Was Yakuza 0 Removed from PS Plus? Your Burning Questions Answered
Yes, Yakuza 0 was indeed removed from PS Plus. The game was available as part of the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers for a limited time, but it is no longer offered through the service.
The Yakuza Series and PS Plus: A History
The Yakuza franchise has had a complex relationship with PlayStation Plus. Over the years, several titles, including Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, and Yakuza Kiwami 2, have been offered to subscribers. These additions significantly boosted the series’ popularity in the West, providing an accessible entry point for new fans. However, these games weren’t permanent additions, meaning they were eventually removed from the service.
The rotation of games is a standard practice for subscription services like PS Plus. Sony licenses these titles for a specific period. Once that period expires, they typically have the option to renew the license or remove the game from the service. In the case of Yakuza 0, Sony opted not to renew the license agreement, leading to its removal.
Why Yakuza 0’s Removal Matters
Yakuza 0 is widely considered one of the best entries in the entire series and an excellent starting point for newcomers. Its removal from PS Plus means new subscribers can no longer easily access the game as part of their subscription. This can be disappointing for players who were planning to dive into the Yakuza universe through the service. It also represents a potential loss of exposure for the Yakuza franchise to a new audience, who may not be willing to purchase the game at full price if they were initially drawn in by the accessibility of PS Plus.
How to Play Yakuza 0 Now
While Yakuza 0 is no longer available on PS Plus, you can still play it! Here are your options:
- Purchase the Game: The most straightforward way is to buy Yakuza 0 digitally from the PlayStation Store or physically on disc. Keep an eye out for sales, as the game frequently goes on discount.
- PC: Yakuza 0 is also available on PC platforms like Steam and the Microsoft Store. If you’re a PC gamer, this is a great alternative.
- Xbox Game Pass: While it might sound odd, Yakuza 0 has been available through Xbox Game Pass in the past. Keep an eye on Xbox Game Pass announcements, as it could potentially return to the service.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Yakuza on PS Plus
While Yakuza 0 is gone, the future of the Yakuza series on PS Plus remains uncertain. It’s possible that other Yakuza titles could be added to the service in the future. Sony often refreshes its catalog, so it’s worth keeping an eye on future PS Plus announcements to see if any Yakuza games are included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yakuza 0 and PS Plus
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Yakuza 0 and its availability on PS Plus:
1. When was Yakuza 0 removed from PS Plus?
The exact date varies depending on the region, but Yakuza 0 was generally removed from PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers in late 2022 or early 2023. It’s always best to check official PlayStation news or PS Plus announcements for specific removal dates.
2. Why was Yakuza 0 removed from PS Plus?
The removal was due to the expiration of the licensing agreement between Sony and Sega, the developer of Yakuza. Sony likely opted not to renew the license.
3. Is Yakuza Kiwami still on PS Plus?
Whether Yakuza Kiwami is currently on PS Plus varies and depends on your region. Check the PS Plus game catalog for your region to confirm its availability. Like Yakuza 0, it has been part of the service in the past but isn’t permanently available.
4. Can I still download Yakuza 0 if I added it to my library when it was on PS Plus?
If you claimed Yakuza 0 while it was part of the PS Plus lineup (and you maintain an active PS Plus Extra or Premium subscription), you should still be able to download and play it as long as it remained in the PS Plus library. Once removed from the library as it now has, access is revoked unless you purchased the game.
5. Will Yakuza 0 ever return to PS Plus?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Sony could renew the licensing agreement with Sega and re-add the game to PS Plus in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements.
6. Is Yakuza 0 worth buying even though it’s no longer on PS Plus?
Absolutely! Yakuza 0 is a fantastic game and well worth the purchase price. It offers a compelling story, engaging characters, and a wealth of side content. It’s widely considered a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.
7. Where can I buy Yakuza 0?
You can purchase Yakuza 0 digitally from the PlayStation Store, Steam, and the Microsoft Store. You can also find physical copies at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop.
8. Is Yakuza 0 available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yakuza 0 has been available on Xbox Game Pass in the past. Check the current Xbox Game Pass catalog to see if it’s currently available.
9. What other Yakuza games are available on PlayStation?
Several Yakuza games are available on PlayStation, including Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Judgment.
10. Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS Plus?
Like other Yakuza titles, the availability of Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS Plus can vary. Check the PS Plus game catalog in your region to see if it’s currently available.
11. What is the best Yakuza game to start with?
Yakuza 0 is widely considered the best starting point for the series due to its prequel setting and excellent introduction to the characters and world.
12. Do I need to play Yakuza 0 before other Yakuza games?
While not strictly necessary, playing Yakuza 0 first is highly recommended. It provides valuable context and backstory for the characters and events that unfold in later games.
13. What are the main differences between Yakuza 0 and other Yakuza games?
Yakuza 0 is a prequel set in 1988, while other games in the series take place later in the timeline. Yakuza 0 features two playable characters (Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima) and focuses on their origins. The combat style and overall gameplay are similar to other entries, but with unique twists.
14. Are there any discounts or sales on Yakuza games on the PlayStation Store?
Yes! Yakuza games frequently go on sale on the PlayStation Store. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, promotions, and special offers to snag a great deal.
15. Where can I stay updated on PS Plus game additions and removals?
The best way to stay updated is to follow the official PlayStation Blog, the PS Plus section on the PlayStation Store, and PlayStation’s social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). These sources provide regular announcements about new games being added and removed from the service.