Is PlayStation Plus Necessary? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer to the question, “Is PlayStation Plus necessary?” is: it depends on what you want to do with your PlayStation console. If you primarily play single-player games, or only engage with free-to-play titles, you can absolutely enjoy your PlayStation without a subscription. However, if you want to dive into the world of online multiplayer with most games, access a vast library of titles, and receive extra perks, then a PlayStation Plus subscription becomes practically indispensable. Let’s break down exactly what you gain and what you might miss without it.

Understanding the Essentials: PlayStation Plus Tiers

PlayStation Plus isn’t a singular entity; it’s a tiered subscription service offering various levels of benefits. The three main tiers are:

• PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the most basic tier, primarily focusing on the core functions needed for most online gamers.
• PlayStation Plus Extra: Building on the Essential tier, this provides access to a large catalog of downloadable games.
• PlayStation Plus Premium: The highest tier, including all the benefits of the previous tiers, and adding cloud streaming and a catalog of classic games.

Each tier has a different price point, with Premium being the most expensive and Essential the most affordable. Understanding the nuances of each tier is vital in determining whether PlayStation Plus is essential for you.

Why You Might Need PlayStation Plus

The main reason most players subscribe to PlayStation Plus is for online multiplayer gaming. The vast majority of paid PlayStation games require a PlayStation Plus subscription to access their online features. Want to team up with friends in your favorite shooter or race against opponents worldwide? You will very likely need a PlayStation Plus subscription for that.

Beyond online play, there are other significant benefits:

• Monthly Games: Each month, subscribers receive a selection of games that they can download and play as long as they remain subscribed. These games range from indie titles to bigger AAA releases. This is often a major draw for people who want a steady flow of new gaming experiences.
• Exclusive Discounts: PlayStation Plus members get access to exclusive discounts on games and DLC through the PlayStation Store.
• Cloud Saves: Back up your game progress to the cloud. This safeguard is excellent if your console malfunctions or you change systems.
• Game Help: For PS5 users, select games offer game help, providing hints and videos.
• Game Catalog (Extra and Premium): Subscribers in the Extra and Premium tiers have access to a vast library of both PS4 and PS5 downloadable games. This is a huge value add for gamers wanting a “Netflix-style” gaming experience.
• Cloud Streaming (Premium Only): Stream a collection of PS5 and classic games without downloading them to your console. This is beneficial for those with limited storage space or who enjoy testing different games.
• Classic Games (Premium Only): Relive gaming nostalgia with a catalog of PS1, PS2, and PSP titles.

When You Might Not Need PlayStation Plus

If your primary focus is on the following, then you can likely enjoy your PlayStation experience without a PlayStation Plus subscription:

• Single-Player Games: If you mostly play games with a story mode or offline campaign, PlayStation Plus won’t offer many extra advantages.
• Free-to-Play Games: Many games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, and Fall Guys are completely free to play and do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online access. These games often rely on microtransactions rather than subscription models.
• Budget Constraints: If finances are tight, skipping PlayStation Plus can be a way to save money, especially if online multiplayer is not a priority.
• Occasional Online Gaming: If you only occasionally dabble in multiplayer games, paying for a full subscription might be overkill. It might be more economical to purchase those games on sale or at used prices.

Key Considerations

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to subscribe to PlayStation Plus comes down to your gaming habits and preferences. Consider these questions:

• How often do you play online multiplayer games?
• Do you like exploring a wide variety of games?
• Do you want access to monthly free games?
• Are you interested in cloud streaming or classic games?
• What is your budget for gaming each month/year?

Answering these questions will clarify whether a subscription is a worthwhile investment for you.

FAQs: Your PlayStation Plus Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions that should further clarify your understanding of PlayStation Plus:

1. Can I play online multiplayer without PlayStation Plus?

Generally, no, most paid games on PlayStation require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer. However, a number of free-to-play games do not require a PS Plus subscription to play online.

2. What games can I play online without a PS Plus subscription?

Several popular titles are free to play and do not require PlayStation Plus, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Fall Guys, and Overwatch 2.

3. What are the benefits of a PlayStation Plus subscription?

The key benefits are access to online multiplayer, monthly free games, exclusive discounts, cloud saves, game help, and a large game library (Extra and Premium), plus cloud streaming and classic games (Premium).

4. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Fall Guys?

No, Fall Guys is free to play and doesn’t require a PlayStation Plus subscription.

5. Do I keep the PS Plus games if my subscription lapses?

No, you lose access to the games you downloaded for free through PlayStation Plus if your subscription ends. Once you resubscribe you will regain access to those games as long as they are still available through the PS Plus service.

6. What are the different PlayStation Plus subscription tiers?

The tiers are PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium, each offering an increasing range of benefits and features.

7. How much does PS Plus cost?

Prices vary by tier and subscription duration. Essential starts at $9.99 monthly, Extra at $14.99 monthly, and Premium at $17.99 monthly. Longer-term subscriptions like three months or a year have discounted rates.

8. What happens if a game I downloaded from PS Plus leaves the service?

If you downloaded a game via the Extra or Premium tiers, you will lose access to it once it is removed from the service, even if it’s still on your hard drive.

9. Can I use add-ons or virtual currency I bought for a PS Plus game if my subscription expires?

No. If your subscription expires, you will not be able to use any add-ons or virtual currency you’ve bought for PlayStation Plus games unless and until you resubscribe.

10. Do I need PS Plus for cloud gaming?

Yes, cloud streaming is exclusively available in the PlayStation Plus Premium tier.

11. What are the free PS Plus games for May 2023?

The free games for May 2023 were Grid Legends, Chivalry 2, and Descenders. These change monthly.

12. What games left PlayStation Plus in September 2023?

Some of the titles leaving in September 2023 include Deathloop, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands. Games rotating in and out is a common practice for the service.

13. Can I cancel PlayStation Plus anytime?

Yes, you can cancel anytime, but you will only receive a refund if you cancel within the 14-day cancellation period. Otherwise, you will retain access to the service until the date your next payment is due.

14. What if my PSN wallet doesn’t have enough funds for the renewal?

If your PSN wallet doesn’t have enough funds, the subscription fee will be automatically funded from your default payment method.

15. Is PlayStation Plus essential for all PS4 and PS5 games?

No, it is not essential for all games. It is only required for the online multiplayer aspects of most paid games. You can play many single-player games and all free-to-play titles without a PS Plus subscription.

Conclusion

Whether PlayStation Plus is “necessary” is ultimately a personal decision. If you’re an avid multiplayer gamer who enjoys exploring different games and taking advantage of extra perks, then a subscription is definitely a valuable investment. However, if your gaming preferences are predominantly offline, you stick to single-player experiences, or free-to-play games, then you can absolutely enjoy your PlayStation console without it. Weigh your options, understand the benefits, and make the choice that best fits your gaming habits and budget.