The first confirmed PS Plus Essential games for April 2026 have been released by reputable leaker billbil-kun from Dealabs, creating excitement among subscribers. The main attraction is Hexworks and CI Games’ 2023 Souls-like action role-playing game, Lords of the Fallen, which is available in all tiers (Essential, Extra, and Premium) from April 7 to May 5. A second leak suggests that the 2024 Bandai Namco role-playing game Sword Art Online: Fractured Daybreak will be included in the PS4/PS5 freebies.
Despite recent lineups generating mixed reviews, these games fit Sony’s pattern of combining difficult action with anime-inspired adventures, making April a strong month.
Games Leaving PS Plus April 2026
Don’t sleep on claiming these before they rotate out on April 6—your last chance for free access:
- PGA Tour 2K25 (PS5 Essential)
- Monster Hunter Rise (PS5/PS4 Essential)
- Slime Rancher 2 (PS5 Essential)
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road (PS5/PS4 Essential)
These exits clear space for fresh content, but grab Monster Hunter Rise now if you haven’t—its co-op hunts are addictive.
Read Also: Future of 2026 Commonwealth Games in doubt after Victoria cancels over cost concerns
Official Announcement Timeline
On April 1 at approximately 4:30 PM BST (9:00 PM IST), Sony teased the full reveal. Downloads will be available a week later on April 7. Billbil-kun has a good history of leaks, but to avoid wishlist glitches like the purported Microsoft Flight Simulator tease, wait for PlayStation Blog confirmation. Check after the announcement because additional/premium catalogs might add more.
Why Lords of the Fallen Excels
The clumsy combat of the 2014 original is replaced by dual-world mechanics in this 2023 reboot, which allows players to switch between realms mid-fight for vicious boss rushes reminiscent of Souls. With enhanced NG+ and co-op, free updates have brought it to its pinnacle. For newcomers intimidated by PS Plus’s $60 price tag elsewhere, the timing is perfect.
Sword Art Online: Fractured Daybreak Breakdown
With cooperative raids and fractured daydream mechanics, Bandai Namco’s 2024 entry expands the SAO universe while fusing RPG depth with MOBA-style combat. Leaked as Essential to increase subscriber retention, it’s a doorway to multiplayer chaos for anime fans.
Read Also: PlayStation’s ASTRO BOT clinches Game of the Year 2024 title
PS Plus Tiers Quick Guide
| Tier | Monthly Free Games | Game Catalog Access | Cloud Streaming | Price (Essential Base) |
| Essential | Yes (April 7-May 5) | No | No | $9.99/month |
| Extra | Yes + 400+ titles | Yes | No | $14.99/month |
| Premium | All above + classics | Yes + Ubisoft+ | Yes (PS5/PS4) | $17.99/month |
Essential snags the leaks; upgrade for endless backlog fillers.
Read Also: Gold Medalist Scandal: Viral Video and XXL Gold Medalist Buzz Debunked
FAQs
1. When does the PS Plus April 2026 lineup drop?
Official reveal April 1, 2026; claim from April 7 to May 5. Leaks confirm Lords of the Fallen early.
2. Is Lords of the Fallen worth claiming?
Yes updated Souls-like with realm-switching combat, better than launch. Free until May 5.
3. What games are leaving PS Plus in April?
PGA Tour 2K25, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road—gone April 6.
5. PS Plus April 2026 on PS4 too?
Yes, cross-gen support for leaks like Sword Art Online.
