Can Multiple People Play on PlayStation? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, multiple people can absolutely play on PlayStation consoles, but the specifics vary depending on several factors. These include whether you’re playing locally (on the same console), online (with other players via the internet), or utilizing Share Play. The number of players supported also differs between the PS4 and the PS5. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand how to game with friends and family:

Local Multiplayer: Couch Co-op and Versus

PlayStation 4 (PS4)

The PS4 is well-known for its robust local multiplayer capabilities. You can have up to four players simultaneously using multiple controllers on the same console. This enables classic “couch co-op” or versus gameplay experiences, where everyone shares the same screen, often in split-screen. Many games are specifically designed to be played this way, ranging from action titles and racers to sports games and party games. Remember, if your controller is not already paired, simply connect it via USB and press the PS button to register it.

PlayStation 5 (PS5)

The PS5 also offers excellent local multiplayer options. Similar to the PS4, you can typically have up to four players engaging in local multiplayer, though this is dependent on the specific game. The PS5 often utilizes the power of its next-gen hardware to deliver enhanced split-screen experiences and more sophisticated local co-op options.

Online Multiplayer: Gaming Across the Web

PlayStation 4 (PS4)

For online play, the PS4 supports a larger number of participants, generally up to 8 players in a single online game. This, however, is completely game-dependent; some titles may support fewer or more players than this. You will, of course, need an active internet connection, and, in most cases, a PlayStation Plus membership to access online features.

PlayStation 5 (PS5)

The PS5 continues this trend, offering online multiplayer for many games and often with enhanced features like faster loading times and better online stability, thanks to the improved network infrastructure. While game specific maximums vary, you can typically expect to see up to 8 players or more in online multiplayer, just like the PS4, though this can vary by game. A PlayStation Plus membership is also largely required for online multiplayer on the PS5.

Share Play: Virtual Couch Co-op

PlayStation 4 (PS4) & PlayStation 5 (PS5)

Share Play is a unique feature that allows you to invite a friend to join your game as if they were sitting next to you. The player initiating the Share Play session is the host, and the other player is the visitor. The host shares their game screen, allowing the visitor to watch. There are two main ways to use share play:

• View Screen: The visitor watches you play.
• Hand Over Controller: The host can virtually hand over the controller to the visitor, giving them control.

However, Share Play is limited to two players, meaning only one host and one visitor at a time. Furthermore, both participants need a PlayStation Plus membership to use Share Play in multiplayer games, even if only the host owns the game. Share Play sessions are also typically limited to 60 minutes, requiring restarting sessions after time runs out. Share Play works across PS4 and PS5. This means you can Share Play a PS4 game with someone using a PS5, and vice versa.

PS5 Game Sharing: Lending Digital Games

PS5 Only

PS5 game sharing allows you to share your digital games with friends and family. Unlike game sharing on the PS4, you don’t need to set your friend’s PS5 as your “primary console”. Instead, this is enabled by using the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” setting. This option lets them play your digital games as if they owned them. This works on the basis that both players are logged into the console. Note: This only works for a single friend at a time. You cannot share the same digital game with multiple people simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can 4 players play on PS4 with a single game?

Yes, many PS4 games support local multiplayer with up to four players. This includes a variety of games like sports, racing, fighting, and party games. These games are designed for split-screen or shared-screen gameplay.

2. How many people can play PlayStation online at once?

The maximum number of online players depends on the game but typically ranges up to 8 players or more on both PS4 and PS5. Specific player counts are set by the developers of each game.

3. Can you do 3 player Share Play?

No, Share Play is limited to only two players – one host and one visitor. Three-player Share Play is not supported on either the PS4 or PS5.

4. Can you Share Play with 3 people on PS4?

No, Share Play on PS4 only supports two players: the host and one visitor.

5. Can 2 players play on the same PS5?

Yes, you can have up to four local players for offline play or two players online. To join as a guest online, a second player can often simply press the triangle button. Note that if playing online, usually only one player needs a PlayStation Plus account.

6. Can 2 accounts share PlayStation Plus?

No, you can only share your PlayStation Plus benefits with accounts on one PS5 console with “Console Sharing and Offline Play” activated and your primary PS4 console. Sharing with a friend on another console is not possible.

7. Can multiple people play on PS5?

Yes, multiple people can play on PS5 both locally (same console) and online. The number of players is dependent on the specific game. Game Sharing also allows digital games to be shared with a single other console.

8. Can 2 people play with the same PS4 console?

Yes, absolutely. The PS4 supports local multiplayer for up to 4 players using multiple controllers, as well as online multiplayer and Share Play functionality (though Share Play is limited to 2 players).

9. How many players can play on PS5 locally?

Up to four players can typically play locally on a PS5, with the exact number depending on the game.

10. How many controllers can connect to PS4?

You can connect up to four controllers to a PS4 at the same time.

11. How do you set up multiple players on PS4?

To set up multiple players, connect additional controllers via USB and press the PS button. Each will then be assigned a player number. Games that offer local multiplayer will allow additional players in-game by pressing relevant buttons or menu options.

12. How many PS4 consoles can be activated on one account?

You can activate only one PS4 system per account. This is used for sharing your games and certain PlayStation Plus benefits with other users on that console.

13. How do you Share Play on PS4?

To start Share Play on PS4, create or join a party with a friend, load the game, press the share button on your controller, and choose Share Play on the TV screen.

14. How many people can share PlayStation games?

You can share digital games with one other person at a time via PS5 Game Sharing, and only one other person at a time on PS4. For sharing disc-based games, they can, however, be lent to others.

15. How many PlayStation friends can you have?

You can have a maximum of 2,000 friends on PlayStation Network.