Is New COD Free on PS5? A Deep Dive into Call of Duty on PlayStation
Yes, some Call of Duty (COD) experiences on the PS5 are entirely free-to-play, but not all. The landscape of Call of Duty on PlayStation can be a bit confusing, with various titles, bundles, and subscription services involved. This article will clarify what you can play for free and what requires a purchase or subscription. Primarily, the free-to-play option you’re looking for is Call of Duty: Warzone, which has evolved through several iterations. Let’s break down the details and explore frequently asked questions to make things clear.
Call of Duty: Warzone – The Free-to-Play Battle Royale Experience
The most prominent free Call of Duty offering on PS5 is the Call of Duty: Warzone battle royale. This massive online arena allows players to jump into sprawling maps, battle it out, and try to be the last squad standing, all without paying a dime for the base game.
Warzone’s Iterations
- Original Warzone: The first iteration of Warzone was initially linked to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) and later Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
- Warzone 2.0/Modern Warfare II Integration: Warzone 2.0 was initially launched alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), featuring new maps and gameplay mechanics. Despite the name change and integration with MWII, the game itself remained free-to-play.
- Warzone & Modern Warfare III: With the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), Warzone continues as a free-to-play title with updated content, maps and mechanics.
The key takeaway here is that Warzone, in all its forms, is designed to be accessible to everyone, and you don’t need to own any of the premium Call of Duty titles to enjoy it on your PS5. The experience remains free-to-play.
What’s Not Free?
While Warzone offers a robust free experience, the core, standalone Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare II and Modern Warfare III are not free. You need to purchase these games to access their campaigns, multiplayer modes, and other features.
PlayStation Plus: What You Need to Know
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service, offering benefits such as online multiplayer access, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts. For Call of Duty, there’s a crucial distinction:
- Playing Warzone: You do not need PlayStation Plus to play Call of Duty: Warzone online. This is because it’s a free-to-play game.
- Playing Standard Multiplayer: You do need PlayStation Plus to play online multiplayer modes in paid Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare II or Modern Warfare III.
In essence, PlayStation Plus only becomes necessary for the online multiplayer modes of the paid Call of Duty titles, not for the free-to-play Warzone.
Call of Duty Bundles & Free Content
Sometimes, PlayStation offers bundles or special promotions that can be confusing. For instance, there are bundles that come with the PS5 console and a copy of a Call of Duty game, like the PS5 Modern Warfare II Bundle. This is not a free version, but rather a full purchase of the game.
It’s also common to see free weekends or free access periods to the multiplayer modes of paid Call of Duty titles, these are usually time limited events, and not a long term access option.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered About Call of Duty on PS5
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will further clarify the situation of Call of Duty on PlayStation 5.
1. Is Call of Duty: Warzone free on PS5?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is entirely free-to-play on the PS5. You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online.
2. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Call of Duty online on PS5?
It depends on the game. If you are playing Call of Duty: Warzone, you do not need PlayStation Plus. However, you do need PlayStation Plus to play online multiplayer modes for paid Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare II or Modern Warfare III.
3. Is Modern Warfare II free on PS5?
No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is not free on the PS5. It is a paid, full game that requires a purchase to access.
4. Is Modern Warfare III free on PS5?
No, just like its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a paid game, and requires a purchase to play.
5. What is the difference between Warzone and a regular Call of Duty game?
Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game, while standard Call of Duty games are full titles that usually include a story campaign, multiplayer, and co-op modes and require a purchase.
6. Can I download Warzone without buying a COD game?
Yes, you can download and play Call of Duty: Warzone on your PS5 without purchasing any other Call of Duty games. It is a standalone free-to-play experience.
7. Is Warzone 2.0 free to play?
Yes, Warzone 2.0, while it was integrated with Modern Warfare II, was still free-to-play. It is now simply called Warzone and continues to be free.
8. Is there cross-play in Call of Duty?
Yes, Call of Duty supports cross-play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. This means you can play with friends regardless of their gaming platform.
9. Are there any free Call of Duty games available through PlayStation Plus?
Yes, occasionally, Sony provides older Call of Duty titles to PlayStation Plus subscribers as part of their free monthly games. However, this is not a regular occurrence, and these offers are time-limited.
10. How much storage space does Warzone require on the PS5?
The size of Warzone can vary depending on updates, but typically requires over 60 GB of storage space on your PS5.
11. What is the difference between Warzone and Warzone Caldera?
Warzone Caldera was the re-released version of the first Call of Duty Warzone that was released with Call of Duty: Vanguard. This version is still accessible for players who have progressed on it, with all of their unlocks carrying over. The original version of Warzone is no longer accessible.
12. What does the Call of Duty bundle with PS5 include?
A Call of Duty PS5 bundle usually includes a standard PS5 console, a DualSense wireless controller, a base, HDMI cable, AC power cord, USB cable, and a voucher for the Call of Duty game (usually Modern Warfare II or a similar title).
13. What is Free-for-All mode in Call of Duty?
Free-for-All is a multiplayer game mode where each player fights against everyone else. It is a standard mode in paid Call of Duty games.
14. Will Modern Warfare III have a new Warzone?
Yes, the arrival of Modern Warfare III will bring an updated Warzone experience, often with new maps and features.
15. Can I play Call of Duty: Warzone on PS4, and is it still free?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is also available and free-to-play on PS4.
Conclusion
To conclude, while most core Call of Duty games are paid, Call of Duty: Warzone offers a completely free-to-play experience on your PS5. You can dive into the massive battle royale without needing to purchase the game or subscribe to PlayStation Plus. Keep an eye out for bundle offers and free access periods, and enjoy the variety of Call of Duty experiences available on your PlayStation 5. Knowing what is free, what isn’t, and what subscription service you need is essential for enjoying all the action.