How Many Games Are on PS+? A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of PlayStation Plus (PS+) can be exciting, but also a little confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the scope of available games. The short answer is that the exact number of games available on PS+ fluctuates regularly, as new titles are added and others are removed. However, we can break it down based on the different tiers of PlayStation Plus and the type of access each provides.
Currently, PS+ does not have a single, fixed catalog of games accessible across all its tiers. Instead, the offering varies significantly based on your subscription level: PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium. The highest tier, PlayStation Plus Premium, offers the largest selection of games, which includes those in the lower tiers.
The most important number to understand is “up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games” in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs. These are games available for download on PS4 and PS5. In addition to this, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can access hundreds of classic PlayStation, PS2, PSP, and PS3 titles, though these are mostly available via streaming, rather than local download, and the exact figure for this retro library is variable.
Therefore, while we can’t give a single, definitive “number,” you can anticipate access to hundreds of games within the Extra and Premium tiers, with Premium offering the largest potential library. Let’s dive deeper into what PS+ provides and answer common questions you might have.
Understanding the PlayStation Plus Tiers and Their Game Libraries
It’s crucial to understand the differences between the PlayStation Plus subscription tiers, as each offers a varying degree of game access.
PlayStation Plus Essential
This is the most basic tier and doesn’t provide access to the same expansive game catalog as the higher tiers. It mainly focuses on:
- Monthly Games: You receive a few (usually three) new free games each month, which you can download and keep as long as you have an active PS+ subscription.
- Online Multiplayer: Enables online multiplayer access for most games.
- Exclusive Discounts: Provides exclusive savings on games and add-ons in the PlayStation Store.
- Cloud Saves: Allows you to upload your game saves to the cloud.
It’s important to understand that the Essential tier does not give you access to the larger catalog of games available on Extra and Premium. The games you get each month are standalone from that larger catalog.
PlayStation Plus Extra
This tier greatly expands on the Essential benefits, giving you access to a significant game catalog:
- All Essential benefits: Including monthly games, online multiplayer, discounts, and cloud saves.
- Game Catalog: Access to up to 400 downloadable PS4 and PS5 games to play as part of the subscription. This is where most people will find the real value in the subscription.
- Constantly Updated: This catalog is updated regularly, with new games being added and sometimes others being removed.
PlayStation Plus Premium
The Premium tier includes everything from Essential and Extra, plus some very valuable additions:
- All Essential and Extra benefits.
- Classic Games Catalog: Access to hundreds of classic titles from PlayStation, PS2, PSP, and PS3 generations. These games are mostly available through cloud streaming, though some PS1 and PS2 games can be downloaded to the PS5.
- Game Trials: Access to trials of select games, allowing you to play a few hours before committing to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS+ Games
Here are some common questions to help you better understand the nuances of PS+ game access:
1. How Often Are New Games Added to the PS+ Catalogs?
New games are added to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs monthly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month. In addition, the Essential tier provides new monthly games at the beginning of each month. This regular refresh ensures there’s always something new to explore.
2. Can I Download All Games on PS+?
Not all games on PS+ can be downloaded. While the PS4 and PS5 titles in the Extra and Premium catalogs can be downloaded, most classic PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 games in the Premium tier are only available through cloud streaming.
3. Do the Games on PS+ Change?
Yes, the games in the Extra and Premium catalogs are subject to change. Sony regularly adds new games but also removes others. This is part of the subscription service and encourages exploration of the wide library.
4. What Happens to Downloaded Games When My PS+ Subscription Ends?
If your PS+ subscription ends, you lose access to any games you downloaded through the Extra or Premium catalogs. You can only play them again if you re-subscribe. However, you keep the monthly Essential games you have added to your library as long as you remain a PS+ subscriber.
5. Are the Monthly Essential Games Ever the Same as the Games in the Extra/Premium Catalogs?
The monthly Essential games are separate from the games available in the Extra and Premium catalogs. It’s very rare for them to cross over, though it does sometimes happen, particularly after a game has left the catalog.
6. How Do I Know Which Games Are Available in the Catalog?
You can view the available games in the PS+ catalogs through the PlayStation Store on your console or the PlayStation App. The specific selection of available games changes over time.
7. Are There Any Exclusives in the PS+ Game Catalogs?
While many PS exclusives are available in the game catalog, not all PS exclusives are in the PS+ library at any one time. Additionally, most games in the catalog are available for general purchase in the PlayStation store as well.
8. Can I Play PS5 Games on My PS4 with PS+?
Unfortunately, you cannot play PS5 games on a PS4 console, even with PS+. The streaming is specific to the platform where the game is available.
9. Are there any PS1 games on PS+?
Yes, the PlayStation Plus Premium tier includes a library of classic PS1 titles. Some can be downloaded and played on PS5, while others are available through streaming.
10. Can I get PlayStation Plus for Free?
Sony sometimes offers limited free trial periods for PlayStation Plus in certain regions. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Store and promotional emails for these opportunities.
11. Is PS Now Part of PS+?
PlayStation Now (PS Now) has been integrated into the PlayStation Plus service. It no longer exists as a separate entity. The games that were available on PS Now are part of the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, specifically those older, streamed titles.
12. How Many PS4 Games Exist?
There are currently 3480 games on the PS4 list. Many of these may be available at some point via PS+.
13. How Many PS5 Games Exist?
There are currently 611 games specifically released for the PS5. Many of these may also be found in the PS+ catalogs.
14. Are Games Added to the Catalog Based on User Requests?
While user requests might influence future additions, the specific games added to the PS+ catalogs are determined by Sony’s agreements with game publishers.
15. Is PS+ Worth It?
Whether PS+ is worth it depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you play online multiplayer often, it’s essential. If you like trying different games and expanding your library without individual purchases, then the Extra and Premium tiers offer great value, giving you access to hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games, along with classic titles with Premium.
In conclusion, the exact number of games on PS+ is not static. However, understanding the different tiers and their specific benefits will help you make an informed decision about the subscription that’s right for you. With a wide variety of titles available on the Extra and Premium tiers, there’s almost certainly something for every PlayStation gamer to enjoy.