PS Plus April 2026 Free Games: Lords of the Fallen & More

PlayStation Plus April 2026 Free Games: Everything You Need to Know

Sony has officially confirmed the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for April 2026, and this month's lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory. Subscribers can claim Lords of the Fallen (PS5), Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream starting April 7, 2026 through May 4, 2026. The announcement was made on April 1–2 and confirmed earlier leaks — including a surprise addition that has fans buzzing.

If you're on the fence about PlayStation Plus or haven't claimed your games this month, here's everything you need to know — including which games are worth your time and how to get the most value from your subscription.

Act fast: March 2026's lineup — including Monster Hunter Rise and The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road — expires on April 6, 2026. Claim those before the deadline if you haven't already.

Quick Picks: April 2026 PS Plus Free Games

• Best Overall: Lords of the Fallen (PS5) — A polished Soulslike with stunning visuals and deep combat, rated 8/10 by IGN.
• Best for Nostalgia/Value: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered — Three classic games with full expansions, secret levels, and modern graphics toggle. Works on PS4 and PS5.
• Best for Anime Fans: Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream — Online co-op action with 21 playable characters for fans of the franchise.

The April 2026 PS Plus Lineup in Detail

Lords of the Fallen (PS5)

The headline game of this month's lineup, Lords of the Fallen (PS5) is a 2023 Soulslike action RPG developed by Hexworks and published by CI Games. This is not the 2014 original — it's a full reimagining with a dual-world mechanic that lets players shift between the living world and the realm of the dead (Umbral) to solve puzzles, find secrets, and navigate combat. It's visually one of the most impressive games in the genre.

IGN awarded it an 8/10, praising its ambitious world design and combat depth. The fact that it's joining PS Plus now is strategically timed — a sequel is launching later this year, making this the perfect entry point for new players.

• Genre: Soulslike action RPG
• Platform: PS5 only
• Developer: Hexworks / Publisher: CI Games
• IGN Score: 8/10
• Best for: Fans of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, or challenging action RPGs

If you've been curious about the Soulslike genre but haven't jumped in yet, Lords of the Fallen is one of the most accessible and visually rewarding entries you can start with — and getting it free through PS Plus is an exceptional deal.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is the surprise addition to this month's lineup and arguably the most talked-about inclusion. This collection covers the original trilogy — Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), and Tomb Raider III (1998) — with modernized graphics while preserving the classic gameplay. Every expansion pack, secret level, and bonus stage is included.

One of its standout features is the ability to toggle between remastered and original graphics in real time — a feature beloved by longtime fans who want to experience both eras. It's also the only game in this month's lineup available on PS4 and PS5, making it accessible to a wider audience.

• Genre: Action-adventure / platformer
• Platform: PS4 and PS5
• Publisher: Aspyr
• Includes: All expansions and secret levels
• Best for: Retro gaming fans, Lara Croft fans, anyone who missed the originals

It's worth noting the collection recently drew controversy when fans alleged that some of the new cosmetic additions appeared to be AI-generated. Publisher Aspyr has denied using AI-generated assets. The core remastered games themselves remain well-regarded by critics and fans alike, and this controversy doesn't affect gameplay.

Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream

Rounding out the lineup is Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, an online action RPG developed by Dimps Corporation and published by Bandai Namco. The game features 21 playable characters from across the SAO universe and a strong focus on online co-op multiplayer.

• Genre: Action RPG / multiplayer
• Platform: PS5 only
• Developer: Dimps Corporation / Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Key feature: 21 playable SAO characters, online co-op
• Best for: SAO franchise fans, anime game enthusiasts

If you're not familiar with the franchise, Fractured Daydream is more of a fan-service title than a standalone must-play. But for existing SAO fans, it's a generous addition — and free is hard to argue with.

What to Look For: Getting the Most From PlayStation Plus

If you're evaluating whether PlayStation Plus is worth it or which tier to subscribe to, here's a practical breakdown:

PlayStation Plus Pricing Tiers

• Essential: $9.99/month | $24.99 for 3 months | $79.99/year — Includes 2–3 free games per month, online multiplayer, and cloud saves.
• Extra: Adds access to a rotating catalog of hundreds of PS4/PS5 games on demand.
• Premium: Adds PS1/PS2/PSP classics, game trials, and cloud streaming.

For casual players who primarily want the monthly free games and online multiplayer, Essential is the best value. The annual plan at $79.99 breaks down to under $6.67/month — a significant saving over the monthly rate.

How to Claim Your Free Games

1. Make sure your PS Plus subscription is active.
2. Visit the PlayStation Store on your console or via the PS App.
3. Navigate to "PS Plus" → "Monthly Games."
4. Add each game to your library before the deadline — even if you don't download them right away.

You don't need to download the games immediately. As long as you add them to your library before May 4, 2026, they're yours to keep as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription.

PS4 vs. PS5 Availability

This month's lineup is mostly PS5-focused. If you're still on PS4, only Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is available to you. Lords of the Fallen and Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream are PS5 exclusives within this lineup, which is another strong reason to consider upgrading to a PS5 if you haven't already.

How April 2026 Compares to Recent Months

March 2026 was a strong month with PGA Tour 2K25, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, and The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road. April's lineup holds up well by comparison — Lords of the Fallen in particular is a AAA title that retails for $49.99, making the monthly games alone worth well over the cost of an Essential subscription.

For subscribers who missed the March lineup, make sure to claim those games before April 6, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I claim the April 2026 PS Plus games?

The April 2026 PS Plus Essential games — Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream — are available to claim from April 7 through May 4, 2026.

How much does PlayStation Plus cost?

PlayStation Plus Essential is $9.99/month, $24.99 for three months, or $79.99 per year. The annual plan offers the best per-month value.

Do I keep the games if I cancel PS Plus?

No. Monthly PS Plus games are tied to your active subscription. If you cancel, you lose access until you resubscribe — at which point the games return to your library automatically.

Are there alternatives to PlayStation Plus for free games?

If you own an Xbox, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a large rotating catalog at a comparable price. On PC, the Epic Games Store offers free games weekly with no subscription required. For PlayStation owners, PS Plus remains the primary subscription service for free monthly games and online multiplayer.

Bottom Line: Is PS Plus Worth It in April 2026?

Yes — this month makes the case clearly. Lords of the Fallen (PS5) alone justifies the monthly cost of an Essential subscription. It's a high-quality, well-reviewed Soulslike that normally sells for $49.99 and is perfectly timed ahead of its sequel. Add in the nostalgia value of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered and the multiplayer appeal of Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, and April 2026 is a month worth showing up for.

Our recommendation: If you're an active PS5 owner, claim all three games before May 4. If you're lapsed or considering signing up, the annual PS Plus Essential plan is the best entry point — and this month's lineup is a great reason to start.

Sources: IGN | Polygon | Kotaku | Jang | MSN Gaming