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How do I play PS4 games on PS4?

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How to Play PS4 Games on Your PlayStation 4

Playing games on your PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a straightforward process, but it can involve a few different methods depending on whether you’re using a physical disc or a digital download. Essentially, you can play PS4 games on your console by:

  1. Inserting a physical game disc into the console’s disc drive.
  2. Downloading a digital game from the PlayStation Store.
  3. Accessing games remotely through Remote Play.
  4. Playing games shared by others by setting another console as your primary PS4 or via Share Play.

This guide provides a detailed look at how to play PS4 games using each method, ensuring you’re up and gaming in no time.

Playing Physical PS4 Games

Playing games from a disc is arguably the simplest method. Here’s how:

Inserting and Playing Disc Games

  1. Locate the Disc Drive: The disc drive on the PS4 is a slot located on the front of the console.
  2. Insert the Disc: Gently push the game disc into the drive with the label facing up or towards the left, depending on your PS4 model. The console should automatically pull the disc in.
  3. Select the Game: Once inserted, the game will appear in the content area of your PS4’s home screen. Select the game icon to start playing.
  4. Access Quick Menu: Pressing the PlayStation button in the middle of your controller while in game brings up the quick menu. Here you can see which friends are online, send party invites, or messages to players you’re playing with.
  5. Game Icon Persistence: After playing a game for the first time, the icon will remain in your content area, even after you remove the disc. This is for easy access should you decide to play again.

Playing Digital PS4 Games

Digital games are downloaded directly to your PS4’s hard drive. Here’s how to get started:

Downloading and Playing Digital Games

  1. Access the PlayStation Store: Navigate to the PlayStation Store icon on your home screen and select it.
  2. Browse or Search: Find the game you want to download by browsing through the store or using the search feature.
  3. Add to Cart: Select the game and then click ‘Add to Cart.’
  4. Proceed to Checkout: Once you have all your desired items, navigate to your shopping cart and select ‘Proceed to Checkout.’
  5. Confirm Purchase: Confirm your purchase, but make sure you have enough funds in your PlayStation wallet. You may need to add funds through a credit card or gift card.
  6. Download: After purchasing, the game will begin downloading. You can monitor the download progress through your notifications.
  7. Play the Game: Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear in the content area. Select it to start playing.
  8. Accessing Downloaded Games: You can also access the downloaded games through the Library section, under the “Purchased” folder.

Sharing and Remote Play

Your PS4 also offers methods to play games shared by friends and via remote play:

Playing Shared Games

  1. Primary Console: To give a friend access to your library, sign into your PSN account on their PS4 and set that console as your primary PS4. This allows them to play your digital games. Note you can only set one primary console at a time, and if you change the primary console, you will need to be online to access your digital games.
  2. Share Play: Use Share Play to let a friend join your game, even if they don’t own it. This works over the internet and is limited to an hour or so per session.

Remote Play

  1. Enabling Remote Play: On your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and ensure that Enable Remote Play is checked.
  2. Using Remote Play App: Download and install the PlayStation Remote Play app on your PC. This app will let you play your PS4 games from your computer.
  3. Log In: Open the app and log in to your PSN account, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your PS4.
  4. Start Playing: Once connected, you can access your PS4 library and start playing your games from your PC.

Additional Information

Before you start playing, it’s essential to have a few basic things set up, including:

  • HDMI Cable: An HDMI cable to connect your PS4 to your TV.
  • DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller: A functioning wireless controller to navigate and play games.
  • Internet Connection: An internet connection is needed to download games, update system software, and play games online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of playing PS4 games on your PS4:

  1. Can I play PS4 games without a disc? Yes, you can play PS4 games without a disc if you have downloaded them digitally from the PlayStation Store or if they are accessible through the primary console setting of another user’s library.

  2. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play online? Yes, for most PS4 games, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer. Some free-to-play titles do not require a subscription. Always check the PlayStation Store.

  3. Do all PS4 consoles have disc drives? Yes, all versions of the PlayStation 4, including the standard, slim, and Pro models, come with a built-in Blu-ray disc drive.

  4. Can I play all PS4 games offline? Yes, the vast majority of PS4 games can be played offline on your primary console. Only the few games that specifically require an internet connection at all times cannot.

  5. What’s the difference between PSN games and PS4 games? PSN games are games that you are able to play as long as you have internet connection and are logged into your PSN account. If you buy a full game, you can play it offline.

  6. Can I play PS4 games on a PS5 console? While the majority of PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles, some are exclusively playable on the PS4 only. These titles will be marked as ‘Playable on: PS4 only’ on the PlayStation Store.

  7. Do used PS4 discs work on all PS4 consoles? Yes, used PS4 discs should work on other PS4 consoles. Ensure they are original, not pirated, and are not heavily scratched or damaged.

  8. Can I download a game I already own on PS4? Yes, you can re-download purchased games from the Library under the “Purchased” folder.

  9. Can I play games directly from an external hard drive on PS4? Yes, you can play digital games directly from an external hard drive. Plug it in, and log into your PSN account on any PS4, to play from it. Remember to log out after!

  10. Why are my games locked on PS4? A locked game usually indicates that you don’t have the license to play it. Or if you have a playstation plus logo, your subscription has expired.

  11. Why can’t I download my purchased games on PS4? Ensure you are signed into the correct PlayStation account used to purchase the game. Double-check your transaction history to confirm the purchase was successful.

  12. Why won’t my PS4 read any discs? Ensure your PS4 game disc is clean. If it’s dirty, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. If the issue persists, it could indicate a system or hardware problem.

  13. Why is my PS4 not accepting discs? There could be a disc already in the drive, the disc you are trying to insert is dirty or damaged, or the system is not recognizing that you are trying to insert a disc.

  14. How do I play media discs on PS4? Insert the disc into the drive, and select the content from the content area. The PS4 must enable disc playback over the internet only once.

  15. Do I have to buy games again if my PlayStation Plus subscription expires? If you have downloaded games through a PlayStation Plus subscription and it expires you will need to either renew the subscription or buy the game in order to play it again.

By following this guide and FAQs, you should be all set to enjoy the wide world of PlayStation 4 games!

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