Can You Keep Games You “Buy” With PS Plus? The Definitive Guide
The question of game ownership within the PlayStation ecosystem, especially when it comes to PlayStation Plus (PS Plus), can be surprisingly complex. Many players wonder whether the games they access through the service truly become their own. So, let’s get straight to the point: No, you cannot permanently keep games you “buy” with PS Plus if you are referring to the monthly free games offered through the Essential tier and games available through the Extra or Premium game catalogs. These games are tied to your active PS Plus subscription, meaning you only have access to them as long as you maintain a paid membership. If your subscription lapses or is canceled, you will lose access to these games, even if they are downloaded onto your console.
Understanding the PS Plus Tiers and Game Access
To fully grasp this, it’s crucial to understand the different tiers of PS Plus: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier offers different benefits and consequently, different rules about game access.
PlayStation Plus Essential
This tier is the most basic and closest to the original PS Plus service. With PS Plus Essential, you receive a selection of monthly free games that are added to your library. These are often the source of confusion regarding ownership. Though you claim these games and can download them, they are not yours to keep forever. Your access is directly linked to your subscription status. Once your subscription ends, so does your access to these “free” titles.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium
The Extra and Premium tiers build upon the Essential tier by adding a significant Game Catalog of downloadable games. These catalogs are extensive and include a wide array of titles from the PS4 and PS5 eras. With the Premium tier, you also get access to a Classic Catalog, featuring retro games from the PS1, PS2, and PSP. Similarly, with both of these tiers, you do not own these games. Access to these catalogs, and the ability to play games within them, is entirely reliant on an active PS Plus subscription. If your subscription ends or is downgraded, you lose the ability to access the games you “borrowed” through these services.
The Core Concept: A Subscription Service
The fundamental principle behind PS Plus is that it is a subscription service, not a game purchasing platform. The games provided aren’t purchases; they are benefits of the subscription. Therefore, the games you download and play are accessible only as long as your subscription remains active. Once the subscription ends, the license to play those games also expires, despite the files potentially remaining downloaded on your console.
What Happens When Your PS Plus Subscription Ends?
When your subscription expires or is cancelled, all games that you have claimed through the Essential monthly games or have downloaded from the Extra or Premium catalogs become locked. They’ll remain on your hard drive but will be unplayable until you resubscribe. You’ll see a padlock icon on the game in your game library, a clear indicator that you no longer have a license to play.
Is There Any Way to Keep PS Plus Games Permanently?
The only way to permanently keep a game available through the PlayStation Plus service is to purchase the game separately outside of the PS Plus offering. For instance, if a game was part of the Extra catalog and you enjoyed it, buying a digital or physical copy will ensure that you can play it regardless of your PS Plus subscription status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to keeping games acquired through PlayStation Plus:
1. Can I play PS Plus games offline?
Yes, you can play downloaded PS Plus games offline. However, you will need to connect to the internet at least once a week to validate your PS Plus membership. This ensures your subscription is still active and grants you a license to play these games.
2. What happens if a game leaves the PS Plus Extra/Premium catalog?
If a game you’re playing leaves the Extra or Premium catalog, it means it’s no longer available as part of your subscription. If you want to continue playing it, you’ll need to purchase the game. You will lose access to the game even with an active subscription when it’s removed from the catalog.
3. Do I keep PS Plus monthly games if I downgrade my subscription?
No, if you downgrade your subscription from Extra or Premium to Essential, you will lose access to any games you downloaded from the Extra/Premium catalogs. Only the games claimed through the monthly Essential offerings will still be playable with a lower tier subscription.
4. Can I keep PS Plus Collection games if I cancel my subscription?
The PlayStation Plus Collection was a benefit exclusive to PS5 users at the beginning of the console lifecycle. However, the collection has been removed and is no longer offered. Any games you had “claimed” through that perk will operate as the standard Essential games – you’ll lose access upon cancellation unless you purchase them separately.
5. Will I lose my saved game progress if I lose access to a PS Plus game?
No, your save data is generally not lost when you lose access to a PS Plus game. Save data is stored separately and remains in your system storage or online cloud storage. If you later purchase the game or reactivate your subscription, your progress will be there.
6. Does PS Plus take money every month automatically?
Yes, PS Plus is an ongoing subscription. Unless cancelled, your chosen subscription plan will be automatically charged at the current price of the Playstation store.
7. Can you get a refund if you cancel PS Plus?
Yes, you can cancel your PS Plus subscription at any time. However, if you cancel outside the initial 14-day cancellation period, you will not receive a refund and will retain access to your benefits until the next payment date.
8. What is the best PS Plus membership?
The best PS Plus membership depends on your needs. Premium is the most feature-rich tier, offering all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus a Classic Catalog, game trials, and cloud streaming. Extra is a good middle ground if you want an extensive library, while Essential is best for basic online play and a few free games.
9. What happens if I purchase a game I already have through PS Plus?
If you purchase a game you have previously accessed via PS Plus, the license will be upgraded to a permanent one. This means you’ll be able to play the game regardless of your subscription status. You will no longer be reliant on PS Plus for the game.
10. How much does PS Plus Extra cost annually?
PlayStation Plus Extra has an ongoing subscription fee, generally $134.99 charged automatically every 12 months in the USA. Prices can vary based on your region.
11. Why do I need to pay for PS Plus?
PS Plus is required for online multiplayer in most games, as well as providing access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for saves, and more, making it an integral part of the PlayStation online experience.
12. Are there any discounts for PS Plus subscribers?
Yes, PS Plus subscribers get exclusive discounts on games and add-ons in the PlayStation Store. These discounts are generally offered on top of any other discounts available.
13. Will PS Plus prices increase?
Sony has been known to increase the prices of its subscription services periodically. If this is ever the case, you will be notified of price increases beforehand.
14. What games were free on PS Plus in May 2023?
The PlayStation Plus Games Catalog for May 2023 included titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Watch Dogs Legion, and Humanity. The free Essential games for PS4 and PS5 included Grid Legends, Chivalry 2, and Descenders.
15. What games are being removed from PS Plus soon?
Games are routinely removed from the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs. Popular games such as Far Cry 5, Limbo, and Yakuza 5 Remastered have previously been removed. It’s important to keep an eye on announcements from Sony to see what games are leaving and when.
Conclusion
To be clear, games offered through PlayStation Plus are not owned by you in the traditional sense. They are accessible as long as your subscription remains active. Understanding the nuances of each subscription tier and how it grants access to games is vital for managing your library and expectations. While the prospect of losing access to games might seem disappointing, PS Plus provides a vast and ever-changing library of games for a relatively low price. Knowing the terms of service allows you to make the most of the service while also being mindful of how you choose to “own” your games.