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Are PS Plus Extra Games Free Forever? The Truth About Your Game Library

The short, and perhaps disappointing, answer to the question is: no, PS Plus Extra games are not free forever. Unlike games you purchase outright or the monthly games offered through PS Plus Essential, the games available through the PS Plus Extra Game Catalog have a limited lifespan within the service. Once they leave the catalog, they are no longer accessible, even if you have previously downloaded and installed them on your PlayStation console. This is a crucial aspect of the service that many users might not fully grasp, leading to frustration when favorite titles suddenly disappear. Let’s delve into the details and address the common questions surrounding this topic.

How PS Plus Extra Differs from PS Plus Essential

It’s important to understand the distinctions between the different tiers of PlayStation Plus to fully appreciate how game access works. PS Plus Essential provides players with a selection of monthly games that, once claimed, remain playable as long as the subscription is active. These are essentially “free” games that you add to your library and can keep accessing while subscribed. However, PS Plus Extra, which includes the Game Catalog, operates differently. The catalog functions more like a lending library; you can download and play any game within the catalog as long as it is available and you maintain your subscription. The games aren’t truly ‘yours’ in the same way as those from Essential.

Understanding the Game Catalog

The Game Catalog on PS Plus Extra offers a wide variety of PS4 and PS5 games, including blockbuster titles and indie gems. New games are added regularly, which is a huge draw for subscribers looking to explore different genres and experiences. However, this is a rotating selection. Just as new games are added, others are removed. This rotation is necessary for PlayStation to maintain the value of the service and introduce new content. It’s important to regularly check which games are being added and which are scheduled to leave the service to avoid any disappointment.

What Happens When Games Leave PS Plus Extra?

When a game leaves the PS Plus Extra Game Catalog, access is revoked, even if you’ve already downloaded it. You’ll find that the game is locked, and you’ll be required to purchase it to continue playing. The silver lining here is that any saved data related to that game remains intact. This means that if you decide to buy the game later, you can pick up right where you left off. However, the time you invested while it was in the catalog will be lost if you can’t buy it before it leaves.

The Importance of Tracking Game Expirations

Staying informed about which games are leaving the service is crucial. PlayStation usually announces the titles that are departing on a monthly basis, either through their official blogs or via sources on the web. By being aware of these announcements, you can prioritize your playtime and perhaps complete a game before it becomes unavailable. It’s also worth noting that Premium tier games can also leave the service as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify how PS Plus Extra works and what to expect regarding game availability, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions:

Do I lose PS Plus Extra games if my subscription ends? Yes. If your subscription to PS Plus Extra or Premium lapses, you will lose access to all the games downloaded through the Game Catalog. Once you renew your subscription, access will return.
What happens to my save data if a game leaves PS Plus Extra? Your save data is safe and remains on your console. If you buy the game later or if it returns to the catalog, you can continue from where you left off.
Can I keep PS Plus Extra games if I downgrade to Essential? No, if you downgrade from PS Plus Extra or Premium to Essential, you will lose access to the games offered through the Game Catalog.
How long are PS Plus Extra games available for? There is no fixed period. Some games might stay for a few months, while others might be available for over a year. It’s important to track the announcements on departing games.
Do PS Plus Essential games also leave the service? No. Once you claim your Monthly Games on PS Plus Essential, they are yours to play as long as you maintain an active subscription to any tier. These do not get removed from your library.
If I already purchased a game that appears on PS Plus Extra, can I get a refund? No, purchasing a game gives you full ownership of it. You do not get a refund if the game becomes available on PS Plus Extra after you buy it.
Can two accounts on the same console share access to PS Plus Extra games? Yes. If one account on the primary console has a PS Plus Extra or Premium subscription, all accounts on that console can enjoy most benefits, including playing games from the Game Catalog.
Is it possible to request PlayStation to keep certain games on PS Plus Extra? While you cannot make individual requests, Sony monitors user feedback. Positive reception of a game could influence its duration on the service, though there is no guarantee of a game remaining.
What is the difference between PS Plus Extra and Premium in terms of games? PS Plus Extra offers the Game Catalog of PS4 and PS5 games. PS Plus Premium includes everything in Extra, plus the Classics Catalog (PS1, PS2, PSP) and game streaming options.
Can I upgrade from PS Plus Extra to Premium anytime? Yes. You can upgrade your membership from Extra to Premium and pay a pro-rated fee to cover the difference for the remaining period of your membership.
Will I be notified when a game is about to leave PS Plus Extra? While PlayStation doesn’t send personal notifications, they do announce the departing games publicly on their official blog and other platforms.
Are all the games on PS Plus Extra downloadable? Yes, all the games in the Game Catalog are available for download to your console. This allows you to play without a constant internet connection. PS Plus Premium also allows you to stream certain titles, although this relies on a stable connection.
Do I have to download games through the PS Plus Extra catalog or can I play through streaming? All games in the PS Plus Extra catalog must be downloaded. Game streaming is reserved for PS Plus Premium.
Does it make sense to buy a game after it leaves PS Plus Extra? If you thoroughly enjoy a game and wish to continue playing after it departs the Game Catalog, purchasing it is a good way to experience it without time constraints.
Are there any student discounts available for PS Plus? Currently, Sony does not offer a student discount for PlayStation Plus subscriptions. However, there are periodic deals and promotions to keep an eye on.

Conclusion

The PS Plus Extra service provides excellent value, offering a vast library of games to explore. However, it’s essential to remember that these games are not free forever. The rotating nature of the catalog means you might lose access to titles you’ve come to enjoy. By staying informed about game additions and departures, and by understanding the nuances of the subscription, you can make the most of your PS Plus Extra membership. Always keep an eye on the games you want to play and enjoy them while they are available; purchasing them later is an option, but it’s better to plan to avoid potential disappointment.

Are PS Plus extra games free forever?