PlayStation Plus March 2026: Essential games live now, big Game Catalog drop on March 17

PlayStation Plus in March 2026: the complete lineup, dates, and what’s leaving

Sony has locked in March’s PlayStation Plus updates, with four Essential “monthly games” already live and a fresh wave of Game Catalog titles arriving for Extra and Premium members this week. Here’s everything confirmed so far, plus the key dates to claim and the games rotating out. (blog.playstation.com )

Essential monthly games (all members)

Available Tuesday March 3 through Monday April 6, 2026:

• PGA Tour 2K25 (PS5)
• Monster Hunter Rise (PS5, PS4)
• Slime Rancher 2 (PS5)
• The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Gold Road (PS5, PS4)

Sony’s announcement lists a four‑game slate this month and confirms the claim window above. Third‑party roundups match the lineup and live status as of March 3. Add them to your library by April 6 to keep access while your membership is active. (blog.playstation.com )

Extra and Premium: March Game Catalog additions

The next content drop for Extra and Premium lands on Monday March 17, 2026. Lineups can vary by region, but Sony’s global blog highlights these titles: (blog.playstation.com )

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5)
• EA Sports Madden NFL 26 (PS5)
• Persona 5 Royal (PS5, PS4) — plus Persona 5 Royal Ultimate Edition (PS4)
• Blasphemous 2 (PS5, PS4)
• Metal Eden (PS5)
• The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria (PS5)
• Astroneer (PS5, PS4)

These are scheduled to be playable starting March 17; Sony’s post also reiterates regional differences for catalog availability. Independent coverage this week echoes the headliners (including Blasphemous 2, Space Marine 2, Madden 26, Persona 5 Royal and Return to Moria) joining the rotation. (blog.playstation.com )

Premium classic of the month

• Tekken Dark Resurrection (PS5, PS4)

Premium adds this arcade‑era fighter as March’s Classics Catalog pick, flagged during Sony’s recent State of Play coverage and listed alongside the catalog drop. (blog.playstation.com )

What’s leaving around March 17

As new games arrive, others rotate out of the Game Catalog. Region lists can differ, but titles currently flagged to depart around Monday March 17 include:

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation Code Fairy
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
• Cris Tales
• R‑Type Final 3 Evolved (select regions)
• Paradise Killer (select regions)
• Circus Electrique (select regions)
• Redout 2 (select regions)

Sony’s store “Last Chance to Play” section first surfaced these exits in mid‑February; specialist outlets compiled the combined list from Asian/JP and Western listings. If you’re mid‑playthrough, finish or purchase before the rotation hits on March 17. (playstationlifestyle.net )

PS4 content is changing — but not gone

Sony has been signaling a gradual shift away from regular PS4 additions across tiers in 2026. Its PS Plus hub notes that “from January 2026, PS4 games will be added only intermittently.” Even so, March’s Essential lineup still includes PS4 versions of Monster Hunter Rise and The Elder Scrolls Online, underscoring that support hasn’t vanished entirely. (playstation.com )

Quick picks: where to start this month

• For co‑op action: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 ramps up three‑player PvE ops and 6v6 PvP, making it a natural “squad night” pick for Extra/Premium members. (blog.playstation.com )
• For a prestige RPG: Persona 5 Royal remains a gold‑standard JRPG, and this month’s catalog drop is a great excuse to finally dive in (or revisit with the Ultimate Edition content on PS4). (blog.playstation.com )
• For inventive 2D challenge: Blasphemous 2 is a standout Metroidvania with striking art and boss design — and it’s part of this month’s catalog add. (blog.playstation.com )
• For no‑friction comfort play: Slime Rancher 2 on Essential is a stress‑free, colorful timesink that’s easy to recommend to anyone who wants a lighter experience. (blog.playstation.com )

Claiming and keeping your games: the fine print

• Essential “monthly games” must be redeemed within their window (March 3–April 6) and remain playable while your PS Plus membership is active. (blog.playstation.com )
• Game Catalog and Classics titles rotate; availability can differ by country/region and over time, so check the PS Plus hub or your console’s “Last Chance to Play” row each month. (playstation.com )

The bottom line

• Essential: Four games to claim by April 6.
• Extra/Premium: Seven notable Game Catalog titles (plus more regionally) arrive March 17.
• Premium Classic: Tekken Dark Resurrection joins the archive this month.
• Departures: TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, Code Fairy, Cris Tales and more rotate out around March 17 — finish or buy before then.

Bookmark Sony’s PlayStation Blog and the “What’s new on PS Plus” hub to catch the April reveals as they drop later this month. (blog.playstation.com )