Usually, December is a dump month for subscription services. Companies assume you’re too busy buying gifts to care about your backlog. But Sony? They evidently didn’t get the memo.
The PlayStation Plus team just unveiled the final Game Catalog update of 2025, and it’s not just "good for a holiday update"—it’s arguably the strongest drop we’ve seen all year. If you’ve been holding off on renewing your Extra or Premium sub, you might want to reach for your wallet.
Here is the unvarnished truth about what you’ll be playing starting December 16.
The Heavy Hitters (Extra & Premium)
1. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PS5, PS4) Drop Date: December 16
Finally, after Valhalla turned into a 150-hour chore list, Ubisoft remembered why we liked this franchise in the first place. Assassin’s Creed Mirage isn't an RPG; it's a stealth game. You play as Basim in 9th-century Baghdad, and the map is actually... manageable?
You can actually finish this game over the winter break without quitting your job. If you missed the tight corners and actual assassination mechanics of the Ezio era, this is your apology letter.
2. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS5, PS4) Drop Date: December 16
Team Ninja is back to humble you. Think Nioh, but fast-forward the combat speed and throw it into the Three Kingdoms era. The deflection mechanic here is incredibly satisfying—once you stop dying, that is. It’s brutal, it’s sweaty, and it’s the perfect game to co-op with a buddy who thinks they’re good at Soulslikes. Spoilers: Lu Bu will absolutely wreck you both.
3. Skate Story (PS5) Status: Available NOW (Dropped Dec 8)
This is the weirdest, coolest thing on the list. You are a demon made of glass. You have a skateboard. You have to skate to the moon to swallow it. I’m not making that up. This indie gem shadow-dropped earlier this week, and it is a visual trip. The soundtrack alone is worth the download. If you want a break from AAA bloat, this is it.
The "Wait, That's Actually Good" Tier
It’s not just about the headliners. The mid-card this month is stacked.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5, PS4): This game was in development hell for years, and it somehow came out amazing. The boss fights are spectacles. If you like anime action RPGs, this is a no-brainer.
Planet Coaster 2 (PS5): The simulation depth here is terrifying. You can build water parks now. Say goodbye to your social life.
Cat Quest III (PS5, PS4): Laugh all you want, but this is pure dopamine. It’s an open-world RPG where you are a pirate cat. It plays better than half the "serious" RPGs released this year.
For the Old Heads (Premium Classics)
1. Soulcalibur III (PS2 Classic) Drop Date: December 16
Sony is finally feeding the fighting game community. Soulcalibur III isn't just a port; it's the PS2 classic that introduced the "Chronicles of the Sword" RTS mode. We are getting the full package here with rewind features and up-rendering. If you grew up mashing buttons at the arcade or on your couch in 2005, this is a mandatory install.
The "Already Live" List (Essential Tier)
Just a quick reminder because people always forget: The monthly games went live on December 2. If you haven't claimed LEGO Horizon Adventures yet, do it. It’s weird seeing Aloy as a LEGO fig, but it works surprisingly well.
LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)
Killing Floor 3 (PS5) — Pure chaotic gore. Grab friends.
The Outlast Trials (PS5, PS4) — Do not play this alone in the dark.
SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada (PS5)
Neon White (PS5, PS4) — Speedrunners, this is your holy grail.
The Verdict
I’m usually critical of Sony’s drip-feed strategy, but credit where it’s due: The December 2025 catalog is a mic drop. They covered stealth fans, masochistic action gamers, indie art lovers, and retro fighters in one swoop.
So, are you renewing? Because for once, the value proposition is actually undeniable.
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