Is PlayStation Still Free to Play Online? The Definitive Guide
No, for the vast majority of games on PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5), playing online multiplayer is not free. You will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access online multiplayer features for most purchased titles. However, it’s not a completely black-and-white situation. There are some exceptions, primarily concerning free-to-play games. This article will break down the complexities of PlayStation online play and provide a comprehensive guide to understanding what’s free and what’s not.
PlayStation Plus: The Key to Online Multiplayer
The primary reason for the shift from free online play to a subscription-based model is the introduction of PlayStation Plus (PS Plus). This service offers a range of benefits, with online multiplayer access being one of its core features. Without a PS Plus subscription, you’ll generally find yourself unable to participate in online matches with friends or other players in most games.
Exceptions to the Rule: Free-to-Play Games
While a subscription is required for most online games, there is a crucial exception: free-to-play (F2P) titles. Many popular F2P games on the PlayStation platform, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. You can download and play these games with friends and other players around the world without needing to pay for PS Plus. This makes them a highly appealing option for those who want to play online games on their PlayStation consoles without the added cost.
The History of PlayStation Online
Understanding why PlayStation charges for online requires a bit of a historical perspective. When PlayStation Network (PSN) was first introduced in March 2006, it was a free service. In June 2010, Sony launched an optional premium subscription service alongside the existing free PSN service. This marked the beginning of the shift towards requiring payment for online multiplayer in most games. The main driver was the increasing cost of maintaining and upgrading the servers needed to support online gaming. According to Sony, trying to keep such a service free would result in a lower quality experience. Thus, they opted for a paid subscription model to ensure they could offer a reliable and high-quality service to gamers.
What Does a PlayStation Plus Subscription Get You?
Beyond online multiplayer access, a PlayStation Plus subscription offers several other valuable features, including:
- Monthly Games: Access to a selection of free games every month, which can be added to your library.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to exclusive discounts on digital game purchases.
- Cloud Storage: The ability to automatically back up saved data for games to online storage.
- Game Help: Exclusive hints and tips for selected games.
- Share Play: Invite friends to join in your single player games or play co-op together remotely.
- Game Catalog: A huge selection of games to play via download (only in the higher tier subscriptions)
- Ubisoft+ Classics: A growing library of Ubisoft titles (only in the higher tier subscriptions)
It is important to note that the “free” games you receive through PS Plus are only accessible as long as your subscription remains active. Should you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to these games until you renew the membership. However, content such as avatars and discounted purchases acquired through the service are yours to keep regardless of subscription status.
PlayStation Plus Tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium
PlayStation Plus now offers different tiers of subscription each with different benefits and pricing. The main tiers are:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the most basic tier, providing access to online multiplayer, monthly games, cloud storage, and exclusive discounts.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: In addition to all the benefits of Essential, this tier includes access to a large game catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games available to play.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: The most expensive tier includes all the benefits of the previous tiers and also includes access to a classics game catalog, cloud streaming capabilities, and game trials.
The cost of these subscriptions varies based on the duration (monthly, 3-month, 12-month) and which plan you choose. Keep in mind the 12 month subscription will generally offer the best value.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of PlayStation Online
The landscape of PlayStation online has evolved significantly over the years, moving from a completely free service to a subscription-based model for most games. While many gamers were initially disappointed by this change, the subscription model has allowed Sony to maintain a higher level of service quality and offer many additional benefits. The availability of free-to-play games that don’t require PS Plus for online play provides an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to pay for the subscription.
Is it Worth it?
Whether or not a PlayStation Plus subscription is “worth it” depends on your gaming habits. If you primarily play single-player games or only play a handful of free-to-play online games, then the service may not be worth the cost. However, if you regularly play online multiplayer or appreciate the additional features, including the extensive game catalogs included in the Extra and Premium tiers, then it is likely a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will further enhance your understanding of PlayStation online play:
1. Do I need PlayStation Plus for all online games?
No, you do not need PlayStation Plus for all online games. Most free-to-play games do not require a subscription for online multiplayer. However, the majority of purchased games require PS Plus for online access.
2. Can I play free games online without PS Plus?
Yes, most free-to-play games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone do not require a PS Plus membership for online play.
3. What happens to my “free” PS Plus games if my subscription ends?
You will lose access to games you’ve downloaded as part of your PS Plus subscription once it expires. They will remain on your console’s hard drive but won’t be playable until you renew your subscription.
4. What if my PS Plus subscription runs out mid-game?
You will likely be disconnected from the online game. It’s best to ensure your subscription is active before starting an online match.
5. Can I still access my saves on the cloud without PS Plus?
No. Cloud saving is a feature only available to PlayStation Plus members.
6. How much does PlayStation Plus cost?
PlayStation Plus costs vary depending on the tier of subscription and duration. The price for PlayStation Plus Essential starts at $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Extra and Premium plans are more expensive.
7. Can I cancel PlayStation Plus at any time?
Yes, you can cancel PlayStation Plus at any time. However, unless you cancel within the 14-day cancellation period, you will not receive a refund and the service will continue until the date the next payment is due.
8. What is the difference between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now?
PlayStation Now has been integrated into PlayStation Plus. The main benefits of PlayStation Plus are online multiplayer access and a selection of monthly free games. The Extra and Premium tiers provide access to the Game Catalog for many downloaded and streamed games.
9. When did PlayStation start charging for online?
Sony launched an optional premium subscription service in June 2010, which then evolved into the current PlayStation Plus system that requires payment for most online games. Prior to 2010 the online service was free.
10. Why did PlayStation stop offering free online?
Sony needed to implement a subscription fee to cover the increasing costs of maintaining online servers. They believe that charging for the service is necessary to continue to offer a reliable, high-quality experience.
11. How do I play PlayStation online?
To play PlayStation online you need an internet connection and a PSN account. For most games you will also need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The process is via Settings > Network menu on your PS4 or PS5.
12. Do I need to have PS Plus on each account on my console?
No, PS Plus benefits are typically shared with other accounts on the primary console associated with the account with the active subscription.
13. Is PlayStation Plus overcharging?
There is a class-action lawsuit in London alleging that Sony is overcharging customers for video games and in-game purchases.
14. What benefits come with PlayStation Plus Premium?
In addition to all the other benefits, PlayStation Plus Premium includes access to a Game Catalog, Ubisoft+ Classics, monthly free games, cloud streaming and other extras.
15. Is it worth getting a PlayStation Plus membership?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you frequently play online multiplayer games, like to play the available games on the game catalog, and want access to cloud saving, the subscription is likely worth it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PlayStation online play is not free for most games, understanding the nuances of the PlayStation Plus subscription system, along with the exceptions for free-to-play titles, is crucial. By weighing your gaming habits against the features offered, you can decide whether a PlayStation Plus membership aligns with your needs and delivers a worthwhile experience.