Is Borderlands 3 Leaving PS Plus? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Borderlands 3 has indeed been removed from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers as of August 2023. This departure left many fans disappointed, especially those who enjoyed the game’s cooperative gameplay and had been relying on their PS Plus subscriptions for access. This article will delve into the details surrounding this removal, examine the broader context of games leaving the PS Plus service, and address many of your pressing questions about Borderlands 3 and PlayStation Plus.
Why Did Borderlands 3 Leave PS Plus?
The removal of titles from PlayStation Plus, like Borderlands 3, is a fairly common occurrence and is usually tied to licensing agreements between Sony and the game’s publishers. These agreements often have specific time limits, after which games are removed from the service. It’s important to remember that even though you might see a game available for a period on PS Plus, this doesn’t guarantee it will be there indefinitely. The removal of a popular game such as Borderlands 3 was a noticeable loss for many PlayStation Plus subscribers.
The Nature of PlayStation Plus Game Rotations
The PlayStation Plus service, especially the Extra and Premium tiers, is designed with a changing catalog of games. This means titles are added and removed regularly to keep the selection fresh and interesting. While the removal of Borderlands 3 was disappointing for some, this rotation is part of what makes the service dynamic. The constantly evolving library allows players to discover new games while also cycling out older ones. The decision behind which titles leave or are added are most likely commercial and based on agreements.
Games Leaving PS Plus: A Recurring Trend
Borderlands 3 isn’t an isolated case. Throughout 2023, numerous popular titles have been removed from PlayStation Plus. In June 2023, games like Agents of Mayhem, Red Faction, and Black Mirror were among the casualties. July 2023 saw the departure of big names like Stray, Marvel’s Avengers, the Bioshock Collection, and Borderlands: The Handsome Collection. Then came the sad news in August 2023 that Borderlands 3 itself was to leave, as mentioned before. This continued in September 2023 with games like Deathloop, Watch Dogs 1 & 2, and Ghost Recon Wildlands being removed. More recently, in October 2023 titles such as Far Cry 4, Far Cry 5, and The Quarry were also removed. This consistent rotation shows that regular departures are a part of the PlayStation Plus service. These removals can be disappointing for players, it’s important to keep an eye out for which titles will be removed.
What Happens When a Game Leaves PS Plus?
When a game leaves PlayStation Plus, it means that subscribers of the Extra or Premium tiers will no longer be able to access it through their subscription. If you want to continue playing the game after it leaves, you will need to purchase it outright from the PlayStation Store. However, if you have claimed a free PlayStation Plus Essential game and maintained an active subscription, it remains accessible to you as long as your subscription remains active. Remember though, that Extra/Premium games are not available to you once they are removed from the PS Plus Game Catalog.
PlayStation Plus: What You Need to Know
The PS Plus service has three main tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each offers different benefits and access to varying game catalogs. Borderlands 3 was part of the Extra and Premium tiers, which offer an extensive library of games to play. However, this access is temporary, subject to the rotation mentioned earlier.
Keeping Up with Changes to PlayStation Plus
Staying informed about which games are leaving and joining the PlayStation Plus catalog is crucial. You can usually find this information through the PlayStation Blog, gaming news websites, and social media accounts that report on PlayStation announcements. These are some key resources for keeping you updated with the latest information on your favorite games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Borderlands 3 Gone Forever From PlayStation Plus?
Yes, Borderlands 3 is no longer available on the PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium tiers as of August 2023. It is unlikely that it will return in the foreseeable future. However, you can still play the game if you purchase it from the PlayStation Store.
2. Will I Lose Access to Games I Claimed Through PS Plus Essential?
No, if you have claimed a game through PlayStation Plus Essential (the monthly free games) you will keep it as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Failing to renew your subscription will lock access to the free games, but they become available again once you resubscribe.
3. Are Games From the Extra/Premium Catalog Available Indefinitely?
No, games in the Extra and Premium tiers are subject to a rotational system. This means they can be removed from the catalog at any time based on licensing agreements.
4. How Can I Tell When Games Are Leaving PS Plus?
Keep an eye on the PlayStation Blog, gaming news websites, and social media accounts. Often, information about games leaving the service will be announced a few weeks in advance.
5. Is There a Way to Keep the Games If They Leave the PS Plus Catalog?
No, to continue playing a game from the Extra or Premium catalog that has been removed, you will need to purchase it separately from the PlayStation Store.
6. Does Downgrading My PS Plus Tier Remove Games?
Yes, if you downgrade from Extra or Premium to Essential, you lose access to all the games from the Extra and Premium catalogs.
7. Can I Upgrade Back to Extra/Premium and Resume Playing Removed Games?
If a game is still in the catalog, you can resume playing it if you upgrade your PS Plus subscription back to the tier it is on. However, if a game was removed from the catalog, you will no longer have access even if you upgrade.
8. Do PS Plus Games Have a Region Lock?
Generally, PlayStation Plus games are not region locked. However, there might be regional variations in the game catalog.
9. What Are the Monthly Free Games on PS Plus Essential?
The monthly free games for PS Plus Essential change every month. You can find the official list on the PlayStation Blog and other gaming news outlets. For example, in October 2023 the free games were The Callisto Protocol, Weird West and Farming Simulator 22.
10. Is Borderlands 3 Still Getting New Content?
Borderlands 3 had its last major content update in June 2022, but Gearbox has continued to support the game with smaller patches. No further content is currently planned.
11. How Much Does PlayStation Plus Cost?
The pricing for PlayStation Plus varies by tier. Premium is the highest tier, and has the greatest costs, at around $18 per month, $50 for three months, or $160 for a year. Other tiers are cheaper.
12. What Games Are Coming to PS Plus in 2024?
There are several anticipated titles coming to PlayStation in 2024, some of which may appear on PlayStation Plus, such as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Black Myth: Wukong, and Lost Soul Aside, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Rise of the Ronin, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars and Star Wars Outlaws.
13. Is the Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut Available on PS Plus?
Yes, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is available on PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium at the time of writing. However, this is not permanent.
14. Is Borderlands 3 Available on the PS Store?
Yes, Borderlands 3 is available for purchase on the PlayStation Store. You can buy either the PS4 or PS5 versions, or both.
15. What Games Were Added to PS Plus in October 2023?
In October 2023, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, and Gotham Knights were added to the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs, and Hot Wheels Unleashed became a monthly free game.
Conclusion
The removal of Borderlands 3 from PlayStation Plus was a disappointment for many, and serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the service. Understanding how the catalog works, and staying updated on additions and removals will help you to make the most of your subscription. While you might have to purchase Borderlands 3 to continue playing, the service is constantly adding new and exciting titles to keep you entertained.