Ho ho ho! Santa Sony dropped an extra-lumpy stocking of gaming joy this December, showering PlayStation Plus subscribers with five free games instead of the usual three. This holiday surprise feels like discovering an untouched box of gourmet chocolates when you were expecting stale candy canes. From December 2nd through January 5th, players can snag Killing Floor 3, LEGO Horizon Adventures, Neon White, Synduality: Echo of Ada, and The Outlast Trials. Our inner child squealed at LEGO Horizon Adventures—imagine Aloy’s post-apocalyptic world rebuilt with whimsical bricks, like watching a T-Rex perform ballet in fluffy slippers. Meanwhile, The Outlast Trials had us hiding behind virtual couches, whimpering like a poodle during a thunderstorm. Truly, this lineup is Sony’s way of saying, ‘Happy Holidays, now go feast!’
🎮 A Brief History of PS Plus Generosity
PlayStation Plus has evolved like a scrappy indie game becoming a AAA blockbuster. Back in 2010, subscribers got just two monthly titles—modest beginnings akin to sharing a single pizza slice at a party. Fast forward to 2020’s PS5 launch, and Sony upped the ante to three games. But December 2025? Five glorious titles! It’s as if your favorite bakery suddenly threw in free eclairs because ‘festive spirit.’ This expansion feels especially poignant given Sony’s recent announcement: PS4 games will begin vanishing from PS Plus in January 2026. Only Killing Floor 3 and Synduality: Echo of Ada remain playable on PS4 this month—a bittersweet farewell to the old guard, like watching your trusty flip phone retire after a decade of service.
⚡ Neon White: The Speedrunning Supernova
Among this festive buffet, Neon White shines brighter than a disco ball in a laser-tag arena. Developed by Angel Matrix, this 2022 gem isn’t just good—it’s ‘Mighty’ (OpenCritic’s words, not ours!). With a 89 average score and 99% reviewer recommendation rate, it’s the gaming equivalent of a triple axel jump performed flawlessly on the first try. Playing Neon White feels like chugging five energy drinks while sprinting downhill on a hoverboard—frantic, exhilarating, and occasionally jaw-dropping. User reviews echo this hype, crowning it with 4.73 stars on PlayStation Store. The Outlast Trials trails close behind at 4.69 stars, proving horror fans are a dedicated (and slightly masochistic) bunch.
🤠 Red Dead Redemption Rides into PS Plus Extra/Premium
In a move as unexpected as a cowboy strutting into a spaceship convention, Sony stealth-dropped Red Dead Redemption’s PS5 version into the PS Plus Extra/Premium catalog on December 2nd. This isn’t just a lazy port—it’s a full-blown glow-up. Visual upgrades include 4K resolution (up from 720p), HDR support, and PC-level shadows. Loading times? Faster than a caffeinated cheetah chasing its prey. Sadly, the upgrade isn’t perfect; early reports mention bugs like disappearing NPCs and trophy hiccups. Still, riding across the frontier at 60fps feels as smooth as butter melting on a stack of pancakes. File size? A trim 9.74GB—smaller than the PS4 version!
🎄 Personal Musings: Joy, Nostalgia, and Mild Panic
As a self-proclaimed game hoarder, this month’s haul left us giddier than a kid unwrapping a next-gen console. Neon White’s breakneck pace had us replaying levels obsessively, muttering ‘one more try’ like a broken record. Meanwhile, LEGO Horizon Adventures delivered pure, unadulterated fun—imagine Horizon Zero Dawn reimagined by a toddler with limitless Duplo blocks. Yet, the impending PS4 phase-out casts a tiny shadow. It’s like realizing your favorite cozy pub is turning into a posh fusion restaurant—progress is exciting, but dang, we’ll miss the nachos.
❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
- Can I claim these games if I don’t have a PS5?
Only Killing Floor 3 and Synduality: Echo of Ada work on PS4. The others require a PS5—time to upgrade or borrow a friend’s console!
- Is Red Dead Redemption free for all PS Plus members?
Nope! Only PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers get this upgraded PS5 version. Base-tier folks get the five December games only.
- How does Neon White compare to other speedrunning games?
Think DOOM Eternal meets Mirror’s Edge on espresso shots—it’s precision platforming meets FPS chaos in a 10/10 package.
- Will PS4 games disappear entirely from PS Plus?
Sony hasn’t confirmed details, but expect fewer PS4 titles in monthly lineups starting January 2026. The catalog might phase them out first.
- Are there holiday discounts on PS Plus subscriptions?
Historically, yes! Check PlayStation Store—Sony often slashes prices during December. Treat yourself to Premium; it’s worth it for Red Dead alone.
In summary, December 2025 is PlayStation Plus’s magnum opus—a chaotic, joyous explosion of gaming goodness. Don’t sleep on it!