7 PS Plus Games Leaving September 2026 – Play These First!
Which PS Plus games are leaving in September 2026? PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers will lose access to seven games on September 16, 2026, including two beloved Vanillaware titles, the innovative The Plucky Squire, and the VR rhythm shooter Pistol Whip.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about these September departures from tracking PS Plus for years, including which games deserve your immediate attention, completion time estimates, and strategic advice for maximizing your remaining playtime with these titles. For more context on how PS Plus departures work, check out our complete PlayStation Plus guide that covers the service’s patterns and value optimization strategies.
| Priority Level | Games to Play First | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Critical (Play Now) | Dragon’s Crown Pro, Odin Sphere | 30-50 hours each |
| High Priority | The Plucky Squire, FIST | 10-15 hours each |
| Quick Sessions | Pistol Whip, Road 96, UFC 5 | 5-8 hours core content |
The September 2026 PS Plus Departure List – My Take on Each Game
After Sony confirmed these departures through the Japanese PlayStation Store’s “Last Chance to Play” section, I’ve been planning my gaming schedule around these removals. Having tracked PS Plus patterns since the service launched, I can tell you that September’s lineup follows the predictable one-year licensing cycle that the Reddit community has been documenting for months.
The complete list of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium on September 16, 2026 includes:
- Dragon’s Crown Pro (PS4) – Vanillaware
- FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch (PS4/PS5) – TiGames
- Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (PS4) – Vanillaware
- Pistol Whip (PSVR2) – Cloudhead Games
- Road 96 (PS4/PS5) – DigixArt
- The Plucky Squire (PS5) – All Possible Futures
- UFC 5 (PS5) – EA Sports
What makes this departure list particularly significant is the quality and variety of games we’re losing. Unlike some months where departures feel inconsequential, September hits hard with critically acclaimed titles across multiple genres. Let me break down each game and explain why you should care.
Dragon’s Crown Pro – The Vanillaware Masterpiece That Demands Your Time
I’ve invested over 60 hours into Dragon’s Crown Pro across multiple characters, and I’m telling you right now – if you haven’t started this game yet, it needs to be your top priority. This isn’t just another beat ’em up; it’s a hand-painted love letter to classic arcade games with RPG depth that most modern titles can’t match.
The game’s beautiful 2D artwork, created by George Kamitani, remains unmatched in the industry. Every frame looks like a painting come to life, with character animations that put most AAA titles to shame. Playing through the game’s campaign takes roughly 15-20 hours for a single character, but that’s just scratching the surface. The real Dragon’s Crown experience comes from mastering its six distinct character classes and tackling the challenging Tower of Mirages endgame content.
What sets Dragon’s Crown Pro apart from the original is the remastered orchestral soundtrack and 4K support on PS4 Pro and PS5. The gameplay loop of dungeon crawling, loot collecting, and character building creates an addictive cycle that I’ve rarely experienced in modern gaming. Each character class – Fighter, Amazon, Wizard, Sorceress, Elf, and Dwarf – plays completely differently, essentially giving you six games in one.
My recommendation: Start with the Fighter or Amazon for an easier introduction, then branch out to the more technical characters like Sorceress or Elf. The online multiplayer remains active, but with the game leaving PS Plus, expect the player base to dwindle significantly. If you want the full multiplayer experience, jump in now.
FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch – The Metroidvania Gem You’re Overlooking
FIST completely blindsided me when I first played it through PS Plus. This China Hero Project title delivers one of the most polished Metroidvania experiences I’ve encountered in recent years. Playing as Rayton, a rabbit with a giant mechanical fist, sounds ridiculous on paper, but the execution is phenomenal.
The game runs at a buttery smooth 60fps on PS5 with stunning dieselpunk aesthetics that create a unique atmosphere. Combat feels weighty and satisfying, with three distinct weapon types (fist, drill, and whip) that you can switch between mid-combo. The level design rivals classics like Hollow Knight and Ori, with interconnected areas that reward exploration and backtracking with new abilities.
What impressed me most about FIST is its reasonable completion time. You can finish the main story in about 10-12 hours, with 100% completion taking around 15-18 hours. This makes it perfect for squeezing in before the September deadline. The game respects your time while delivering a complete, satisfying experience without the padding that plagues many modern Metroidvanias.
Pro tip: The game’s difficulty spikes in certain boss fights, but the checkpoint system is generous. Don’t give up during the tough sections – the payoff is worth it. Also, make sure to explore thoroughly; the game hides crucial upgrades in optional areas that significantly improve your combat capabilities.
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir – Vanillaware’s Other Epic That Deserves 40 Hours
While Dragon’s Crown Pro gets more attention, I actually prefer Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir as the superior Vanillaware experience. This reimagining of the PS2 classic tells an intricate story through five interconnected character campaigns, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and perspectives on the overarching narrative.
I’ve completed Odin Sphere twice – once on PS Vita and again on PS4 – and the Leifthrasir version is definitively the way to play. The combat has been completely overhauled from the original, transforming what was a somewhat clunky action-RPG into a fluid, combo-heavy masterpiece. Each character – Gwendolyn, Cornelius, Mercedes, Oswald, and Velvet – has distinct combat styles that keep the 30-40 hour adventure fresh throughout.
The story, based on Norse mythology with Vanillaware’s unique twists, ranks among the best in gaming. The way the five stories interconnect, revealing new perspectives on events you’ve already witnessed, creates incredible narrative moments. The game’s alchemy system, where you grow food and create potions, adds a strategic layer that breaks up the combat sections perfectly.
My advice for tackling Odin Sphere before September: Play on Normal difficulty first. The game’s Hard mode is genuinely challenging and will significantly extend your playtime. Focus on one character’s story at a time rather than jumping between them – the narrative flows better this way. Also, don’t skip the recipe collection; the stat boosts from meals become crucial in later chapters.
Pistol Whip – The VR Workout That’s Leaving Too Soon
As someone who owns a PSVR2, losing Pistol Whip stings particularly hard. This rhythm-action shooter perfectly demonstrates what makes VR gaming special. It’s essentially John Wick meets Beat Saber, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Every level in Pistol Whip is choreographed to electronic music tracks, with enemies appearing in sync with the beat. You’ll dodge bullets Matrix-style while shooting to the rhythm, creating an incredibly satisfying flow state that few games achieve. After a 30-minute session, I’m usually drenched in sweat and grinning like an idiot.
The PSVR2 version benefits from the headset’s improved tracking and haptic feedback. Feeling the pulse of the music through the Sense controllers while dual-wielding pistols adds a layer of immersion that’s hard to describe. The game includes a campaign mode that gradually introduces mechanics, but the real longevity comes from chasing high scores and perfecting your runs on higher difficulties.
For PSVR2 owners on the fence: This is a must-play before it leaves. The game regularly receives updates with new tracks and modes, though you’ll lose access to everything once it departs PS Plus. Sessions are perfect for quick 15-30 minute play sessions, making it easy to fit into your schedule before September 16. For more VR gaming options that might stay longer, check out the upcoming Gloomy Eyes console release, which transitions from VR to traditional gaming.
Road 96 – The Procedural Road Trip That Surprised Me
Road 96 wasn’t on my radar until I saw it leaving PS Plus, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. This procedurally generated road trip adventure tells the story of teenagers trying to escape an authoritarian country, with each playthrough offering different encounters and story beats.
What makes Road 96 special is how your choices in one character’s journey affect future playthroughs with other teens. I’ve completed three full runs, each taking about 4-5 hours, and discovered new story elements and character interactions each time. The game tackles heavy themes – political oppression, family separation, personal freedom – while maintaining a hopeful, sometimes quirky tone.
The art style, reminiscent of Life is Strange with more vibrant colors, creates memorable scenes during your hitchhiking adventures. The soundtrack deserves special mention, featuring original songs that perfectly capture the 1990s road trip atmosphere. Some moments, like playing air hockey in a trailer park or having deep conversations with truckers, stuck with me long after finishing.
My recommendation for Road 96: Don’t rush through a single playthrough. The game is designed for multiple runs to see the complete story. With about 12-15 hours needed to see most content, it’s manageable before the deadline. Play with headphones to fully appreciate the excellent sound design and music.
The Plucky Squire – The Storybook Adventure We All Predicted Would Leave
The Reddit community called this one months ago – The Plucky Squire arrived on PS Plus in September 2024 as a day-one release, making its September 2026 departure fit the typical one-year cycle perfectly. Having completed it recently, I understand why it became an instant favorite among PS Plus subscribers.
This game masterfully plays with perspective, having you jump between 2D storybook pages and the 3D world of a child’s bedroom. The transitions never get old, especially when the game starts playing with genre conventions – one moment you’re in a 2D Zelda-like adventure, the next you’re in a 3D platformer, then suddenly you’re playing a rhythm game or a turn-based RPG.
The Plucky Squire respects both your time and intelligence. The main adventure lasts about 8-10 hours, with optional collectibles adding another 2-3 hours for completionists. The puzzles strike a perfect balance between accessibility and cleverness, often requiring you to think about how 2D and 3D mechanics interact. The writing is genuinely funny, with jokes that land for both kids and adults.
My biggest tip: Don’t skip the mini-games and side content. Some of the game’s best moments hide in optional areas. The game’s generous checkpoint system means you can experiment without fear of losing progress. Also, take your time with the final chapters – they’re spectacular and worth savoring. If you enjoy creative indie games like this, check out our best simple games guide for more accessible gaming experiences.
UFC 5 – The Sports Sim That’s Leaving After Just Six Months
UFC 5’s departure after only six months on PS Plus raised eyebrows in the community, and I share that surprise. EA Sports titles usually stick around longer, making this early exit unusual. As someone who’s not typically into sports games, UFC 5 won me over with its incredibly detailed combat system and impressive visual presentation.
The game’s new damage system, where cuts and bruises accumulate realistically during fights, adds a visceral element that previous entries lacked. The career mode, while not revolutionary, provides a solid 15-20 hour experience as you build your fighter from amateur to champion. Online play remains active, though expect longer matchmaking times as the departure date approaches.
What surprised me most about UFC 5 is how it teaches real MMA concepts. The tutorial system gradually introduces complex mechanics like ground transitions, submission chains, and striking combinations. After spending time with the game, I genuinely understand and appreciate the sport better when watching real UFC events.
For those curious but intimidated: Start with the career mode on easy difficulty to learn the systems. The game is more accessible than it appears, with control schemes ranging from simple button inputs to complex simulation controls. Even if you just mess around with exhibition matches, the spectacular knockouts and submissions provide entertaining moments.
Community Reactions and the Art of Predicting PS Plus Departures
The PlayStation Plus community’s ability to predict departures has become remarkably accurate, and September’s lineup proves it. Reddit user kayrakaanonline, who successfully predicted 5 out of 10 March departures, has been tracking the one-year pattern that most PS Plus Extra/Premium games follow. The Plucky Squire’s departure exactly one year after its addition validates this theory once again.
Over on r/PlayStationPlus, the reaction to losing two Vanillaware games simultaneously has been particularly vocal. As one commenter noted, “Losing both Dragon’s Crown Pro AND Odin Sphere in the same month is brutal for JRPG fans.” The community consensus is clear: these are substantial losses that impact the service’s value proposition for fans of Japanese games.
The departure of another VR title in Pistol Whip has reignited discussions about PSVR2’s uncertain future on the platform. This marks the third VR game to leave PS Plus in recent months, leading to speculation about Sony’s commitment to VR content in the subscription service. The PSVR2 community feels particularly frustrated, given the limited library and high hardware investment required.
What fascinates me about the community tracking efforts is how they’ve essentially reverse-engineered Sony’s licensing agreements. User chaoszage90 maintains a spreadsheet tracking the “Last Chance to Play” section on the PlayStation Store, which typically updates 15-30 days before removals. This grassroots effort has become more reliable than official Sony communications, which often come just weeks before departures.
The broader sentiment reflects a growing frustration with the predictability of the one-year cycle. While it helps with planning, many subscribers question why Sony can’t negotiate longer-term deals, especially for first-party adjacent titles or games that launch day-one on the service. The comparison to Xbox Game Pass, where Microsoft’s first-party titles remain permanently, comes up frequently in these discussions.
Strategic Gaming Plan – How I’m Prioritizing These Departures
With roughly three weeks until these games leave, strategic planning becomes crucial. Based on my experience with similar departure windows, here’s how I recommend approaching these seven games depending on your available gaming time and preferences. For weekly gaming recommendations that complement this strategy, our must-play PS Plus games guide provides ongoing prioritization advice.
For Heavy Gamers (20+ hours per week): Start immediately with either Dragon’s Crown Pro or Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir. These Vanillaware titles demand the most time investment but offer the richest experiences. Dedicate your first week to one, then switch to the other. In week three, sprint through The Plucky Squire and FIST, which you can complete in 3-4 dedicated sessions each. Fit in Road 96 during shorter gaming windows, and sample UFC 5 and Pistol Whip when you need palette cleansers.
For Moderate Gamers (10-15 hours per week): Focus on The Plucky Squire and FIST first – you can complete both within your time constraints while experiencing two of the best games on the list. Then choose either Dragon’s Crown Pro OR Odin Sphere based on your preference (Dragon’s Crown for multiplayer and arcade action, Odin Sphere for story and varied gameplay). Use any remaining time to experience Road 96’s unique narrative approach.
For Casual Gamers (5-10 hours per week): The Plucky Squire should be your priority – it’s the most universally appealing game that respects your time while delivering a complete experience. Follow it with Road 96, which you can complete in 2-3 sessions. If you own PSVR2, dedicate at least a few sessions to Pistol Whip for the unique VR experience. Sample Dragon’s Crown Pro or Odin Sphere to get a taste of Vanillaware’s artistry, even if you can’t finish them.
For Trophy Hunters: FIST offers the most achievable Platinum trophy within the time constraint, requiring about 15-18 hours for 100% completion. The Plucky Squire’s Platinum is also reasonable at around 12 hours. Road 96 requires multiple playthroughs but remains manageable. Avoid the Vanillaware games if Platinum trophies are your goal – both require significant time investments and multiple playthroughs.
My personal approach? I’m dedicating this weekend to finishing Odin Sphere (I’m 20 hours in), then moving to FIST next week. I’ve already completed The Plucky Squire, but I’m recommending it to everyone who’ll listen. Pistol Whip stays in my regular VR rotation, so I’ll get my fill before it leaves.
PS Plus Alternatives – Where to Find Similar Experiences
Losing these games doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The complete PlayStation Plus guide shows the service still offers excellent alternatives in each genre these departures represent.
For Vanillaware Fans: While nothing quite matches Vanillaware’s artistic style, PS Plus Extra still includes 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, another Vanillaware title focusing on story over action. For similar 2D action experiences, try Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night or the Castlevania Advance Collection. The recently added Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge captures some of Dragon’s Crown’s arcade beat ’em up spirit.
For Metroidvania Enthusiasts: FIST’s departure leaves a gap, but PS Plus Extra remains strong in this genre. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night offers classic Castlevania gameplay with modern polish. Axiom Verge 1 and 2 provide retro-styled exploration with unique mechanics. Guacamelee! 2 combines Metroidvania design with Mexican folklore and humor. For something different, Outer Wilds offers 3D exploration with Metroidvania-style progression of knowledge rather than abilities.
For VR Gamers: Losing Pistol Whip hurts, but PSVR2 owners can still enjoy Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7’s VR mode, and Resident Evil Village VR. For rhythm-based VR experiences, Tetris Effect remains available and offers a more meditative but equally engaging experience.
For Narrative Adventure Seekers: Road 96’s procedural storytelling is unique, but PS Plus offers other narrative-focused experiences. Life is Strange: True Colors delivers emotional storytelling with player choice. The Quarry provides branching narratives with horror elements. For something lighter, check out the weekly PS Plus recommendations for current narrative game highlights.
For Creative Gameplay: The Plucky Squire’s perspective-shifting creativity is rare, but PS Plus includes other innovative titles. It Takes Two constantly introduces new mechanics and perspectives. Sackboy: A Big Adventure offers similar charm with cooperative focus. Kena: Bridge of Spirits provides that Pixar-like visual quality with solid adventure gameplay. If you’re drawn to unique indie experiences, our weird games guide highlights more unconventional titles worth exploring.
For Star Wars Gaming: While not directly related to these departures, PS Plus subscribers looking for space-themed content might enjoy our best Star Wars games on PlayStation Plus guide, which covers similar subscription-based gaming value.
The Bigger Picture – What These Departures Mean for PS Plus Value
September’s departures highlight an ongoing concern about PlayStation Plus’s value proposition. Losing seven quality games, including two from a beloved niche developer and a day-one addition that’s barely a year old, raises questions about the service’s long-term strategy.
The predictable one-year cycle, while helpful for planning, suggests Sony isn’t negotiating longer-term deals even for successful additions. The Plucky Squire launched to critical acclaim and clearly found an audience on PS Plus, yet it’s leaving right on schedule. This contrasts sharply with Microsoft’s approach, where successful Game Pass additions often get extended stays or even permanent additions.
The departure of UFC 5 after just six months is particularly puzzling. EA Sports titles typically maintain longer presences on subscription services, and this early exit might indicate changing relationships between publishers and platform holders. It could also suggest that EA is seeing strong digital sales potential as the NFL season approaches and wants to capitalize with full-price purchases.
For PSVR2 owners, Pistol Whip’s departure continues a troubling trend. The platform needs every quality title it can get, and losing them from PS Plus diminishes one of the key value propositions for the expensive hardware. If Sony continues removing VR content without adding replacements, it sends a concerning message about PSVR2’s future support.
However, it’s worth noting that PS Plus Extra and Premium still offer tremendous value despite these losses. The service includes hundreds of games, with new additions typically outweighing departures. The key is staying informed about departures and prioritizing accordingly, which the community has become excellent at facilitating. For the latest updates on gaming deals and alternatives, check out our open-world games on sale guide for complementary gaming options.
Final Thoughts – Make September Count
These seven departures represent some of the highest-quality games to leave PS Plus simultaneously. Whether you’re drawn to Vanillaware’s artistic masterpieces, The Plucky Squire’s creative gameplay, or FIST’s polished Metroidvania action, September offers a compelling reason to dive into your PS Plus backlog.
My strongest recommendation? Don’t sleep on the Vanillaware games. Dragon’s Crown Pro and Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir represent a style of game development that’s increasingly rare – hand-crafted, artistic, and unapologetically niche. Once they leave PS Plus, they rarely go on deep sales, making this potentially your best opportunity to experience them.
For those overwhelmed by choice, remember that even sampling these games provides value. Boot up Dragon’s Crown Pro for an hour to appreciate its artwork. Try a few songs in Pistol Whip to experience VR rhythm shooting. Play Road 96’s opening to see if its narrative hooks you. Not every game needs to be completed to be appreciated.
The September 16 deadline will arrive faster than expected, so start planning now. Set aside dedicated gaming time, especially for the longer experiences. Use the community resources and predictions to stay ahead of future departures. Most importantly, remember that these games leaving doesn’t diminish PS Plus’s overall value – it just means we need to be strategic about what we play and when.
The PlayStation Plus ecosystem continues evolving, and while departures sting, they’re part of the subscription service reality. By staying informed and planning ahead, we can ensure we never miss the experiences that matter most to us. For ongoing gaming insights and subscription optimization tips, bookmark our comprehensive PS Plus guide for regular updates on service changes and game recommendations.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an Odin Sphere campaign to finish before September 16. The clock is ticking, and these Vanillaware masterpieces won’t experience themselves. Happy gaming, and may your backlog conquering be swift and satisfying!