Is Borderlands 3 on PS Plus? A Deep Dive
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The short answer is: Borderlands 3 was previously available on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers but has since been removed as of August 2023. This means that currently, it is not part of the PS Plus game catalog. Many players were disappointed by its departure, especially those who enjoyed playing the co-op shooter with friends. Let’s delve deeper into this situation and related aspects to give you a comprehensive understanding.
Borderlands 3’s Brief Stint on PS Plus
Borderlands 3, the popular first-person shooter from Gearbox, did indeed grace the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium libraries for a limited time. Its inclusion was a major highlight for many subscribers, as the game garnered positive reviews and enjoyed considerable commercial success since its release in 2019. Its co-op gameplay, humorous storyline, and extensive loot system made it a popular choice among gamers. However, like many games in subscription services, its time on PS Plus was finite, and it was removed from the service in August 2023.
This removal has understandably left some players wondering about the availability of their favorite titles on subscription services. It’s crucial to remember that games included in services like PS Plus Extra and Premium are subject to licensing agreements, which means they can be added and removed periodically.
Availability on PlayStation
Despite its removal from PS Plus, Borderlands 3 is still available for purchase on the PlayStation Store. You can buy it for PS4 and PS5 and enjoy the game’s rich content. The PS5 version is particularly noteworthy as it includes 4K resolution at 60fps in single-player and online co-op, as well as support for three and four-player split-screen for local multiplayer.
The Borderlands 3 Next-Level Edition is also available, which includes the base game and the Multiverse Final Form cosmetic packs. Therefore, even without PS Plus, you have various options to own and play the game on your PlayStation console.
PlayStation Plus Game Availability: How It Works
The PS Plus service is a subscription-based model that offers different tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier offers varied benefits, such as monthly free games (Essential) and a catalog of games available for play (Extra and Premium). It is essential to remember:
- Games available on PS Plus Extra and Premium are not permanently owned. Access is contingent upon an active subscription and the continued availability of the title within the service.
- Games can be added and removed from the catalog frequently. This depends on agreements between Sony and the game publishers.
- PS Plus Essential’s free monthly games are yours to keep as long as your PS Plus subscription is active. Should your subscription lapse, the games become locked until renewal.
- The PlayStation Plus Collection is no longer available as of May 9, 2023.
Knowing how the subscription model works can help you better manage your expectations and prevent disappointment when games leave the service.
What’s Coming and Going?
The games catalog for PS Plus is always evolving. This means that titles are added and removed regularly. Here’s what’s been happening:
- August 2023 saw several titles being added to the Extra tier, including Sea of Stars, Moving Out 2, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Lost Judgment, and others. This was also when Borderlands 3 was removed.
- September 2023 saw the departure of games like Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, and several others, showcasing the regular turnover of titles.
- October 2023 added titles such as Gotham Knights, Alien: Isolation, Disco Elysium – The Final Cut, and Dead Island Definitive Edition for Extra and Premium subscribers.
- Upcoming games in 2024 include titles like Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Black Myth: Wukong, and Lost Soul Aside.
Keeping up with the announcements from PlayStation is crucial for understanding what games are available, and what is leaving the service.
The Future of Borderlands
While Borderlands 3’s presence on PS Plus is a thing of the past, fans of the franchise can remain optimistic. The success of Borderlands 3 and the overall popularity of the series make a Borderlands 4 highly likely. Though there has not been any official announcement, rumors and industry trends point toward its development for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Borderlands fans can look forward to the potential of a future release while enjoying what Borderlands 3 offers now through purchase or a possible re-addition to a subscription service down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Borderlands 3 and its availability on PlayStation Plus:
1. Is Borderlands 3 currently available on PS Plus Extra?
No, Borderlands 3 is not currently available on PS Plus Extra or Premium. It was removed from the service in August 2023.
2. When was Borderlands 3 on PS Plus?
Borderlands 3 was available on PS Plus Extra and Premium for a limited time prior to its removal in August 2023.
3. Can I still play Borderlands 3 on PS5 if I don’t have PS Plus?
Yes, you can still play Borderlands 3 on PS5 by purchasing it from the PlayStation Store.
4. Does the PS5 version of Borderlands 3 have any upgrades?
Yes, the PS5 version of Borderlands 3 supports 4K resolution at 60fps, single-player and online co-op, and three and four-player splitscreen for local multiplayer.
5. What is the “Borderlands 3 Next-Level Edition”?
The Borderlands 3 Next-Level Edition includes the base game and the Multiverse Final Form cosmetic packs.
6. Will Borderlands 3 ever come back to PS Plus?
There’s no guarantee that Borderlands 3 will return to PS Plus, as it depends on licensing agreements. However, the possibility remains for future additions.
7. Does Borderlands 3 have a New Game Plus mode?
Yes, Borderlands 3 features a New Game Plus mode called “True Vault Hunter Mode.” This allows you to replay the game with your current level and gear, but with tougher enemies and better loot.
8. When is Borderlands 4 expected to release?
There has not been an official announcement about Borderlands 4. However, given the success of the series, a sequel is highly anticipated.
9. How many years after Borderlands 2 does Borderlands 3 take place?
Borderlands 3 takes place seven years after the events of Borderlands 2 and Tales from the Borderlands.
10. Is the Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition worth purchasing?
The Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition is considered a great value for money, especially for series fans, due to its included DLC. However, it’s worth noting some critiques of the story.
11. What resolution does Borderlands 3 run at on PS4?
Borderlands 3 renders at 3200×1800 on PS4 Pro in resolution mode, while base PS4 runs at 1080p.
12. How do I find out which games are leaving PS Plus?
PlayStation usually announces which games are leaving PS Plus each month through their official channels, such as the PlayStation Blog and social media accounts.
13. Can I play PS Plus Extra/Premium games without an internet connection?
No, you need an active internet connection to play games from the PS Plus Extra/Premium catalog, as they are streamed or downloaded via the service.
14. If a game is leaving PS Plus, will I be able to purchase it?
Yes, you can typically purchase a game that is leaving PS Plus from the PlayStation Store, and keep it as long as your account is active.
15. What are some games coming to PS Plus in 2024?
Some of the announced games for PS Plus in 2024 include Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Black Myth: Wukong, Lost Soul Aside, among others.
By understanding these points and checking for the latest updates, you can stay informed about what games are available on PS Plus and plan your gaming experiences effectively.