The PlayStation Plus December games update finishes the year with a bold mix of new PS5 titles, experimental indies, surprise additions, and expanded access to fan-favorite franchises. Sony’s strategy for December 2025 appears to focus on strengthening the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, spotlighting day-one releases, and giving PS Plus Extra and Premium members diverse gameplay options across action, movement-based titles, and narrative experiences.
This month’s rollout arrives after weeks of rumors and leaks, many speculating that Sony would push harder toward day-one indie launches. With Skate Story confirmed, those predictions turned out to be accurate. Even better, December doubles down on genre variety—something many PS Plus subscribers noted was missing earlier in the year.
The lineup will include three monthly titles, typically one PS5 game and two cross-gen games playable on both PS4 and PS5. Essential titles differ from the Extra and Premium catalog because they are yours to claim permanently as long as your subscription remains active. The official announcement will be made on the PlayStation Blog in the next days.
Sony is expected to reveal the PlayStation Plus December 2025 free games during the final week of November. Announcements typically appear first on the PlayStation Blog and are then shared across social media. PS Plus subscribers can expect confirmation near the usual monthly reveal cycle.
While the December 2025 Extra and Premium catalog leans heavily toward PS5-first releases, the Essential monthly games are still expected to launch on both PS4 and PS5 through cross-gen versions. Sony has not confirmed the full list yet, but players can expect at least two cross-platform titles, as the company continues to support its PS4 user base despite shifting the catalog toward PS5-optimized experiences.
The breakout highlight of the PlayStation Plus December games lineup is Skate Story, arriving as a day-one launch for PS5. After appearing in multiple indie showcases, the surreal demonic adventure finally rolls onto PlayStation as part of the PS Plus Extra catalog.
Built around a fluid movement system, the game blends atmospheric exploration with high-speed traversal, offering a tone closer to Hades or Stray than traditional sports games. Despite featuring a skateboard at its core, Skate Story is less about realism and more about emotional momentum, stylish movement, and navigating a haunting underworld.
The neon-lit aesthetic, the glass-bodied protagonist, and the harsh environments give the game a sense of identity rarely seen in the skateboarding genre. Its day-one availability instantly elevates December's lineup.
Not only is Skate Story visually striking, but it continues Sony’s recent trend of using PS Plus to spotlight inventive indie experiences over more predictable mainstream additions.
The game’s reflective character models and supernatural distortions are a sharp contrast to typical action games. The underworld setting sets Skate Story apart from titles like Alan Wake, Silent Hill, or Lords of the Fallen, offering a different kind of dark atmosphere—one based on mood rather than horror.
While not a traditional skateboarding sim, it features a skill-based control scheme similar to a stylish action title. The balance between speed and fragility appeals to players who enjoy challenge-heavy titles such as Warhammer action spinoffs or modern precision platformers on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
Where most skating games prioritize tricks, Skate Story emphasizes story progression and emotional resonance—elements that align more with narrative-driven indies like Stray or Hades.
While Sony’s highlight is Skate Story, December includes more variety than usual, covering multiple genres and playstyles. With PS Plus Extra gaining the most additions, Premium also receives updates to its Classic Games library.
Although Sony hasn’t issued the complete list publicly at the time of writing, the December selection—based on confirmed updates and ongoing insider coverage—includes:
Skate Story (PS5) – Day-One
Multiple new modern PS5 titles
Additional action and narrative games joining the Extra catalog
Upgrades and returning favorites that appeal to long-time PS Plus subscribers
Past months brought additions such as Red Dead Redemption, Street Fighter collections, Accurate Battle Simulator updates, and EA Sports WRC, setting expectations for strong cross-genre variety.
December continues this pattern, delivering what many consider a “mixed bag in the best way,” offering something for nearly every type of player.
This month’s update reveals several important trends that help clarify Sony’s direction heading into 2026.
By doubling down on day-one indie titles, Sony strengthens the value of PS Plus Extra. It’s a strategy similar to Game Pass’s indie pipeline, helping PS Plus remain competitive without relying solely on massive AAA launches.
New PS5 titles continue shifting the catalog away from PS4 support. Performance modes, adaptive trigger integration, and advanced haptic feedback are becoming expected standards.
While not the centerpiece this month, Premium still benefits from new Classic Games, reinforcing long-term value for retro fans and collectors.
Beyond individual titles, December’s update enhances the appeal of the service through variety:
Players seeking fast, precise movement titles—similar to modern battle simulator experiences—have strong selections this month.
Fans of moody adventures like Alan Wake and Silent Hill can expect darker, more atmospheric experiences in the refreshed catalog.
Sports fans also get representation thanks to ongoing catalog staples like EA Sports WRC and other high-fidelity simulation titles that remain available through PS Plus.
Earlier months leaned heavily on large action titles and returning franchises. December 2025, however, strikes a more balanced approach:
A major day-one indie
Classic additions for Premium
Expanded PS5 catalog support
A stronger mix of styles, from horror to action to narrative-driven storytelling
It’s a more carefully curated lineup compared to months that leaned too heavily on one genre.
The official December 2025 PS Plus announcement will be published on the PlayStation Blog, located at: https://blog.playstation.com
This is where Sony posts every monthly update for PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium, including game lists, removal alerts, and monthly highlights. The news is also mirrored on the PlayStation YouTube channel, X/Twitter account, and through the PS5’s system notifications under the “PlayStation Plus” tab.
The PlayStation Plus December games update is one of Sony’s most versatile and confident end-of-year releases. Skate Story brings a stylish indie punch, while the supporting additions broaden the appeal for both PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers.
For players waiting for something fresh, atmospheric, and mechanically unique, December offers one of the most compelling month-end updates the service has delivered in recent years.
Olivia Blake · Editor
Editor
