Do You Need PS Plus to Play The Crew 2 Online? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is a resounding yes, you typically need PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) to engage in the vast majority of online multiplayer features in The Crew 2 on PlayStation consoles. Without an active subscription, your access to the heart of the game – its online interaction and competitive play – is severely limited.
Understanding The Crew 2’s Online Dependency
The Crew 2 is designed as a persistent open-world online experience. The game features a scaled-down recreation of the contiguous United States where players can freely roam and participate in various racing and exploration activities using a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes. This core design philosophy relies heavily on online connectivity.
While it’s possible to engage in some solo activities, much of the game’s content and appeal stems from its online multiplayer elements. This includes racing against friends, competing with random players, and exploring the open world alongside others. Consequently, PlayStation Plus becomes a necessity to unlock the full potential of The Crew 2.
The Role of PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service offered by Sony that provides several benefits to PlayStation users. A key benefit is the ability to play most multiplayer games online. It’s important to note that this requirement usually does not apply to free-to-play titles. These generally permit online play without a PS Plus subscription. However, The Crew 2 is not a free-to-play game. This means you’ll need a valid subscription to access the essential online features that define the Crew 2 experience.
What You Miss Without PS Plus
If you choose to play The Crew 2 without PlayStation Plus, you’ll be locked out of many engaging features. This would significantly impact your enjoyment and ability to progress within the game. Some of the key features that require a PS Plus subscription include:
- Online Multiplayer: Racing against friends and other players in various events.
- Crew Management: Forming or joining crews to play with friends and participate in team-based events.
- Live Events and Challenges: Taking part in limited-time events that often require online interaction and competition.
- Leaderboards: Competing for top positions on leaderboards, a significant motivational factor for many players.
- Free Roam with Others: Exploring the open-world alongside other players in real-time.
A Note on Free Trials
Ubisoft sometimes offers free trials of The Crew 2. While you can experience the game during the trial period, you will still likely need PlayStation Plus to fully participate in any multiplayer features offered. Without it, you’ll primarily be limited to solo gameplay during the trial.
Understanding the Crew 2 Experience
The Crew 2 aims to deliver an immersive, shared experience that thrives on online interaction. By requiring PS Plus, the game is able to foster a vibrant online community of players. You will likely be participating in races, completing challenges, and exploring the game’s vast world together. If you’re primarily interested in a solo racing experience with no need to compete with or interact with other players, The Crew 2 might not be the best choice. But for those who crave the social aspect of gaming, PlayStation Plus is an essential gateway to unlocking the full potential of this dynamic title.
Additional Platforms
The need for a subscription applies to other platforms. On Xbox, an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription is required to engage in multiplayer modes in The Crew 2. On PC, no specific subscription like PS Plus is needed, as online multiplayer is generally open for paid games.
FAQs About Playing The Crew 2 Online
Here are some frequently asked questions that dive deeper into the specifics of playing The Crew 2 online.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play The Crew 2 online?
Yes, to engage in online multiplayer and many of the core features of The Crew 2 on PlayStation consoles, an active PlayStation Plus subscription is typically required.
Can I play The Crew 2 solo without PS Plus?
You can play some aspects of The Crew 2 solo without PS Plus, but your experience will be greatly limited. You won’t have access to online multiplayer races, crew features, live events, and leaderboards.
Is The Crew 2 a free-to-play game?
No, The Crew 2 is not a free-to-play game. It requires a purchase, and then a subscription is necessary for online multiplayer.
What happens if my PS Plus subscription expires while playing The Crew 2?
If your PS Plus subscription expires while playing, you’ll be disconnected from online services. You’ll lose access to multiplayer features until you renew your subscription.
Does PlayStation Plus Premium include The Crew 2?
The Crew 2 has been previously included in the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers. However, it’s important to note that games can be removed from these services, as The Crew 2 was previously removed. Always check the current list of available games on PS Plus Premium to confirm.
Can I use the PlayStation App to play The Crew 2 online without PS Plus?
No. The PlayStation App primarily facilitates social features and remote game management. It does not bypass the requirement for PS Plus to play online multiplayer games.
Are there any exceptions to the PS Plus requirement for The Crew 2?
There are no exceptions for The Crew 2. If the game is not free-to-play, PS Plus is always required.
If I only want to play with friends, do I still need PS Plus?
Yes. Even if you only want to play with friends, PlayStation Plus is necessary for both you and your friends to access the game’s online multiplayer features. This is also the case for using the Crew Management system.
Can I participate in live events in The Crew 2 without PS Plus?
No, most live events require online connectivity and interaction with other players. As such, a PlayStation Plus subscription is needed.
Does playing The Crew 2 on a PS5 require a different PS Plus subscription than on a PS4?
No. The PlayStation Plus subscription is linked to your account, not the console. The same subscription works for both PS4 and PS5.
Is there a free trial of PS Plus that I can use to play The Crew 2 online?
Sony occasionally offers free trials of PlayStation Plus. Keep an eye out for these promotions to try out the online features of The Crew 2 without a paid subscription.
Are there other Ubisoft games that require PS Plus for online play?
Yes, most Ubisoft games with online multiplayer components require PlayStation Plus to access those features on PlayStation consoles.
What is The Crew 2’s Crew Management system?
The Crew Management system allows you to form or join crews with friends to play together, participate in team-based events, and share progress. Accessing this feature requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Can I share my PS Plus subscription with family members on different consoles to play The Crew 2 online?
PlayStation Plus can be shared with family members on the same console using the console’s account management settings. However, sharing across multiple consoles may have restrictions.
Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
To learn more about gaming and its impact on learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. It is important to remember that while video games offer the opportunity to learn, they are primarily entertainment.