeping essential PS4 games around
While PS4 games drop from PS Plus only current-gen titles can take their place, it's no secret that the generation got off to a slow start. Partly due to scalpers, partly due to COVID-19, and partly due to the PS4's high install base, many games have taken a cross-gen approach, with fully current-gen releases only becoming the norm in the past few years. As a result, limiting essential games to PS5-only titles immediately limits the pool Sony can draw from, which could lead to less interesting monthly lineups even if the game count stays the same.
But if Sony makes a PS5-only switch for Essential, and successfully keeps the game count and quality the same, removing PS4 games from the aforementioned install base service is one reason. PS Plus is still required to play online games on PS4, and the free essential titles are a perk that helps make it an easier pill to swallow. Many will feel they are missing out on PS4 games on the service, with many hanging on to their PS4 and still playing them instead of jumping to the PS5. Hopefully, the PS4 and PS5 versions of the games will be offered together even if the PS4-only games are the same Ace Battle 7 are retired, because everyone benefits from the cross-gen combo. Gamers should enjoy Sony's “mistake” while they can, as it could recall the PS4's promise to stop PS4 releases on PS Plus Essential at any time.
