Do You Need PS Plus to Play Online in 2023?
The short answer is yes, for the vast majority of online multiplayer games on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5), you do need a PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscription. This service from Sony is essential for accessing online play in most games, mirroring the function of Xbox Live Gold for Microsoft consoles. Think of it as a gatekeeper to online experiences, granting you access to the social and competitive worlds within your favorite titles. However, it’s not a completely black and white issue, and there are some important nuances to understand. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
The Basics of PlayStation Plus and Online Play
What is PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that provides various benefits to PlayStation gamers. Primarily, it allows access to online multiplayer gameplay, a feature that’s become a mainstay for many players. It’s not just about online play though. PS Plus also offers monthly free games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for game saves, and other additional perks depending on the subscription tier you choose. It’s a multi-faceted offering tailored to enhance the PlayStation gaming experience.
PS Plus: Not Just for Online Multiplayer
While its most commonly recognized function is to enable online play, PS Plus is more than just a multiplayer pass. As a member, you unlock a host of advantages:
- Monthly Games: Every month, PS Plus members receive a selection of free games to download and play. These are often a mix of popular titles and indie gems, providing ongoing value to the subscription.
- Exclusive Discounts: Subscribers get access to exclusive discounts on games and add-ons through the PlayStation Store, helping them save money on new purchases.
- Cloud Saves: Never worry about losing your precious progress! Cloud save functionality means your saves are backed up securely online. This feature ensures you can pick up where you left off, even on another PlayStation.
- Game Help: On PS5, PS Plus subscribers can access game help in the form of tips, hints, and even video walkthroughs, to assist in those tricky spots.
- Content Sharing: You can share your games and PS Plus benefits with accounts on one PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated and your primary PS4 console.
PS Plus Subscription Tiers
Sony currently offers three tiers of PlayStation Plus subscription: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier comes with its own set of benefits and pricing.
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the base tier, providing online multiplayer access, monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes everything in Essential, plus access to a vast catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: The highest tier encompasses all the features of Essential and Extra, adding a library of classic games from older PlayStation consoles, game trials, and cloud streaming for select titles.
The Exception: Free-to-Play Games
The crucial exception to the rule that you need PS Plus to play online lies with free-to-play (F2P) games. Titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, Rocket League, and others don’t require a PS Plus subscription to access their online multiplayer modes. These games operate on a different business model, where the developers generate revenue through in-game purchases. Therefore, online access for these games is generally free. You will need the service for a game like Minecraft to play online, for example, unless it was a free title. Always check the PlayStation Store page for a game to clarify if PS Plus is required.
Price Changes and Staying Updated
Keep in mind that the pricing of PlayStation Plus subscriptions can change over time. Recently, there have been notable price increases across all tiers. It’s crucial to stay updated on the current pricing to avoid surprises when it’s time to renew your subscription. As of writing, the pricing is:
- PS Plus Essential: $10 per month, $25 for three months, or $80 per year.
- PS Plus Extra: $135 per year.
- PS Plus Premium: $160 per year.
These prices were significantly increased from their older values in September 2023.
Why is PS Plus Needed?
Sony utilizes the PS Plus subscription to generate revenue and maintain the quality of online gaming services. The funds from subscriptions contribute to server maintenance, network stability, and new feature development. For most games, it acts as a paywall, which can be frustrating for some users but also a valuable service in terms of stability for others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS Plus and Online Play
1. Do I need PS Plus to play Minecraft online?
Yes, if you want to play Minecraft online on a PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5), you require a PlayStation Plus subscription. Playing it offline does not require PS Plus.
2. Do I need PS Plus to play Apex Legends?
No, Apex Legends is a free-to-play game and, therefore, does not require a PS Plus subscription to play online on PlayStation consoles.
3. Do I need PS Plus to play Fortnite?
No, like Apex Legends, Fortnite is a free-to-play game, and therefore, you do not need a PS Plus subscription to engage in online multiplayer.
4. Can I play online without PS Plus if I’m only playing with friends?
No, unfortunately, having friends online does not change the requirement for PS Plus. For most paid online games, each player needs a PS Plus subscription to play multiplayer, regardless of whether they’re playing with friends or random players.
5. Do I lose my free PS Plus games if my subscription lapses?
Yes, when you acquire free games through PS Plus, you have access to them as long as you have an active subscription. Once your membership expires, these games will be locked until you renew your subscription.
6. What if I buy a game that is part of the PS Plus game catalog? Will I still lose it if I downgrade?
No, if you have purchased the game outside of the PS Plus membership offerings, that purchase remains on your account, even if you downgrade your membership. You will still lose access to any games available only on your current PS Plus tier, if you switch to a lower membership.
7. Can I share my PS Plus subscription with another console?
No, while you can share benefits with accounts on one PS5 with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated and on your primary PS4 console, you can’t share your PS Plus benefits across multiple consoles with different users.
8. Is PS Plus free?
No, PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service with recurring fees. The fees are charged automatically at your chosen frequency until you cancel your subscription. There are no official free ways to obtain PS Plus.
9. Do I need PS Plus to play a game online locally with my friend?
No, playing a multiplayer game locally on the same console with multiple controllers does not require PS Plus. A subscription is only necessary for online play.
10. What happens when I get PS Plus through a code?
When you get PS Plus through a code, it’s activated like a regular subscription. Once you redeem the code, you gain access to all the benefits for the duration specified on the code.
11. Can you get PS Plus on multiple accounts?
You can use your PlayStation Plus features on multiple accounts on one console, as long as that console is set as your primary system.
12. What is the cheapest way to get PS Plus?
The cheapest way to obtain PS Plus is generally by purchasing a yearly Essential subscription. This typically works out to be less expensive on a monthly basis than paying for monthly or three-month plans.
13. Can I use the same PSN account on multiple Playstations?
Yes, you can log in and use the same account on different PlayStation consoles. However, you may need to activate the specific console for console sharing to take full advantage of your subscription.
14. Do I need PS Plus to play Final Fantasy 14 online?
No, Final Fantasy 14 is a subscription-based online game, but its subscription is separate from PS Plus. You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play.
15. Do I need PS Plus to join a Minecraft Realm?
Yes, similar to playing other online modes, playing multiplayer on a Minecraft Realm on Playstation requires a PS Plus subscription.
In conclusion, while a PlayStation Plus subscription is a requirement for the vast majority of online multiplayer games, there are some exceptions for F2P titles. Understanding the various PS Plus subscription tiers, along with their benefits and limitations is crucial for all PlayStation users. The service provides an enhanced gaming experience, but it comes with its own set of rules and requirements.