Do I Need PS Plus to Play Apex Legends? Your Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, you do not need PlayStation Plus to play Apex Legends. This popular battle royale title falls into the category of free-to-play games that do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer access. This means you can jump into the arena, squad up with friends, and battle it out for champion status without paying for Sony’s online service. Let’s dive into more details and address some frequently asked questions!
Understanding PlayStation Plus and Free-to-Play Games
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service offered by Sony for PlayStation consoles. Historically, it has been required for most games with online multiplayer functionality. However, a significant change occurred when Sony decided to exempt free-to-play games from this requirement. This means that titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and others can be enjoyed online without a PS Plus membership.
This policy shift has been a welcome change for gamers, as it allows more players to access and enjoy these popular titles without an additional cost. This change has also opened avenues for games like Apex Legends to be studied more closely. For example, the Games Learning Society is investigating how games like this impacts learning and development.
Getting Started with Apex Legends on PlayStation
To play Apex Legends on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, here’s what you need:
- A PlayStation Network (PSN) account: This is a free account that you’ll need to download and access any game on the PlayStation Network.
- An internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for playing any online multiplayer game.
- The Apex Legends game: You can download Apex Legends for free from the PlayStation Store.
- An EA account: You’ll need to create or link an EA account to play Apex Legends. This is a free account that allows you to track your progress, earn rewards, and connect with other players.
Once you have these prerequisites, you can launch the game and start playing! No PS Plus subscription is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Apex Legends and PlayStation Plus
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Apex Legends and PlayStation Plus:
1. Is Apex Legends completely free to play on PS4 and PS5?
Yes, Apex Legends is a free-to-play game on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. You can download and play the game without any upfront cost. In-game purchases are available, but they are entirely optional.
2. What online games can I play on PlayStation without PS Plus?
Besides Apex Legends, many other free-to-play games do not require PS Plus. Some popular examples include:
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Rocket League
- Genshin Impact
- Warframe
- Dauntless
- Paladins
- Fall Guys (since becoming free-to-play)
- Destiny 2 (certain aspects)
3. If I subscribe to PS Plus, do I get any advantages in Apex Legends?
While PS Plus isn’t required to play Apex Legends, a subscription doesn’t provide any direct gameplay advantages within the game. PS Plus benefits are typically related to accessing online multiplayer for games that do require it, along with monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves. None of these benefits directly enhance your Apex Legends experience.
4. Can I play Apex Legends offline on PlayStation?
No, Apex Legends is an online-only game. You need a stable internet connection to play, as all matches are played with and against other players online.
5. Does PlayStation Plus cost extra?
Yes, PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service. There are different tiers available (Essential, Extra, and Premium), each with its own pricing structure and benefits. The cost varies depending on the subscription duration (monthly, quarterly, or annual).
6. What are the benefits of subscribing to PlayStation Plus if I play Apex Legends?
Even though it is not necessary to play the game, other PS Plus benefits include the ability to download free monthly games, get exclusive discounts, and save your progress with cloud storage. If you play other games besides Apex Legends, this might be something to think about.
7. Do I need PS Plus to download Apex Legends from the PlayStation Store?
No, you do not need PlayStation Plus to download Apex Legends or any other free-to-play game from the PlayStation Store. A standard PlayStation Network account is sufficient.
8. What is an EA account, and why do I need one for Apex Legends?
An EA account is a free account that allows you to access various EA services and games, including Apex Legends. It’s used to track your progress, save your settings, and connect with friends who also play EA games. You’ll need to create or link an EA account to play Apex Legends on any platform, including PlayStation.
9. Are there any in-game purchases in Apex Legends?
Yes, Apex Legends features optional in-game purchases. You can purchase Apex Coins, the game’s premium currency, to buy cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and banners. You can also purchase Battle Passes to unlock additional rewards by playing the game. However, these purchases are entirely optional and do not affect gameplay balance.
10. What is the age rating for Apex Legends?
In the US, Apex Legends is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and over. In Europe, it has a Pegi age rating of 16+ due to its “sustained depictions of violence against human characters”. Parents should consider these ratings when deciding if the game is appropriate for their children.
11. Do I need to pay to unlock characters (Legends) in Apex Legends?
You can unlock new Legends in Apex Legends in two ways: by saving up Legend Tokens (earned by leveling up your account) or by purchasing them with Apex Coins. Using Legend Tokens is a free option.
12. What happens if Apex Legends leaves PS Plus?
Since Apex Legends is a free-to-play game and does not require PS Plus to begin with, it cannot “leave” PS Plus. Games that leave PS Plus are typically those offered as part of the subscription’s free monthly games or those available in the Extra/Premium game catalog. Apex Legends is independently available on the PlayStation Store.
13. Can I play Apex Legends with players on other platforms (crossplay)?
Yes, Apex Legends supports crossplay, meaning you can play with and against players on other platforms, including PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Crossplay settings can be adjusted in the game’s options menu.
14. Are there any single-player elements in Apex Legends?
Apex Legends is primarily a team-based multiplayer game. While there are training modes and firing range, which you can play solo, there isn’t a traditional single-player campaign or story mode. The focus is on squad-based battles.
15. Where can I find more information and updates about Apex Legends?
You can find more information about Apex Legends on the official EA website, the Apex Legends subreddit, and various gaming news websites and YouTube channels. You can also check the official PlayStation Store page for the game. To learn more about the impact of gaming on learning, see the research at the Games Learning Society.
Final Thoughts
Apex Legends’ accessibility as a free-to-play title, coupled with its engaging gameplay and constant updates, makes it a popular choice for PlayStation gamers. The fact that no PS Plus subscription is required removes a significant barrier to entry, allowing more players to experience the thrill of the arena. So, download the game, squad up, and get ready to become a legend! You don’t need PS Plus, just skill and strategy.