From neon-lit city streets to reimagined Disney worlds and underground survival, January’s PS Plus lineup offers three very different ways to start the year.
January’s PS Plus lineup feels like a mixed-bag opener for the year, and hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. We have a loud arcade racing game, a nostalgic Disney remake, and a surprisingly deep survival sandbox. It’s not a headline-heavy month, but there’s enough variety here to suit very different moods and playstyles.
As always, let’s take a look at what each game offers, what kind of platinum you’re signing up for, and where the potential pain points lie.
Need For Speed Unbound | PS5
Classic street racing with a bold visual twist.
- Trophies: 42 (4 Gold, 8 Silver, 29 Bronze)
- Difficulty: 4/10
- Playthroughs: 1
- Time to Platinum: 40
Need for Speed Unbound leans hard into style, with graffiti-inspired effects layered over classic street racing. It’s fast, flashy, and very much about building a reputation while avoiding the police.
Trophy Tips + Platinum Notes:
- Difficulty-based trophies stack, so starting on higher difficulty saves time later.
- Online trophies are required; boosting with friends can make progress smoother if lobbies are quiet.
- Note for the ‘Full House’ trophy you’ll need to finish a playlist with 7 other players (8 total). This requires a full server. So you might want to check out boosting communities for recent activity before fully committing to this plat.
Official Trailer
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed | PS4, PS5
A nostalgic Disney classic, reimagined with modern visuals.
- Trophies: 39 (4 Gold, 10 Silver, 24 Bronze)
- Difficulty: 2/10
- Playthroughs: 2
- Time to Platinum: 20 hours
This remaster brings Epic Mickey back with updated visuals and controls, while keeping its charmingly dark take on forgotten Disney worlds. Choices matter here, how you interact with the world shapes both story outcomes and trophies.
Trophy Tips:
- Decide early whether you’re doing a “paint” or “thinner” run to avoid wasted progress.
- There are several ‘missable’ trophies, but since you’ll need a second playthrough anyway, these can be cleaned, just keep a guide on hand becuse areas can’t be revisted.
Release Trailer
Core Keeper | PS4, PS5
Underground exploration, crafting, and long-term progression.
- Trophies: 52 (1 Gold, 25 Silver, 25 Bronze)
- Difficulty: 3/10
- Playthroughs: 1
- Time to Platinum: 50+ Hours
Core Keeper is deceptively deep; it’s part survival, part base-builder, and part boss-hunting adventure. It’s easy to lose hours mining, crafting, and expanding your underground world.
Trophy Tips:
- Playing cooperatively can speed up resource gathering and boss kills significantly.
- Focus on automation and efficient farming setups early to reduce late-game grind.
Launch Trailer
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
January’s lineup offers a solid variety:
- Need for Speed Unbound for high-energy arcade racing
- Epic Mickey: Rebrushed for nostalgia and fun-fuelled adventure
- Core Keeper for long-term survival fans who enjoy a steady grind
None of these are instant, effortless platinums, but each offers a distinct experience, whether you’re chasing trophies or just looking for something different to kick off the year.
💬 Which one are you adding to your library first?