Is PlayStation Plus Essential Worth It in August 2023? A Deep Dive
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Yes, PlayStation Plus Essential is absolutely worth considering in August 2023, especially if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy a variety of games and online multiplayer features on your PlayStation console. While it doesn’t offer the vast library of the Extra or Premium tiers, Essential delivers a solid foundation of value with its monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and access to online multiplayer. Let’s break down why it continues to be a relevant option for PlayStation gamers.
The Value Proposition of PS Plus Essential in August 2023
PS Plus Essential is the base tier of the PlayStation Plus subscription service, and it provides core benefits that are essential for many players. For August 2023, the service continues to deliver on its promise of providing monthly free games, access to online multiplayer gaming, and exclusive discounts on digital purchases.
Monthly Free Games: A Solid Selection
While August’s game lineup doesn’t include the massive triple-A titles found in the higher tiers, it offers a unique and diverse selection. For August 2023, Death’s Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23 were the free games available for all PS Plus subscribers including Essential members. This selection provides something for everyone, from action-adventure to creative sandbox and sports simulation.
Death’s Door, an acclaimed indie title, offers a challenging and rewarding combat experience, while Dreams presents an incredible game creation platform where creativity is the limit. PGA Tour 2K23 offers an accessible and enjoyable golfing experience for sports fans. These games can be claimed by Essential, Extra, and Premium members. The value of these monthly games alone can often justify the price of the Essential tier for many gamers.
Online Multiplayer: Connect with Friends and the World
A key component of the Essential tier is its access to online multiplayer. If you enjoy playing with friends or competing against others online, then PS Plus Essential is a must. Without it, many popular online games will be inaccessible, as this is required for online play for most titles.
Exclusive Discounts: Save on Digital Purchases
PS Plus Essential members also enjoy exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. These discounts can often provide significant savings on digital purchases, allowing members to get the best deals on games and add-ons. Regularly checking the store can allow members to save a notable amount.
How Does PS Plus Essential Compare?
It is crucial to understand the position of PS Plus Essential relative to the other tiers: Extra and Premium. While both Extra and Premium offer a significantly larger library of games, they also come with a higher price tag.
- PlayStation Plus Extra includes all the benefits of Essential, plus a catalog of hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. This is great for those wanting a “Netflix-style” gaming experience.
- PlayStation Plus Premium includes everything from the Essential and Extra tiers, along with classic PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP games, cloud streaming options, and limited-time game trials.
If you are primarily interested in playing online multiplayer and enjoying the monthly free games, then Essential provides excellent value. However, if you are looking for access to a vast library of downloadable games, then Extra or Premium may be more suitable.
Pricing and Subscription Details
PS Plus Essential is an ongoing subscription with a recurring fee. It is priced at:
- $10 per month
- $25 for three months
- $80 for the year
The subscription is automatically renewed every 12 months, and payment is taken from your default payment method if your PSN wallet does not have enough funds.
The Bottom Line
PlayStation Plus Essential remains a compelling option for many PlayStation gamers. The combination of monthly free games, online multiplayer access, and exclusive discounts provides substantial value for its price. While it does not have the vast game library of the Extra and Premium tiers, it is perfect for gamers who prioritize online play and appreciate the curated selection of free monthly games. For August 2023, the free games were a diverse mix and therefore provided some appealing options for all. It all depends on what your gaming needs are, and the value that can be extracted from the included features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about PlayStation Plus Essential, offering additional insights for gamers:
1. What games were free on PS Plus Essential in August 2023?
The free games for PS Plus Essential in August 2023 were Death’s Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23. These games could be claimed by all tiers of PlayStation Plus members.
2. Does PS Plus Essential include online multiplayer?
Yes, PS Plus Essential is required for online multiplayer in most PlayStation games.
3. How much does PS Plus Essential cost?
PS Plus Essential costs $10 per month, $25 for three months, or $80 for the year.
4. What is the difference between PS Plus Essential and Extra?
PS Plus Extra includes all the benefits of Essential, plus a catalog of up to 400 downloadable PS4 and PS5 games.
5. What is the difference between PS Plus Essential and Premium?
PS Plus Premium includes all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to classic PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP games, cloud streaming and limited-time game trials.
6. Can I upgrade from PS Plus Essential to a higher tier?
Yes, you can upgrade from PS Plus Essential to either Extra or Premium. The cost of the upgrade is calculated based on the remaining time on your current subscription.
7. Can I downgrade from PS Plus Extra or Premium to Essential?
Yes, you can downgrade your subscription to PS Plus Essential.
8. Are the free games on PS Plus Essential permanent?
Yes, once you claim the free monthly games, they are yours to play as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription of any tier.
9. Do PS Plus Essential members get exclusive discounts?
Yes, PS Plus Essential members receive exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store.
10. Is PS Plus Essential worth it if I don’t play online multiplayer?
PS Plus Essential may still be worth it for the monthly free games and exclusive discounts, even if you don’t play online multiplayer often.
11. How often are new games added to PS Plus Essential?
New games are typically added to the PS Plus Essential lineup on the first Tuesday of each month.
12. What happens to the games I claim when my PS Plus Essential subscription ends?
You will lose access to the claimed games once your PlayStation Plus subscription ends, unless you renew your subscription.
13. Is the PlayStation Plus Collection still available?
No, the PlayStation Plus Collection was shut down on May 9, 2023. This is a separate feature that is different to the free monthly games.
14. What games are leaving PS Plus in November 2023?
The games will leave the PS Plus service on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. There are no titles leaving the Premium catalog and there are also no PS5 titles among the latest batch of leaving games.
15. Is PS Plus Essential good for casual gamers?
Yes, PS Plus Essential is great for casual gamers due to its accessibility, monthly free games, and the availability of online multiplayer.