Is Online Play Free on PS4? A Comprehensive Guide
The simple answer is: No, online play is generally not free on the PlayStation 4 (PS4). While there are exceptions, the vast majority of online multiplayer games on the PS4 require an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access their online features. This means that to play games with friends or other players online, you’ll need to pay a recurring fee. This model has been in place since 2010 when Sony introduced its premium subscription service on top of the free PlayStation Network (PSN) platform.
While this may be frustrating for some players who are used to free online gaming on other platforms, it is important to understand the reasons behind this model. The costs associated with maintaining the servers that host online multiplayer gaming are significant. This was the primary reason for moving away from a free service; to ensure the quality and stability of the online gaming experience. Sony needed to implement a subscription fee to cover these costs.
It’s not all bad news though. While most games necessitate a PlayStation Plus subscription for online access, there is a specific category of games that bypass this requirement: Free-to-Play titles.
These free-to-play games offer access to online multiplayer without the need for a PlayStation Plus subscription. This allows players to jump into various experiences with friends and other online players, entirely free of charge. Some of the more popular free-to-play games on the PS4 are:
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
- Rocket League
- Brawlhalla
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Why the Shift to Paid Online?
The Rising Costs of Online Infrastructure
The initial online services offered on the PlayStation 3 were free to use. However, as the online gaming landscape expanded and became more complex, the servers needed to support it became increasingly expensive to run. The quality of free service would decrease because of the increasing costs. It wasn’t sustainable. Sony decided to implement a subscription model, ensuring they could maintain a high-quality online experience for their users.
Closed Ecosystem Control
The other crucial factor is the nature of consoles as a closed ecosystem. Sony, like Microsoft and Nintendo, has complete control over what happens on their platform. Unlike the PC gaming space, where various online gaming services and platforms operate independently, console online play is routed through the console manufacturer’s servers. This means the manufacturers can set the rules and costs to access that infrastructure. This contrasts with platforms like Steam where the servers and networks are not run by them and are more open.
PlayStation Plus: What You Need To Know
To access the majority of online multiplayer games on the PS4, you’ll need a PlayStation Plus subscription. PlayStation Plus now comes in three tiers each with different prices and benefits:
PlayStation Plus Essential
This is the base level of the PlayStation Plus subscription. It gives you access to online multiplayer for most games, a library of free monthly games to download and play, and cloud storage for your game saves. The price is typically $9.99 a month.
PlayStation Plus Extra
This tier includes all the benefits of Essential, as well as access to a large catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. It essentially adds a Netflix-style game library to the benefits of a regular subscription. This is more expensive than the Essential tier.
PlayStation Plus Premium
The highest tier encompasses everything from the Essential and Extra tiers, and also includes access to classic PlayStation games from PS1, PS2 and PSP, along with cloud streaming of games. The Premium tier represents the highest price point.
PlayStation Network Account
Regardless of if you subscribe or not, to play online and use any PlayStation service you will need a PlayStation Network (PSN) Account. A PSN account is free and does not require payment details to be setup. It is your identifier across the Playstation Network, allowing you to make purchases, send messages, manage your profiles, etc.
Staying Connected on PS4
Connecting to the internet on your PS4 is straightforward. The process is in Settings > Network menu. You can use either Wi-Fi or Ethernet to establish the connection. An internet connection is constantly maintained while your system is on, allowing you to engage in online play, stream videos, and interact with the online community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does PlayStation Plus cost per month?
The price of PlayStation Plus varies depending on the tier you choose. The most basic tier, PlayStation Plus Essential costs $9.99 per month. The higher tiers are more expensive. Be aware that these prices are subject to change.
2. Can I play free-to-play games online without PlayStation Plus?
Yes, free-to-play games do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer. These are an excellent way to enjoy online gaming without additional costs.
3. What are some popular free-to-play games on PS4?
Some popular free-to-play games on PS4 include Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, and Brawlhalla. There are also many other free games available.
4. Is PlayStation Network free?
Yes, a PlayStation Network (PSN) account is free to create and use. You do not need payment details to open one. However, a PSN account is different from a PlayStation Plus subscription.
5. What happens if my PlayStation Plus subscription lapses?
If your PlayStation Plus subscription lapses, you will lose access to online multiplayer for most games, as well as the free monthly games you’ve claimed while your subscription was active. Your cloud saves however are not deleted but will be inaccessible. You will regain access by re-subscribing.
6. Can I play online with friends who have a different PlayStation tier than me?
Yes, you can play online with friends regardless of their PlayStation Plus tier, as long as all of you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, or you are playing a free to play game.
7. Why do I need PlayStation Plus to play online, but not on PC?
Consoles like the PS4 operate as a closed ecosystem where the platform holders control all the online infrastructure and access to the server network. As such, they require a paid subscription. PC games tend to use various third-party servers which don’t require a separate subscription fee.
8. How do I check my PlayStation Plus subscription status?
You can check your subscription status by going to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Service List on your PS4.
9. Can I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your PlayStation Plus subscription at any time. You can do this by going to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Service List, and then selecting the subscription and then the option to cancel it.
10. Is it possible to play online without an internet connection?
No, an internet connection is required to play online multiplayer games on the PlayStation 4.
11. How do I set up an internet connection on my PS4?
To set up an internet connection on your PS4, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. Choose between Wi-Fi or LAN (Ethernet) cable and then follow the on-screen instructions.
12. What internet speed is recommended for online gaming on PS4?
A minimum of 5mbps internet speed is recommended for a smooth online gaming experience on PS4.
13. Will PlayStation Plus be required when Sony no longer supports PS4?
As of now, Sony plans to support the PS4 until 2025. The subscription model for online access through PlayStation Plus is highly likely to remain until Sony stops supporting it completely. At that point in the future, all servers for PS4 online may be shutdown by the company.
14. What is the difference between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now?
Playstation Now is defunct and it’s benefits are now part of the Playstation Plus tiers. PlayStation Plus is primarily for online multiplayer access and access to free monthly games, whilst PlayStation Now used to focus on providing a library of streamable games, however this service has been integrated into the Playstation Plus offering.
15. Why do some games have online features while others don’t?
Not every game comes packaged with online modes as a core feature. Many do, and some revolve around it entirely. The game developers are the ones who decide what modes to include in their games.
Conclusion
While online multiplayer is not generally free on the PlayStation 4, there are free options through the free-to-play titles and these provide an array of experiences for players. PlayStation Plus is a necessary investment for those who wish to enjoy the full breadth of online gaming on the PS4. With the various tiers available, players can choose the subscription level that best suits their needs and budget. Understanding the reasoning behind the subscription model and the benefits that PlayStation Plus offers is essential for any PS4 gamer who wants to play with other gamers from all around the world.