Ethan Crossfield 
With September’s PlayStation Plus selections nearing the end of their run, attention is shifting to October 2026. Sony’s next lineup is unconfirmed, but the month offers several clear opportunities: a major promotion for Grand Theft Auto 6, a Halloween-ready horror game, and a high-profile JRPG that could benefit both PlayStation and Atlus.
What happened
The September PlayStation Extra lineup concluded on September 22, leaving subscribers to speculate about the next wave of games. Mycopunk is already confirmed for PS Plus Extra in October, but the Essential games remain unknown. Any prediction should be treated as a wish list rather than a leak, since Sony’s monthly selections can depend on private publisher agreements and do not always follow an obvious pattern.
Three potential Essential headliners stand out. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition would connect the PlayStation 5 audience with Rockstar’s upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. Resident Evil 4 Remake would provide a strong Halloween choice while continuing the series’ history on PS Plus. Metaphor: ReFantazio would add a substantial JRPG and give Sony a genre-focused alternative to the other two suggestions.
Why it matters
The GTA trilogy is a practical fit because Grand Theft Auto 4 is not playable on PS5 and Grand Theft Auto 5 has already appeared on PS Plus more than once. Although the remastered collection had a troubled launch, later patches addressed many of the problems that affected its reception. Offering the three games could refresh interest in the franchise before GTA 6 arrives.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is an especially logical October candidate. The month naturally suits horror, while the Resident Evil series is already represented across the service through its classic games and Resident Evil Village. With Resident Evil Requiem releasing in 2026, a modern remake could also keep the franchise in front of PlayStation players.
Metaphor: ReFantazio would broaden the lineup with its hybrid action and turn-based combat, calendar structure, and class-based character customization. Its November Nintendo Switch 2 release gives Atlus a reason to generate renewed discussion around the game, making a PS Plus promotion potentially useful beyond PlayStation.
What to watch next
The Extra and Premium tiers offer even more ambitious possibilities. Gears of War: Reloaded would be a clever way to give PS5 owners access to part of a franchise whose next major entry, Gears of War: E-Day, is described as an Xbox console exclusive, although Microsoft agreeing to such a deal appears unlikely. Baldur’s Gate 3 would be a major get for a higher tier, but its continued sales strength and absence from subscription services make it a difficult Essential prediction.
More plausible Extra candidates include Black Myth: Wukong and Gran Turismo 7. Black Myth could help build interest in the developing series, while Gran Turismo 7 has ongoing momentum from its August update and further updates planned for October and December. Bayonetta and Vanquish could strengthen the action selection as a paired addition, while Silent Hill 1 would give PS Plus Premium a notable classic.
Key takeaways for subscribers
- Mycopunk is confirmed for PS Plus Extra in October 2026.
- GTA: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition is a franchise-promotion pick tied to anticipation for GTA 6.
- Resident Evil 4 Remake would suit October’s Halloween timing and the series’ existing PS Plus presence.
- Metaphor: ReFantazio could benefit Atlus ahead of its November Nintendo Switch 2 release.
- Gran Turismo 7, Black Myth: Wukong, Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Silent Hill 1 are notable Extra or Premium wishes.
Expert View
The strongest October strategy would combine seasonal appeal with forward promotion. Resident Evil 4 Remake is the cleanest thematic fit, while the GTA trilogy has the biggest marketing upside. Metaphor: ReFantazio would be the best choice for lineup variety, but Sony’s most convincing package would be one that balances all three audiences rather than relying on a single blockbuster.
