Is Black Ops 3 Free on PS Plus? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is no, Black Ops 3 (BO3) is not currently free with a standard PlayStation Plus subscription. While it has been part of PlayStation’s offerings in the past, it is not a regularly included free game and is not available in the PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games lineup. To clarify further, BO3 was once part of the PS Plus Collection for PlayStation 5 owners at the console’s launch, but that benefit ended in May 2023. It is crucial to understand the different tiers of PlayStation Plus to fully grasp how you might access games like BO3.
Past Inclusion and Current Status of Black Ops 3 on PS Plus
Black Ops 3’s history with PlayStation Plus is a bit complex. Here’s a breakdown of how it has been available:
The PS Plus Collection
Initially, Black Ops 3 was one of the free games included in the PlayStation Plus Collection for PlayStation 5 owners at launch. This was a benefit designed to help new PS5 owners have a solid library of games to play from day one. However, this collection was discontinued in May 2023, meaning Black Ops 3 is no longer available through that avenue.
PS Plus Monthly Games
The core PlayStation Plus Essential plan offers free monthly games, but Black Ops 3 has not been a part of these monthly offerings recently. While it’s always possible for games to rotate into this selection in the future, currently, BO3 is not included.
PS Plus Game Catalog
The PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Plus Premium tiers offer access to a large game catalog. While this catalog does include a large library of games, Black Ops 3 is not a consistent title in the catalog and its availability varies by region. It’s worth checking the current catalog to be sure, but if it’s not listed, you’ll need to consider purchasing the game separately.
How to Play Black Ops 3 on PlayStation
If Black Ops 3 isn’t free on PS Plus currently, you still have several avenues to play it:
Purchasing a Digital Copy
The most straightforward method is to purchase the game digitally through the PlayStation Store. Look for the Call of Duty®: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Deluxe edition for the complete experience including the remastered Zombie maps.
Buying a Physical Copy
You can also look for a physical disc of Black Ops 3 either from a retailer or a second-hand vendor. Be sure to check its condition and that your PS4 or PS5 console can run physical discs before purchasing.
Using Physical Discs on PS5
The PS5 can run both PS4 and PS5 discs. However, you may need to update the game and the console to the latest versions to avoid issues. Note that some PS4 features may be absent while playing it on PS5 due to backward compatibility. See Playstation.com/bc for more details.
Key Considerations for Playing Black Ops 3
Platform Compatibility
Black Ops 3 was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The PlayStation 5 is backward compatible, and you can play the PS4 version on PS5. Note that if you play on PS5, some PS4 features might not be present. There is no PS5 native version of the game.
Online Multiplayer
Playing online multiplayer on console requires PlayStation Plus (Essential, Extra, or Premium). An account and acceptance of the Terms of Service are mandatory.
Offline Play
You can play Black Ops 3 offline, allowing you to experience the campaign, play against bots in multiplayer, or play zombies (not online).
Zombies Chronicles
The Zombies Chronicles DLC comes with eight remastered Zombies maps and includes additional content like Liquid Divinium, unique GobbleGums, and exclusive weapon camos.
In-App Purchases
Be aware that Black Ops 3 may have in-app purchases available within the game, including cosmetic items or other add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different PlayStation Plus tiers and how do they affect game availability?
PlayStation Plus has three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential offers free monthly games, cloud saves, and online multiplayer access. Extra includes all Essential benefits plus access to the Game Catalog. Premium includes all benefits of the previous tiers plus access to the Classics Catalog and game trials. Game availability, like whether Black Ops 3 is included, varies by tier and changes over time.
2. Is Black Ops 3 available on PS3?
Yes, **Call of Duty: Black Ops III** was released on the PlayStation 3, but it's important to note that the PS3 version only features Multiplayer and Zombies modes. This version does not include a campaign or other advanced features found in the PS4 and PC versions.
3. Can I play Black Ops 3 online without a PlayStation Plus subscription?
No, a PlayStation Plus subscription is required to access online multiplayer features on the PS4 and PS5 for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
4. What other Call of Duty games are available on PlayStation Plus?
The available games through PS Plus varies. Check the current Game Catalog for specific titles. Be aware that games are regularly added and removed from the PS Plus Game Catalog.
5. What if I have Black Ops 3 on a physical disc?
You can play it if you own the disc, provided your PlayStation console has a disc drive. Note that PS5 backward compatibility will let you play the PS4 version. Ensure you have the latest game updates installed and that your console is running the most recent firmware.
6. How does the PS Plus game catalog differ from monthly free games?
The monthly free games under PS Plus Essential are yours to keep as long as you’re a subscriber. The Game Catalog under PS Plus Extra and Premium is a constantly rotating library of games you can play as long as they are available and your subscription is active. Games can be added or removed at Sony’s discretion.
7. What are the benefits of purchasing the Zombies Chronicles Edition?
The Zombies Chronicles edition includes eight remastered zombie maps from previous games, 20 vials of Liquid Divinium, 2 All-New WHIMSICAL GobbleGums, and 5 Exclusive Zombies Pack-A-Punch Weapon Camos. This provides significant added value for Zombies fans.
8. What are some PS Plus games for November 2023?
The free PS Plus games for November 2023 were Mafia 2: Definitive Edition, Aliens: Fireteam Elite, and Dragon Ball: The Breakers. Remember, free games rotate monthly.
9. What games are leaving PS Plus in March 2023?
The following games left PS Plus in March 2023: Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Video game 5, Victor Vran Overkill Edition, A Velocibox Ultimate Bundle, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Override 2: Super Mech League, Ghost of a Tale, Dungeons 2, and Danger Zone. Game availability changes frequently.
10. Is Black Ops 3 on Game Pass?
No, Black Ops 3 is not on Xbox Game Pass. To play on Xbox, you need to purchase the game separately and will need an Xbox Live Gold subscription for online multiplayer.
11. What are the PS Plus free games for July 2023?
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog & Classics for July 2023 included games like It Takes Two, Sniper Elite 5, Twisted Metal, The Ascent, Undertale, Dynasty Warriors 9 and more. These free games rotate monthly and may not be available now.
12. Can I play Black Ops 3 with bots offline on PS4?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 3 offline and include bots in multiplayer matches. This allows you to experience the game without an internet connection or PlayStation Plus subscription.
13. How much does PS Plus Premium cost?
The PS Plus Premium subscription costs $18 per month, $50 for three months, or $160 for a full year. It offers the most benefits but comes at a higher price than Essential or Extra subscriptions.
14. What happened to the PS Plus Collection in May 2023?
The **PS Plus Collection**, which included Black Ops 3 for PS5 launch users, was **discontinued on May 9, 2023**. This means it is no longer available to access through the subscription, even for PlayStation 5 users.
15. Where else can I play Black Ops 3?
**Call of Duty: Black Ops III** is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The PS4 version is also playable on PS5 through backward compatibility.
In conclusion, while Black Ops 3 is not a consistently free title on PS Plus, you can still enjoy it by purchasing a copy and subscribing to PlayStation Plus for its online features. Keeping informed about the ever-changing PlayStation Plus offerings is crucial to finding opportunities to play your favorite games.