2 Big PS5 Games Releasing in January 2026 Are Free-to-Play

PlayStation 5 gamers looking for new free-to-play games in January should mark their calendars for 2XKO and Highguard. The PlayStation 5 is home to all kinds of free-to-play games, including heavy hitters like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals. Those that are signed up for PlayStation Plus get even more “freebies” thanks to the free games given away as part of the Essential tier.

PS5 gamers already know what the free PS Plus games for January 2026 have in store, and they may be looking forward to what the month is bringing 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 isn’t an exception to the rule. However, there are still some high-profile new games releasing for PS5 in January, and as it so 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 20
Highguard – January 26

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

For those unfamiliar with the games, 2XKO is a fighting game set in the League of Legends Runeterra universe. It features a cartoony art style and includes some characters that were featured in the critically-acclaimed League of Legends show Arcane, like Jinx and Vi. 2XKO is currently available in early access on PC and has enjoyed a positive reception. In fact, 2XKO was even nominated for Best Fighting Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025 despite not having its full release yet. The full release will come on January 20, and while specifics on what exactly that will mean 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

Released: 2025
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer

Highguard is Coming to PS5 This Month

Less than a week after 2XKO hits the PS5, Highguard will launch for the platform on January 26. Described as a PvP raid shooter, Highguard looks like a wild blend of various hero shooter games. Characters have unique special abilities ala Overwatch, with players able to ride into battle on horseback not unlike Paladins. Highguard has players battling over an object that in turn gives them access to the enemy base, which is an interesting dynamic for a hero shooter game.

Highguard will be releasing about a month after it was first announced. The game was revelaed as the last announcement of The Game Awards 2025, though it was unfortunately met with a widespread negative reaction. Even so, Highguard‘s gameplay looked solid and you can try it for free. There’s zero harm in checking out Highguard when it launches for PS5 on January 26, and fans of the genre should definitely consider giving it a look.

2XKO and Highguard are the two big free PS5 games releasing in January 2026, but there are other notable new releases as well. Stylish Metroidvania game Mio: Memories in Orbit is releasing on January 20 alongside 2XKO, while rock-climbing game Cairn is coming on January 29. Finally, anime Soulslike Code Vein 2 is scheduled for release on January 30. All these games ensure that this January is busier than usual for PS5, and gamers should have plenty of options in the weeks ahead.