On November 25, 2025, Sony Interactive Entertainment pulled the plug on nine games from its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog — and dropped two of the most unexpected, highly anticipated additions in years. Midway through December 2025, titles like Battlefield 2042, Grand Theft Auto 3: The Definitive Edition, and Sonic Frontiers will vanish from the service, leaving fans scrambling to finish their campaigns. But here’s the twist: just as those classics disappear, two brand-new experiences — one surreal, one nostalgic — will arrive day one, free for subscribers. Skate Story and a native Red Dead Redemption 1 PS5 port aren’t just additions; they’re statements.
What’s Leaving: The End of an Era
The nine departing games represent a mix of recent flops, aging favorites, and experimental titles that never quite found their audience. Battlefield 2042, which launched in November 2021 with a promise of live-service glory, is finally being retired after three turbulent years. Its removal signals EA’s growing distance from the franchise’s PlayStation Plus presence. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto 3: The Definitive Edition — released in March 2021 — is being pulled after just over four years on the service. For many, it was the first time Rockstar’s groundbreaking 2001 open-world classic was accessible on modern hardware without buying a separate copy.Other departures include Square Enix’s Forspoken, a visually stunning but narratively uneven 2023 release; Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, a VR experiment that never quite clicked; and Firefighting Simulator: The Squad, a niche title that never found traction. Even Surviving Mars, a surprisingly deep city-builder, and Star Trek: Bridge Crew, which once had a dedicated fanbase, are being quietly retired.
The final removal? Arcade Paradise VR, a charming but underwhelming indie VR game that never quite lived up to its retro aesthetic promise. All nine titles were moved to the "Last Chance to Play" section on November 25, 2025 — a clear heads-up that the clock is ticking.
What’s Coming: Two Surprises, One Masterstroke
While the removals drew groans, the additions stole the spotlight. First up: Skate Story, launching December 8, 2025. Developed by solo creator Sam Eng, it’s unlike anything else on PlayStation. "You are a demon in the Underworld, made out of glass and pain," reads the official pitch. "The Devil has given you a skateboard with a simple deal: Skate to the Moon and swallow it, and you shall be freed." Push Square called it "one of the sleeper games for the rest of the year," and with good reason. The game blends surreal horror, physics-based skating, and dark humor in a way that feels both ancient and fresh. One YouTube reviewer described it as "if Tony Hawk met Lovecraft, and they had a baby that could do a 720 tailslide through hell."Then, on December 10, 2025 — just two days later — comes the real bombshell: a native Red Dead Redemption 1 PS5 port. Yes, the 2010 Western masterpiece, originally released on PS3 and Xbox 360, is finally getting a true next-gen upgrade. No remaster. No re-release. A full port, optimized for DualSense haptics, 60fps performance, and ray-traced lighting. It’s free for Premium and Extra members, and even existing owners get it at no extra cost. Rockstar’s decision to bring this to PlayStation Plus feels like a quiet apology to fans who waited 15 years for this version. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s redemption.
The Premium Bonus: Soulcalibur III Returns
For PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, the December 16, 2025 catalog refresh brings another surprise: Soulcalibur III, the beloved 2005 PlayStation 2 fighting game. Ported to PS5 and PS4, it arrives without trophies — a nod to its classic status. For fighting game fans, this is a gift. The game’s intricate combo system, deep roster, and legendary stage design made it a cult favorite. Its return feels like Sony acknowledging that legacy content still matters.Also worth noting: the free games of the month — Stray, WRC 24, and Totally Accurate Battle Simulator — remain available until December 2, 2025. After that, the new rotation begins.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a routine catalog shuffle. It’s a strategic pivot. Sony is doubling down on exclusivity — not just through first-party titles, but by curating experiences that feel personal, unexpected, and emotionally resonant. Skate Story proves indie darlings can anchor a subscription service. The Red Dead Redemption 1 port signals that even 15-year-old games can still be valuable when treated with care.And let’s be honest: removing Battlefield 2042 and Forspoken is a win for subscribers. Those games were bloating the catalog with underwhelming content. Replacing them with something as unique as Skate Story and as culturally significant as Red Dead Redemption 1 shows Sony understands its audience better than ever.
What’s Next?
The next major update arrives in January 2026. Rumors suggest a PS5 port of Grand Theft Auto IV could be in the works — and if so, it’ll likely land on PlayStation Plus Premium. Meanwhile, Sony’s ongoing effort to modernize its back catalog — from Red Dead Redemption 1 to Soulcalibur III — suggests we’re entering a new era of legacy game preservation through subscription services.For now, if you’ve been waiting to play Red Dead Redemption 1 on modern hardware, or if you’re curious about a game where you skate through hell to eat the moon — you’ve got until December 16 to act. Don’t wait. The Devil’s waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly are the games being removed from PlayStation Plus?
The nine departing games will be removed midway through December 2025, with December 16 being the most likely date based on Sony’s historical rotation schedule. Subscribers have until then to download and play them. After that, they’ll disappear from the catalog entirely unless repurchased separately.
Do I need to buy the Red Dead Redemption 1 PS5 port separately?
No. The native PS5 port of Red Dead Redemption 1 is free for all PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers as of December 10, 2025. Even if you already own the original PS3 version, you don’t need to pay extra — the new port is included at no additional cost.
Why is Soulcalibur III being added without trophies?
Sony and Bandai Namco chose to omit trophies for Soulcalibur III to preserve its original experience as a classic PS2 title. Trophy systems didn’t exist when the game launched in 2005, and adding them would alter its authenticity. This is a common practice for legacy ports on PlayStation Plus Premium.
Is Skate Story really as weird as they say?
Yes — and that’s the point. Skate Story is a surreal, emotionally charged experience where you play as a glass demon skating through a nightmarish underworld. It’s part horror, part poetry, part skateboarding simulator. Critics are calling it "a cult classic in the making," and its unique tone sets it apart from every other game on the service.
What happens to my progress if a game is removed?
Any progress, save data, or trophies earned while the game was available on PlayStation Plus will remain on your account. You just won’t be able to re-download or reinstall it after removal unless you purchase it separately from the PlayStation Store. Back up your saves to cloud storage before December 16 to be safe.
Are any other classic games expected in 2026?
Rumors point to a PS5 port of Grand Theft Auto IV arriving in early 2026, possibly as a Premium exclusive. Sony has been quietly modernizing Rockstar’s back catalog since the November 2024 announcement of the Red Dead Redemption 1 port. Expect more classic titles to return in similar fashion — especially those with strong fanbases.
