Can I PS5 Game Share Diablo 4? A Comprehensive Guide to Sharing the Demonic Fun

Yes, you absolutely can game share Diablo 4 on the PS5! PlayStation’s console sharing feature allows you to share your digital game library with another player on a different PS5. This means only one of you needs to purchase Diablo 4 digitally, and both can delve into the depths of Sanctuary together (or separately!). Let’s explore how to do it, what the limitations are, and answer some burning questions.

Understanding PS5 Game Sharing

How PS5 Game Sharing Works

The PS5 game sharing feature essentially allows one PS5 to act as the “home” console for an account, while another console can access the same account’s purchased digital games. This is achieved through PlayStation’s “Console Sharing and Offline Play” setting.

Here’s the general process:

1. Log in: Log in with the account that owns Diablo 4 on the second PS5.
2. Enable Console Sharing: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and enable the feature.
3. Download: Download Diablo 4 from the PlayStation Store (it will show as purchased).
4. Log Out: Log out from the second PS5 and let your friend/family member log in with their account.
5. Enjoy: The other player can now play Diablo 4 on their account on that second PS5.

Important Considerations for Game Sharing Diablo 4

While game sharing is a fantastic feature, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind to avoid potential issues:

• Primary Console: Only one PS5 can be designated as the “primary” console for an account.
• Account Access: The account that owns Diablo 4 needs to be logged in to the PlayStation Network periodically to verify the game license. If the primary console loses its internet connection for an extended period, the owner account must log in to refresh the license.
• Simultaneous Play: The account that owns Diablo 4 cannot play the game simultaneously on both consoles. If the owner tries to launch Diablo 4 while someone else is playing it on the shared console, they will be kicked out of the game.
• PS Plus Requirement: While game sharing itself doesn’t always require PlayStation Plus for both accounts, Diablo 4 does require PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer. So, if you want to team up and fight demons together online, both accounts will need a PS Plus subscription. If only playing solo, PS Plus is only needed for the account that purchased the game.

Diablo 4 Crossplay and Couch Co-op

Even with game sharing, Diablo 4 offers various ways to play together:

• Crossplay: Diablo 4 features full crossplay compatibility across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and Xbox One. This means you can team up with friends regardless of their preferred platform, as long as you’re friends on Battle.net.
• Couch Co-op: Diablo 4 also supports couch co-op on PS5. Up to two players can play on the same screen with separate controllers. Each player needs their own PSN account linked to a Battle.net account.

Setting Up Couch Co-op

1. Launch Diablo 4: Launch the game with your primary account.
2. Connect Second Controller: Turn on the second controller.
3. Log In Second Account: Have the second player log in to their PSN account.
4. Battle.net Linking: If not already linked, the second player will be prompted to link their PSN account to a Battle.net account.
5. Create/Select Character: The second player can then create a new character or select an existing one.
6. Join the Game: The second player will automatically join your game.

FAQs: Diablo 4 Game Sharing on PS5

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about game sharing Diablo 4 on PS5:

1. Does Diablo 4 require PS Plus for game sharing to work at all? No. Game Sharing to work at all does not require PS Plus. Only if the second player wants to participate in online coop with you would they need PS Plus.
2. Can I play Diablo 4 online with my friend if we are game sharing and only one of us has PS Plus? No. Online multiplayer functionality in Diablo 4 requires that both players have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions. If you can’t play online, one player needs to purchase a subcription.
3. If I game share Diablo 4, do we both get the in-game bonuses from the Deluxe or Ultimate Editions? Only the account that purchased the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition will receive the associated in-game bonuses. The game-sharing player will only have access to the base game.
4. Can I transfer my Diablo 4 character from my PS5 account to my friend’s account if we stop game sharing? No. Character progress in Diablo 4 is tied to the Battle.net account. You cannot transfer characters between accounts.
5. Is it against PlayStation’s terms of service to game share Diablo 4? No. PlayStation explicitly allows game sharing through the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” feature. This feature is intended for trusted people such as family members and friends.
6. I’m seeing a lock icon on Diablo 4 even after enabling Console Sharing. What should I do? Ensure the account that owns the game is logged in and that “Console Sharing and Offline Play” is enabled on the console you are trying to play on. Restart your PS5. If the problem persists, restore licenses from your PS5 settings (Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses).
7. Can I game share Diablo 4 and still play it on my own PS5 at the same time? No. The account that owns the game cannot play it simultaneously on two different consoles. Only one console can use the game at a time.
8. Does game sharing Diablo 4 affect cross-progression? No. Cross-progression is tied to your Battle.net account. You can switch between playing on your PS5, PC, or other platforms and retain your character progress as long as you are logged into the same Battle.net account.
9. If I buy Diablo 4 on disc, can I still game share it? No. Game sharing only works with digital purchases made through the PlayStation Store. Physical disc copies cannot be shared digitally.
10. Can I game share Diablo 4 with someone on a PS4? No. PS5 games can only be game shared with other PS5 consoles. However, you can remotely stream and let the other player use your screen to play.
11. I’m having trouble linking my PSN account to my Battle.net account. What should I do? Ensure that the email associated with your PSN account is the same as the one associated with your Battle.net account. You can manage linked accounts on the Battle.net website.
12. Do both players need to buy the Battle Pass in Diablo 4 if we are game sharing? Yes. The Battle Pass is account-specific. If both players want to earn the rewards from the Battle Pass, they will each need to purchase it separately.
13. Can I game share Diablo 4 with multiple PS5 consoles? No. You can only designate one PS5 as the primary console for game sharing at a time. The account can be logged in on multiple consoles, but only one can have “Console Sharing and Offline Play” enabled.
14. Is Diablo 4 split-screen available on PC through emulation? No. While Diablo 4 does have controller support on PC, split-screen co-op is not available on PC, even using workarounds.
15. If I refund Diablo 4, does that revoke access for the person I was game sharing with? Yes. If the account that purchased the game refunds it, both accounts will lose access to the game.

Conclusion: Sharing Sanctuary’s Horrors

Game sharing Diablo 4 on PS5 is a great way to enjoy the game with a friend or family member while saving some money. By understanding the limitations and following the correct steps, you can easily share the demonic fun and embark on epic adventures together. Just remember the Battle.net account linking and PlayStation Plus requirements for online multiplayer! Understanding the design behind game sharing and cooperation in games such as Diablo 4 can be made easier by exploring the work being done at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Enjoy slaying demons!