How Many Games Are in the PlayStation Plus Extra Tier?
The PlayStation Plus Extra tier offers a vast library of games for subscribers to download and play, but pinning down an exact number can be tricky. The official word is that the Game Catalog includes up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games from both Sony and third-party developers. This number is not static, though. It fluctuates as games are added and removed from the service each month, meaning the actual number available at any given time can vary. However, the key takeaway is that the PlayStation Plus Extra tier offers access to a substantial collection of games for your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5.
What the PlayStation Plus Extra Tier Offers
The PlayStation Plus Extra tier builds upon the foundation of the basic PlayStation Plus Essential plan, retaining all of its perks, including online multiplayer access and cloud save storage. Where it really differentiates itself is in the provision of the Game Catalog. This catalog is what gives subscribers access to a diverse array of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games that are available to play as long as your subscription remains active.
It’s important to note that while you download these games, they are not “free to keep” forever. Access to them is tied to the subscription itself. Think of it as a streaming service, but with downloadable titles; if you stop subscribing, you’ll lose the ability to play those games until you resubscribe.
A Dynamic Library
The ever-changing nature of the game catalog is one of the key things to understand. PlayStation regularly adds new titles each month, sometimes popular new releases, and rotates some older ones out. The exact titles offered vary by region, though there are usually many games that are consistent across the world.
This dynamic library is one of the benefits, giving subscribers an ongoing stream of new games to try. It is also, though, something that should be kept in mind, especially if you’ve been holding off on playing a game on the catalog. You may not have access later.
PlayStation Plus Extra Game Highlights
While it’s difficult to offer an exhaustive list of games due to the constantly evolving nature of the catalog, some notable titles frequently mentioned or have been recently added, included:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A vast open-world adventure that can offer hundreds of hours of gameplay.
- Ghost of Tsushima: A visually striking and immersive samurai adventure.
- Spider-Man Titles: Games such as the original Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart: A vibrant and inventive platformer.
- Back 4 Blood: A cooperative zombie shooter.
- Assetto Corza Competizione: A hardcore racing simulator.
These are just a few examples. The catalog includes a wide range of genres, from action-adventure and RPGs to sports games and family-friendly titles, meaning there’s usually something for everyone.
PlayStation Plus Tiers Explained
Understanding the PS Plus landscape is important when deciding which tier suits your needs. Here’s a quick rundown:
PlayStation Plus Essential
This tier is the most basic option. It grants access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a few free games each month.
PlayStation Plus Extra
The Extra tier includes all of the Essential perks, as well as the Game Catalog of downloadable games, which we’ve discussed extensively.
PlayStation Plus Premium
This is the highest tier. In addition to all the benefits of the Essential and Extra tiers, it offers access to a classic games catalog and cloud streaming of certain titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the benefits and features of the PlayStation Plus Extra tier, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Does the PS Plus Extra tier provide full games?
Yes, the PS Plus Extra tier provides access to full, downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. These are not demos or limited versions.
2. Is the PS Plus Extra tier worth the price?
Whether it is “worth it” depends on individual playing habits. If you enjoy playing a wide variety of modern games and aren’t particularly interested in cloud streaming or older titles, PlayStation Plus Extra is generally considered to be a good value by many.
3. How much does PS Plus Extra cost for a year?
A 12-month subscription to PlayStation Plus Extra is priced at $134.99.
4. Do I lose my PS Plus Extra games if I downgrade or cancel my subscription?
Yes, you will lose access to the games that were part of the Extra Game Catalog if you downgrade or cancel your subscription. You will still have them on your system, but they will become unplayable.
5. Is PS Plus Extra better than Game Pass?
Whether PS Plus Extra is better than Game Pass is subjective. While PS Plus has a large catalog of games, including many of the same titles available on Game Pass, Game Pass often offers day-one availability for some titles. It comes down to personal preferences and what types of games you most enjoy. Many who have access to both consider that PS Plus Premium has more to offer than Game Pass Ultimate.
6. What are the advantages of the PlayStation Plus Premium tier over Extra?
The main advantage of Premium over Extra is the inclusion of a catalog of classic PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP games, as well as cloud streaming for certain titles.
7. Can I share PS Plus Extra benefits with a friend on another console?
No, you cannot directly share PS Plus Extra benefits with a friend on another console. Sharing is limited to a single PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated, or a single primary PS4 console.
8. Are all games in the PS Extra catalog free to play?
Yes, all games in the PS Plus Extra catalog are available to download and play as long as you maintain an active subscription, at no extra cost on top of the monthly or yearly subscription.
9. Is “The Witcher 3” available on PS Plus Extra?
While “The Witcher 3” may not always be in the standard game catalog for Extra subscribers, it has been available for trial access for PS Plus Premium subscribers. Games can be removed, so make sure to check the specific catalog list.
10. What happens if I delete a game downloaded from the PS Plus Extra catalog?
As long as you have an active subscription, you can redownload the game from your library at any time.
11. Does PlayStation Plus ever go on sale?
Yes, Sony often offers discounts on PlayStation Plus subscriptions, particularly for new subscribers. Keep an eye on the PSN store or your email inbox for deals.
12. Can I subscribe to PS Plus Extra monthly?
Yes, you can subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra on a monthly basis, with a recurring fee of $14.99 charged automatically every month.
13. Is God of War Ragnarok on PS Plus Extra?
God of War Ragnarok is not generally available in the main Game Catalog for Extra subscribers, but it is often offered as a trial for Premium subscribers.
14. What happens if I miss a PS Plus game being offered?
Games will be added to and removed from the service at times, and sometimes games will be free to keep for a limited time, only. If you don’t download a game before it is taken down from the service, you will not be able to get it unless you purchase it separately.
15. How do I access the PS Plus Extra game catalog?
You can access the Game Catalog through the PlayStation Store on your console. Once you’re subscribed to the Extra tier, the available games will be listed for you to download.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Plus Extra tier is a compelling option for PlayStation owners looking to expand their gaming library. With access to a large and regularly updated catalog of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games, it offers significant value. Understanding the dynamic nature of the catalog and the terms of the subscription will allow you to get the most out of the service. Whether it is right for you will, of course, depend on your own individual needs.