Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Essential games for October 2026: F1 25, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2. All three titles will be free to claim starting October 6.

Three New Games for Essential

Here’s what you can add to your library from October 6:

• F1 25 (PS5): The official game of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With its career mode and new physics engine, it’s a must-have for racing fans.
• Hunt: Showdown 1896 (PS5): This extraction shooter keeps the series’ signature intense and gritty gameplay, pitting players against monsters—and each other—in a dark world.
• Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 (PS5, PS4): Defend a block-shaped Earth from giant monsters in this sequel that stays true to the series’ over-the-top action and quirky style.

The last day to claim these games is November 2, 2026. After that date, you won’t be able to add them to your library, even if your PS Plus membership is active. Set a reminder so you don’t miss out.

What’s New in Extra and Premium

There’s excitement for Extra and Premium subscribers too. MycoPunk, a four-player co-op looter shooter, joins the Extra catalog in October—team up to clear the galaxy of a deadly fungal invasion. On the Premium side, retro classics like Mega Man X: Command Mission, Dino Crisis 2, and Ratchet & Clank are being added, with options for separate purchase as well.

September’s Essential games (Sniper Elite: Resistance, MLB The Show 26, Chained Echoes, Wobbly Life) leave the catalog on October 5, so grab them while you can.

Bonus Content This Month

There’s also a handful of bonus drops across all PS Plus tiers: a horror-themed bundle for Call of Duty: Warzone on October 1, a Hunt: Showdown 1896 starter pack on October 6, the Dragur Reinhardt skin and 5 tier skips for Overwatch 2 on October 7, plus limited-time Spider-Man: Brand New Day avatars via Sony Pictures Core.

While October’s lineup may seem quieter than previous months, F1 25 arriving on PS Plus this early is a surprise—new sports games usually take longer to hit the service.

Keep Gaming on PS5

If you’re looking to grab extra content or a new title from the digital store while enjoying these releases, having wallet funds ready in advance makes things easier. With a PlayStation Store Gift Card, you can top up your account instantly and be ready for DLCs, subscriptions, or your next game.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to claim the PS Plus October 2026 games?

You need to add F1 25, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 to your library between October 6 and November 2, 2026.

On which platforms is Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 free?

This game is free for Essential members on both PS5 and PS4. F1 25 and Hunt: Showdown 1896 are available for free only on PS5.