The new year is almost here, and PlayStation 5 owners have plenty to be excited about. January 2026 may not be the busiest month in gaming history, but it is shaping up to deliver five high-profile PS5 games that cover a wide range of genres, from action RPGs and shooters to fighting games and experimental experiences.
After a strong 2025 that saw the PS5 dominate critical acclaim with major releases and exclusives like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, Sony’s console is showing no signs of slowing down. With Grand Theft Auto 6 and Marvel’s Wolverine expected later in 2026, January looks like a solid opening chapter for what could be another huge year for PlayStation.
January 2026 PS5 Game Lineup Brings Variety and Fresh Ideas
The first couple of weeks of January are typically quiet across the gaming industry, and 2026 is no exception. However, things start picking up quickly in the second half of the month, when several notable PS5 titles arrive back-to-back.
The momentum begins on January 20 with Mio: Memories in Orbit, a visually striking sci-fi Metroidvania that immediately stands out thanks to its hand-drawn art style and atmospheric world design. Early previews suggest a strong focus on exploration, emotional storytelling, and fluid movement, making it one of the more intriguing indie-style releases of the month.
Just a few days later, on January 26, Highguard enters the scene. This free-to-play first-person shooter blends fantasy elements with hero-based combat, drawing comparisons to games like Overwatch. While the game received mixed reactions following its reveal at The Game Awards 2025, the development team’s background—including experience on Apex Legends and Titanfall—has given many players reason to stay optimistic. Since it’s free-to-play, PS5 users can try it with no financial risk.
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PS5 Console Exclusive and Anime Action Highlight Late January
On January 29, PlayStation 5 gets a console exclusive with Cairn, a unique rock-climbing game that focuses on realism, physics, and survival. Rather than fast-paced combat, Cairn emphasizes patience, planning, and precision, offering a refreshing change of pace for players looking for something different from traditional action games.
The month closes out strong on January 30 with Code Vein 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Bandai Namco’s anime-inspired Soulslike action RPG. Fans of the original can expect challenging combat, deep character customization, and a darker narrative tone. If it builds successfully on its predecessor, Code Vein 2 could easily become one of January’s biggest releases.
2XKO Could Be January’s Biggest Surprise for PS5 Players
Sometime in January—though an exact date has yet to be confirmed—Riot Games is expected to release 2XKO on PS5. This free-to-play fighting game is set in the League of Legends universe of Runeterra and features well-known characters like Jinx and Vi, familiar to fans of both the game and the Arcane animated series.
What makes 2XKO especially appealing is its accessibility. Being free-to-play removes the barrier to entry, and its fast-paced tag-team fighting mechanics are designed to appeal to both competitive players and newcomers. For PS5 owners who are fans of League of Legends or fighting games in general, 2XKO could be one of the most exciting launches of the month.
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January 2026 Looks Like a Promising Start for PS5
One of the most impressive aspects of January 2026’s PS5 lineup is its genre diversity. Whether players enjoy story-driven sci-fi adventures, competitive shooters, anime action RPGs, fighting games, or experimental titles, there’s something worth checking out.
The presence of multiple free-to-play games also lowers the risk for players, making it easy to jump in and try new experiences without committing money upfront. If even a few of these titles live up to expectations, January 2026 could kick off another strong year for the PlayStation 5 and the gaming industry as a whole.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and announced release schedules at the time of writing. Game release dates, features, or platform availability may change due to delays or official updates from developers or publishers. Always refer to official PlayStation and developer announcements for the latest and most accurate details.
