How Much Are PlayStation Plus Essential Games?
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The question of how much PlayStation Plus Essential games cost is a bit nuanced. The games themselves are included in your PlayStation Plus Essential subscription, meaning you don’t pay extra for each individual game. Instead, you pay for the subscription service, which grants you access to a rotating selection of games each month, along with other benefits like online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves. The cost is factored into the subscription fee.
Currently, the price for PlayStation Plus Essential is:
- $79.99 USD / £59.99 / €71.99 per year
- $11.99 USD / £6.99 / €7.99 per month
- $24.99 USD / £19.99 / €24.99 per quarter (3 months)
Therefore, you’re not directly paying for each Essential game individually, but rather for the privilege to download and play them while you remain a subscriber. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to the games until you renew. They do not become part of your permanent game library like games you purchase outright.
What You Get With PlayStation Plus Essential
The PlayStation Plus Essential tier offers a core set of features:
- Monthly Games: Each month, PlayStation offers a selection of games available for download and play as long as you remain a subscriber. This typically includes two PlayStation 4 games and one PlayStation 5 game.
- Online Multiplayer: Access online multiplayer for most PlayStation games. Note that some free-to-play games don’t require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play.
- Exclusive Discounts: Get access to exclusive discounts on games, add-ons, and other content on the PlayStation Store.
- Cloud Storage: Store your game saves in the cloud, allowing you to easily pick up your game on another console or after experiencing data loss.
- Share Play: Invite a friend to join you in a local multiplayer game, even if they don’t own the game.
- PlayStation Plus Collection (PS5 Only): While not directly “Essential games,” PS5 users get access to a curated library of popular PS4 games, available to download and play as long as their subscription is active. This collection can be a significant bonus.
Understanding the Value Proposition
While you’re not paying a specific price per game, it’s worth considering the value you get from the PlayStation Plus Essential subscription. If you regularly play online multiplayer and take advantage of the monthly games, the cost can easily be justified. Comparing the cost of the subscription to the price of purchasing even just a few games outright can demonstrate the potential savings.
The value of the subscription also depends on the quality of the monthly games offered. Some months might feature highly acclaimed titles, while others might offer games that are less appealing to your taste.
PlayStation Plus Tiers: A Comparison
It’s important to note that PlayStation Plus Essential is the most basic tier. PlayStation offers two higher tiers:
- PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes all the benefits of Essential, plus a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games available for download and play.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: This tier includes all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to classic PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games through cloud streaming and download options, game trials, and further exclusive deals.
Choosing the right tier depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you primarily play online multiplayer and occasionally download the free monthly games, Essential may be sufficient. If you want access to a vast library of games, Extra or Premium might be more appealing.
Factors Affecting the Cost
The cost of PlayStation Plus Essential can be affected by several factors:
- Region: Prices may vary slightly depending on your region due to currency exchange rates and local pricing policies.
- Sales and Promotions: PlayStation occasionally offers discounts on PlayStation Plus subscriptions, especially during major sales events like Black Friday or the holidays.
- Retailers: Some retailers may offer discounted PlayStation Plus cards, providing a way to save on the subscription cost.
- Subscription Length: Subscribing for a longer period (e.g., a year) typically offers better value than subscribing monthly.
FAQs About PlayStation Plus Essential Games
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any remaining doubts:
1. Do I own the PlayStation Plus Essential games forever?
No. The games are only playable as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus Essential subscription. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll lose access to the downloaded games until you resubscribe.
2. How often are the PlayStation Plus Essential games updated?
The PlayStation Plus Essential games are typically updated on the first Tuesday of each month.
3. Can I choose which PlayStation Plus Essential games I want each month?
No. PlayStation selects the games offered each month. You cannot choose from a list of available titles.
4. What happens if I download a PlayStation Plus Essential game and then buy it later?
If you purchase a game you previously downloaded through PlayStation Plus Essential, you’ll own it outright and will be able to play it even without an active subscription. The purchased version will supersede the PlayStation Plus version.
5. Can I play PlayStation Plus Essential games on any PlayStation console?
You can play the PS4 and PS5 Essential games on a PS5. PS4 games can be played on a PS4. Older consoles are not compatible.
6. Are all games available on PlayStation Plus Essential?
No. The PlayStation Plus Essential subscription only gives you access to a rotating selection of games offered each month. It doesn’t grant you access to the entire PlayStation Store.
7. What is the PlayStation Plus Collection?
The PlayStation Plus Collection is a selection of popular PS4 games available for download and play by PlayStation 5 owners with an active PlayStation Plus subscription. This benefit is essentially free and provided to users for upgrading and starting playing on a new platform.
8. Can I stack PlayStation Plus subscriptions?
Yes, you can stack PlayStation Plus subscriptions. For example, if you purchase a 12-month subscription while already having a 3-month subscription, the new subscription will be added to the end of your existing subscription, extending the expiration date.
9. Is PlayStation Plus required for all online games?
No. While PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer in most paid games, many free-to-play games do not require a subscription.
10. How do I claim the PlayStation Plus Essential games?
You can claim the Essential games through the PlayStation Store on your console or through the PlayStation website or app. Simply add the games to your library during the month they are offered.
11. Can I download PlayStation Plus Essential games on multiple consoles?
Yes, you can download PlayStation Plus Essential games on multiple consoles as long as they are linked to the same PlayStation Network account.
12. What happens if a PlayStation Plus Essential game I want is removed from the service?
Once a PlayStation Plus Essential game is removed from the monthly offerings, you will no longer be able to download it. However, if you claimed the game during the month it was available, you can continue to play it as long as your subscription is active.
13. Are there regional differences in the PlayStation Plus Essential game selection?
Yes, there can be regional differences in the PlayStation Plus Essential game selection. The games offered each month may vary slightly depending on your region.
14. Where can I find out what the PlayStation Plus Essential games are each month?
PlayStation usually announces the PlayStation Plus Essential games for the upcoming month a week before they become available. You can find the announcements on the PlayStation Blog, social media channels, and gaming news websites.
15. Is PlayStation Plus Essential worth it?
The value of PlayStation Plus Essential depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences. If you frequently play online multiplayer, enjoy trying new games, and take advantage of the exclusive discounts, then it is likely worth the cost. However, if you primarily play single-player games or only play a few specific titles, then it might not be necessary.