Humble Choice kicked off 2026 on January 5 with one of its strongest monthly lineups in recent memory, featuring Sonic Frontiers as the headliner alongside seven additional games totaling over $180 in combined value. For the standard $14.99 monthly subscription (or £11.49/€12.99), subscribers get Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Etrian Odyssey II HD, Metal Slug Tactics, Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, and Wizard of Legend 2. Reddit user Zenspy-Real called it a solid month, noting that Sonic Frontiers alone cost 20% more than the subscription fee at its lowest historical price, making this bundle a no-brainer for anyone interested in multiple titles.
The lineup shows Humble’s continued commitment to mixing AAA releases with quality indies and JRPGs, a formula that keeps the subscription appealing to diverse gaming tastes. GameWatcher notes this January offering continues proving Humble Choice as a reliable way to grow Steam libraries for relatively low prices, especially compared to buying these games individually. Gaming on Linux praised the selection as “great overall,” highlighting that most titles work well on Steam Deck with Verified or Playable ratings. The bundle runs through February 4, 2026, giving subscribers a full month to claim keys before the February lineup replaces it.
The Games Breakdown
Sonic Frontiers
Sonic Frontiers represents the Blue Blur’s ambitious evolution into open-zone platforming, blending high-speed exploration with combat in the Starfall Islands. The game launched in November 2022 with mixed reception but has since been updated extensively with DLC and improvements that addressed early criticism. IGN gave it 7/10, praising how it “mostly succeeds at mixing up the Sonic formula, even when some of its ideas fall flat.” The open-zone design allows free exploration rather than linear stages, though traditional Cyberspace levels provide classic Sonic gameplay for purists who prefer focused platforming over exploration.
Reddit user ThonOfAndoria describes it as “quite an unusual title” where enjoyment depends on whether you want “a somewhat average open-world adventure that features side levels reminiscent of classic Sonic titles.” The game features memorable titan boss battles set to high-energy rock music, fishing mini-games with Big the Cat, and collectibles scattered across vast environments. YouTube reviewer notes the soundtrack as a particular highlight, with cinematic moments providing some of Sonic’s most epic set pieces in franchise history. Steam reviews sit at Very Positive (90%), suggesting post-launch support won Sonic Frontiers over after its rough start.
Important note from Reddit user Kneppy18: you can’t upgrade to the Deluxe version through this bundle, meaning you’ll miss the digital artbook, soundtrack, and cosmetic items like leather gloves and shoes. For most players, the base game provides plenty of content without these extras, but collectors might want to be aware of this limitation before claiming the key.
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
Aspyr’s remaster collection packages The Last Revelation (1999), Chronicles (2000), and The Angel of Darkness (2003) with modern quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original gameplay that defined late-90s/early-2000s Tomb Raider. Steam reviews sit at Very Positive (90%), indicating Aspyr successfully updated these classics without destroying what made them special. The remasters feature improved graphics with optional classic mode toggling, refined controls that modernize tank-like movement without losing the deliberate platforming feel, and achievement support for players who enjoy completion goals.
Reddit user Dino-taicho expressed excitement about this inclusion since they received Tomb Raider I-III Remastered in an earlier Humble bundle, noting “I’m really pleased that we now have access to the remaining remastered titles.” This makes Humble Choice an excellent way for franchise fans to collect the entire remastered saga across multiple monthly bundles without paying full retail for each collection. For newcomers, these remasters provide accessible entry points to classic Tomb Raider design before the series rebooted in 2013 with more action-heavy gameplay.
Hunt: Showdown 1896
Crytek’s PvPvE extraction shooter blends competitive multiplayer with supernatural horror in the Louisiana bayou circa 1896. Teams of hunters track monstrous targets through atmospheric swamps, competing against rival players while avoiding AI-controlled creatures. The recently rebranded Hunt: Showdown 1896 represents a major overhaul updating graphics, balance, and systems based on years of player feedback. Steam reviews show Mostly Positive (76%), reflecting the game’s niche appeal to players who appreciate its unique tension.
The core loop involves tracking bounties through clues, fighting the target boss, claiming the bounty, then extracting alive while rival teams try stealing your prize. Permanent character death stakes raise tension substantially compared to typical multiplayer shooters where respawning removes consequences. Weapons feel weighty and historically appropriate, with period-accurate firearms requiring careful aim rather than spray-and-pray tactics. Reddit reactions suggest Hunt: Showdown appeals to specific tastes, with some users excited while others skip it entirely depending on their tolerance for high-stakes competitive multiplayer.
Etrian Odyssey II HD
Atlus’s dungeon-crawling JRPG returns in HD remaster form, continuing the series’ tradition of challenging first-person dungeon exploration combined with deep character customization and brutal difficulty. The game features the series’ signature cartography system where players manually map dungeons using the touchscreen (or mouse on PC), creating satisfying progression as your hand-drawn maps gradually reveal complex labyrinth layouts. Steam reviews sit at Very Positive (80%), indicating the HD treatment successfully modernized the 2008 DS original without losing its hardcore appeal.
Reddit user TheGreatBenjie expressed excitement about the Etrian Odyssey II HD inclusion, noting Humble previously offered Etrian Odyssey HD in November 2025 and hoping for Etrian Odyssey III HD soon to complete the trilogy through subscription bundles. This makes Humble Choice an excellent value for JRPG fans slowly collecting the series without paying full retail. Atlus positioned these HD remasters as preservation efforts ensuring the DS-era games remain accessible on modern platforms after the 3DS eShop closure threatened their availability.
Metal Slug Tactics
Leikir Studio’s tactical RPG reimagines SNK’s run-and-gun arcade franchise as a turn-based strategy game with roguelike elements. The game launched November 2024 to positive reception, successfully translating Metal Slug’s frantic action into thoughtful tactical gameplay without losing the series’ characteristic charm. Players command familiar characters like Marco and Fio through procedurally generated missions, positioning units for optimal attacks while managing action points and special abilities.
YouTube reviewer praised Metal Slug Tactics for its “no permadeath and plenty of characters to unlock,” providing roguelike variety without punishing difficulty that permanently destroys progress. Mission routes, boss encounters, and upgrade opportunities change between runs, ensuring multiple playthroughs feel fresh despite limited map tilesets. The game’s bright pixel art maintains Metal Slug’s visual identity while adapting to grid-based tactical gameplay, creating a unique aesthetic that stands out among fantasy-dominated tactics games.
Nice Day for Fishing
This cozy fishing sim from solo developer Sundew Studios launched August 2024, offering meditative gameplay where you sail to different fishing spots, catch various fish species, and gradually upgrade your equipment. The game features hand-painted watercolor art style creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxing gaming sessions. Unlike hardcore fishing sims with complex mechanics, Nice Day for Fishing prioritizes chill vibes over simulation depth, making it accessible to players who simply want peaceful downtime between intense action games.
YouTube coverage describes it as offering “a sense of freedom previously unseen” in fishing games through its sailing exploration between fishing locations. The progression loop involves catching fish to earn money for better rods, bait, and boat upgrades that unlock new areas with rarer species. For players who enjoyed relaxing titles like A Short Hike or Unpacking, Nice Day for Fishing provides similar cozy energy focused on simple pleasures rather than stressful challenges.
Settlement Survival
This city-building survival game from Gleamer Studio tasks players with establishing thriving settlements in harsh environments where resource management and planning determine success or failure. The game draws obvious inspiration from Banished and Frostpunk, focusing on realistic challenges like food production, housing, healthcare, and citizen happiness rather than fantastical elements. Steam reviews indicate solid reception from fans of the city-builder genre who appreciate the game’s systems depth despite modest presentation.
Reddit user Zenspy-Real noted excitement about Settlement Survival since “I’m a fan of city simulation games,” even though they hadn’t heard of the title before. This reflects Humble Choice’s value in exposing subscribers to quality games they might never discover otherwise. The game’s focus on survival creates meaningful decision-making where poor planning leads to cascading failures as citizens starve, freeze, or abandon your settlement. Success requires balancing immediate needs against long-term infrastructure investments.
Wizard of Legend 2
Dead Mage’s roguelike action game launched October 2024 as the sequel to 2018’s cult hit, expanding the original’s spell-casting combat with new arcana combinations, improved co-op, and refined progression systems. Players customize wizard builds using hundreds of spell combinations, creating unique playstyles ranging from aggressive melee mages to long-range elemental specialists. The procedurally generated dungeons ensure variety across runs while persistent unlocks provide long-term progression despite permadeath resetting individual attempts.
The game’s combat emphasizes skill expression through positioning, timing, and smart spell synergies rather than pure stats, rewarding players who master mechanics over those who simply grind for better gear. Co-op mode allows friends to tackle dungeons together, though difficulty scales appropriately to prevent trivializing encounters. For fans of games like Hades or Dead Cells, Wizard of Legend 2 offers similar roguelike satisfaction with distinct magic-focused combat that differentiates it from weapon-based alternatives.
Key Redemption Deadlines
Reddit user Gyossaits provided crucial information about key activation deadlines that subscribers need to know. Keys for Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, and Metal Slug Tactics must be activated by August 3, 2026. Meanwhile, keys for the remaining five games (Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Etrian Odyssey II HD, and Wizard of Legend 2) need redemption by February 7, 2026.
This staggered deadline system reflects different publisher agreements with Humble Bundle. The shorter February 7 deadline for most games gives subscribers roughly one month to claim keys after the bundle becomes available. The extended August 3 deadline for the three indie titles provides more flexibility, though waiting until the last minute risks forgetting entirely. Best practice is activating all keys immediately after purchase to avoid losing access through procrastination.
Steam Deck Compatibility
Gaming on Linux compiled compatibility information showing most January 2026 Humble Choice games work well on Steam Deck. Sonic Frontiers and Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered both carry Steam Deck Verified status, indicating perfect out-of-box compatibility without requiring tweaks or workarounds. Hunt: Showdown 1896 shows Playable rating, meaning it works but may require manual configuration like adjusting text size or control mappings.
Etrian Odyssey II HD verification status remains unknown according to available data, though most turn-based RPGs translate well to handheld play. The remaining indie titles (Metal Slug Tactics, Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, Wizard of Legend 2) should run acceptably on Deck given their modest system requirements, though official verification may take time. For Steam Deck owners, this January bundle provides substantial portable-friendly content at exceptional value.
Community Reception
Reddit discussions show generally positive sentiment toward January 2026’s lineup, with user Kneppy18 stating “For the first time in more than a year, I find myself eager for more than just one or two games this month.” They specifically highlighted Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider, Etrian Odyssey, Nice Day for Fishing, and Metal Slug Tactics as appealing, suggesting the bundle’s diversity successfully targets multiple audience segments rather than focusing narrowly on one genre.
However, not everyone celebrated equally. Steam Gifts user Akasch called it “a very weak month for my tastes,” with Etrian Odyssey II HD as their only highlight. They acknowledged Sonic and the fishing game as “probably worth playing” while dismissing the rest, demonstrating how monthly bundle quality depends entirely on individual preferences. This mixed reception is normal for Humble Choice, where diverse lineups inevitably appeal more to some subscribers than others.
The strongest praise came from users who discovered value across multiple titles rather than focusing on a single headliner. Reddit user Dino-taicho expressed excitement about receiving Tomb Raider remasters to complete their collection, enjoying Sonic and Hunt as bonuses, and being “excited for January, not gonna lie!” This reflects Humble Choice’s core value proposition: even if you only want 3-4 games from the monthly selection, the $15 subscription costs less than buying those titles individually at historical lows.
FAQs About Humble Choice January 2026
What games are in Humble Choice January 2026?
January 2026 Humble Choice includes Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Etrian Odyssey II HD, Metal Slug Tactics, Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, and Wizard of Legend 2. That’s eight games total worth over $180 combined retail value.
How much does Humble Choice cost?
Humble Choice costs $14.99 monthly (or £11.49/€12.99). Annual subscriptions cost $154.99 yearly (or £119.99/€134.99), providing slight savings compared to paying monthly. You can cancel anytime without penalty.
When do January 2026 Humble Choice keys expire?
Most keys (Sonic Frontiers, Tomb Raider, Hunt Showdown, Etrian Odyssey II HD, Wizard of Legend 2) must be activated by February 7, 2026. Three games (Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, Metal Slug Tactics) have extended deadlines until August 3, 2026.
Does Sonic Frontiers include DLC in Humble Choice?
No, Humble Choice provides the base version of Sonic Frontiers. You cannot upgrade to the Deluxe edition through this bundle, meaning you miss the digital artbook, soundtrack, and cosmetic items like leather gloves and shoes.
Can I play Humble Choice games on Steam Deck?
Yes, most January 2026 games work on Steam Deck. Sonic Frontiers and Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered are Verified. Hunt: Showdown 1896 is Playable. The remaining games should run acceptably though official verification varies by title.
Do I get to keep Humble Choice games forever?
Yes, once you activate Steam keys from Humble Choice, the games are yours permanently even if you cancel your subscription. You only need active subscription to claim that month’s keys before they expire.
Is January 2026 Humble Choice worth it?
If you want 3-4 games from the lineup, yes absolutely. Sonic Frontiers alone costs more at historical low than the $15 subscription. Adding Tomb Raider remasters, Etrian Odyssey II HD, or Metal Slug Tactics makes the value proposition excellent for most gaming tastes.
When does January 2026 Humble Choice end?
January 2026 Humble Choice runs through February 4, 2026, when the February lineup replaces it. You have one full month to subscribe and claim keys before they’re gone permanently.
Conclusion
Humble Choice January 2026 demonstrates why the subscription remains one of PC gaming’s best values despite increasing competition from Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Eight games spanning AAA releases, classic remasters, competitive multiplayer, hardcore JRPGs, tactical strategy, and cozy indies creates a lineup with something for everyone. Sonic Frontiers as the headliner provides strong brand recognition, while Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered appeals to nostalgia-driven players wanting classic Lara adventures. Hunt: Showdown 1896 offers competitive multiplayer for PvP fans, Etrian Odyssey II HD satisfies dungeon-crawling JRPG enthusiasts, and Metal Slug Tactics delivers tactical strategy with arcade charm. The three remaining indies (Nice Day for Fishing, Settlement Survival, Wizard of Legend 2) round out the package with accessible experiences perfect for gaming sessions between more demanding titles. For $15, this bundle costs less than buying just Sonic Frontiers and Tomb Raider at historical lows, making everything else essentially free bonuses. The staggered key redemption deadlines require attention to avoid losing access, but activating keys immediately after purchase solves that problem. Whether January 2026 ranks among Humble’s all-time best lineups depends on individual taste, but the objective value proposition clearly favors subscribers who appreciate variety over specialization. If you’ve been considering Humble Choice but waiting for the right month to jump in, January 2026 provides an excellent entry point with enough quality across genres to justify the subscription cost several times over.