PS Plus Extra & Premium: December 2025 is a Magical (and Slightly Chaotic) Game Drop!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers are getting a massive nine-game injection on December 16th, headlined by Assassin's Creed Mirage and featuring indie gems like Cat Quest 3, while a host of titles, including Battlefield 2042 and Forspoken, are set to leave the service.
Right, so December 2025 – bloody hell, PlayStation Plus is just throwing games at us like a wizard who's accidentally blown a hole through reality and found an infinite supply. I mean, we just about wrapped our heads around the Essential tier haul, and now Sony's decided to give the Extra and Premium tiers a proper festive season shake-up, adding a whopping nine new titles. And let me tell you, mate, I've been digging through the details, and while some bits are exactly what you'd expect, there are a few delightful surprises and a couple of those 'hmm, interesting' moments that make you wonder what potions they're brewing over there.
Dalton Cooper over at Game Rant initially cracked open this digital treasure chest, and I've been tinkering with the bits and bobs to figure out what it all means for us actual gamers. Because, let's be fair, it's not just about *what* games are coming; it's about the *why* and the *what happens if...* to our ever-expanding backlog.
First off, the headline act for the Extra tier, dropping on December 16th, is none other than **Assassin's Creed Mirage**. Now, you know me, I'm always cautiously optimistic about these big hitters. Mirage was touted as a 'back to basics' kind of AC, a more stealth-focused, Baghdad-bound adventure, dialing back the sprawling RPG elements of its predecessors. For folks who missed the Ezio days or felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer scale of Valhalla, this could be a genuine treat. It earned 'mostly positive reviews,' which in my book often translates to 'pretty solid, but maybe not reality-bendingly innovative.' Still, a good shout for a subscription service, letting you try before you potentially commit to another 100-hour odyssey.
Then we've got the utterly delightful-sounding **Cat Quest 3**. Anyone else feel a warm glow when an indie gem with a clever premise makes it onto these lists? A co-op action-RPG where you're a cat – I mean, come on! This is the kind of unexpected joy that truly makes a subscription worthwhile, offering something genuinely fresh amidst the AAA giants. It's the equivalent of finding a rare, shiny potion in a dusty corner of the digital alchemist's lab.
For those who like their games to punch them in the face repeatedly, there's **Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty**. This Soulslike dropped in 2023 and quickly earned a reputation for being a proper challenging beast. If you've been eyeing it but weren't ready to commit your hard-earned coin to a game that will probably make you yell at your screen, now's your chance. It’s a good example of how these services can broaden our horizons – or at least our tolerance for digital pain.
Here's where it gets a bit weird, like a spell that's worked a bit *too* well: **LEGO Horizon Adventures** is also hitting the Extra tier. What's curious is that it's *also* one of the Essential-tier freebies for December. Now, I'm not complaining about getting games, but it does make you scratch your head a bit, doesn't it? Is it a clever marketing ploy to show off the breadth of the service, or did someone just misplace a few enchantments in the game release schedule? Either way, more LEGO Horizon for everyone!
The rest of the Extra tier adds a smattering of other titles: **Granblue Fantasy: Relink** (a big win for action-RPG fans), **Paw Patrol: Grand Prix** and **Paw Patrol World** (for the younger apprentices amongst us, or perhaps those of us who just enjoy a bit of chaotic canine racing), and **Planet Coaster 2** (for the aspiring theme park wizards). That's a decent spread, catering to various tastes, which is exactly what you want from a library service.
And for the Premium tier subscribers, who are always after that extra sprinkle of nostalgia, we're getting the PlayStation 2 version of the legendary fighting game, **Soulcalibur 3**. Now that's a proper blast from the past! Dust off those combo memories, folks. There's something inherently charming about bringing these classics back, reminding us of the foundational magic that built the gaming world.
But, as with any grand magical bargain, there's always a price, or in this case, a departure list. As these nine new gems arrive on December 16th, a whole bunch of games are also packing their bags and vanishing into the digital ether. Most notably, **Battlefield 2042** is leaving, alongside **Forspoken**, **Grand Theft Auto 3: The Definitive Edition**, and **Sonic Frontiers**. The VR lineup is taking a bit of a hit too, with **Arcade Paradise VR** and **Star Trek: Bridge Crew** saying their goodbyes.
This is the perpetually simmering pot of subscription services, isn't it? A constant churn. You gain some, you lose some. It's a reminder that these aren't forever libraries, but more like a lending service where you've got to play what you want before the digital librarian calls it back. It keeps things fresh, I suppose, but also adds a dash of urgency to your gaming schedule, like a potion with a rapidly expiring buff.
All in all, PlayStation Plus subscribers are getting a substantial mid-month injection of new titles. It's a mix of big-budget action, charming indies, family-friendly fun, and a touch of retro cool. While the departing games might sting a bit for some, the sheer volume and variety coming in should keep most gamers happily enchanted well into the new year. So, grab your controller, mate, because it looks like December's spell-casting has only just begun!
*(Original reporting by Dalton Cooper for Game Rant)*
Tags: PS Plus, PlayStation, Gaming News, Subscription Services, New Games
Original article: Game Rant