Table of Contents

Is PS Plus Essential Still Worth It? A Deep Dive

In a word: Yes, for most PlayStation gamers, PS Plus Essential remains a worthwhile investment. While it’s the entry-level tier of Sony’s subscription service, it still provides crucial benefits like online multiplayer access, monthly free games, and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. The value proposition hinges on whether you actively use these features. If you primarily play offline single-player games and rarely engage with online communities, the Essential tier might not be a necessity. However, for anyone who enjoys online play or appreciates the chance to expand their game library with free titles, it’s a solid deal. Let’s break down why.

Core Benefits Breakdown

PS Plus Essential, at its heart, offers three primary advantages:

Online Multiplayer: This is the big one. Without PS Plus Essential, you’re locked out of the online multiplayer component of most PlayStation games. Whether you want to compete in Call of Duty, team up in Destiny 2, or race in Gran Turismo, a PS Plus subscription is typically required. There are some exceptions, primarily free-to-play titles, but the vast majority of online experiences demand a subscription.
Monthly Games: Each month, Sony offers a selection of free games to PS Plus subscribers. These games are yours to download and play as long as you remain a subscriber. The quality and genre of these games vary, but they often include a mix of AAA titles and indie gems, providing an opportunity to try new experiences you might otherwise overlook. Over the course of a year, you can amass a significant collection of games at no additional cost.
Exclusive Discounts: PS Plus members receive exclusive discounts on select games, DLC, and other content in the PlayStation Store. These discounts can range from modest savings to substantial price cuts, potentially offsetting the cost of the subscription over time, especially if you frequently purchase digital games.

The Competition: Extra and Premium Tiers

It’s important to consider PS Plus Essential in the context of the other tiers: Extra and Premium.

PS Plus Extra builds upon Essential by adding a vast game catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 titles. This is a significant upgrade for gamers who enjoy having access to a wide range of games without having to purchase them individually.
PS Plus Premium further enhances the offering with classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games, cloud streaming capabilities, and game trials. This tier is geared towards hardcore gamers and retro enthusiasts.

The decision of whether to upgrade from Essential depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you’re happy with the core benefits of Essential and don’t need access to a large game library or classic titles, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade. However, if you’re looking for more value and variety, Extra or Premium might be a better fit.

Price Considerations and Value Assessment

Sony recently increased the prices of all PS Plus tiers. The current annual prices are:

PS Plus Essential: $79.99
PS Plus Extra: $134.99
PS Plus Premium: $159.99

These price hikes have understandably led some gamers to question the value proposition of PS Plus. However, even with the increased prices, PS Plus Essential can still offer good value, especially if you actively utilize the online multiplayer and monthly game features.

To determine if it’s worth it for you, consider the following:

How often do you play online multiplayer games? If you play online regularly, PS Plus Essential is practically a necessity.
Do you typically purchase new games frequently? If so, the monthly games and exclusive discounts can help offset the cost of the subscription.
Are you interested in trying new games and expanding your library? The monthly games offer a low-risk way to discover new experiences.
Could you get more value from upgrading to Extra or Premium? Assess whether the additional features of these tiers align with your gaming habits.

The Future of PS Plus

The PlayStation ecosystem is constantly evolving, and Sony is likely to continue refining the PS Plus service in the future. We can anticipate potential changes to the game catalog, new features, and adjustments to the pricing structure. Staying informed about these developments will help you make the most informed decision about which PS Plus tier is right for you. Consider learning more about the effects gaming has on the society through reputable websites like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Do I need PS Plus to play online multiplayer?

Generally, yes. Most PlayStation games with online multiplayer functionality require a PS Plus subscription. However, many free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone do not require a PS Plus subscription to play online.

2. What happens to the “free” games I download if my PS Plus subscription expires?

You will lose access to the monthly games you’ve downloaded if your PS Plus subscription expires. However, if you resubscribe, you’ll regain access to all the games you previously claimed as long as they were claimed during your previous PS Plus subscription.

3. Can I play PS3 games with PS Plus Essential?

No. PS Plus Essential does not include access to PS3 games. PS3 game access is available through PS Plus Premium, which offers cloud streaming of select PS3 titles.

4. Does PS Plus Essential offer cloud streaming?

No. Cloud streaming is a feature exclusive to PS Plus Premium. With Premium, you can stream select PS3, PS2, and PSP games.

5. How much cloud storage do I get with PS Plus Essential?

PS Plus Essential provides 100GB of cloud storage for PS4 saved data and 100GB of cloud storage for PS5 saved data. This allows you to back up your game saves and access them from other PlayStation consoles.

6. Can I upgrade from PS Plus Essential to Extra or Premium?

Yes. You can upgrade your PS Plus subscription at any time. The price will be prorated based on the remaining time on your existing subscription.

7. What happens to the games in the Extra or Premium catalogs if they are removed?

Games in the Extra and Premium catalogs are subject to removal. Sony typically announces which games are leaving the service each month. If a game you’re playing is removed, you’ll need to purchase it to continue playing.

8. Are the monthly games available on both PS4 and PS5?

Many of the monthly games are available on both PS4 and PS5. Some games may be exclusive to one console or the other. Check the PlayStation Blog or the PlayStation Store for details on each month’s offerings.

9. Do I need PS Plus to play GTA Online?

Yes, you typically need PS Plus to play GTA Online on PlayStation consoles. As mentioned before, this is in line with most other games on Sony’s platforms.

10. Are there any free games on PlayStation that don’t require PS Plus?

Yes. Many free-to-play games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Genshin Impact, and Warframe, do not require a PS Plus subscription to play online.

11. How does PS Plus Essential compare to Xbox Game Pass Core?

PS Plus Essential and Xbox Game Pass Core are both entry-level subscription services that offer online multiplayer, monthly games, and exclusive discounts. Game Pass Core has a curated catalog of games to play instead of the 2 monthly downloadable games that PS Plus Essential offers. Which one is “better” depends on individual preferences and which console you primarily use.

12. Can I share my PS Plus Essential benefits with other accounts on my console?

Yes, if you set your console as your primary console, other accounts on that console will be able to access your PS Plus Essential benefits, including online multiplayer access.

13. What if I only play single-player games? Is PS Plus Essential worth it?

If you primarily play offline single-player games and rarely engage with online communities, PS Plus Essential may not be worth it for you. The main benefit you’d be missing out on is the monthly games, which you may or may not find appealing.

14. Where can I find the latest information on PS Plus games leaving the service?

Sony typically announces which games are leaving PS Plus Extra and Premium each month on the PlayStation Blog and through other official communication channels.

15. How do I redeem the monthly PS Plus games?

You can redeem the monthly PS Plus games through the PlayStation Store on your console or through the PlayStation website or mobile app. Make sure to “purchase” the games during the month they are offered, even if you don’t plan to play them immediately. They’ll be added to your library and available to download as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription.

In conclusion, PS Plus Essential, despite recent price increases, remains a valuable service for PlayStation gamers who actively participate in online multiplayer, enjoy trying new games, and appreciate exclusive discounts. By carefully considering your gaming habits and needs, you can determine whether it’s the right subscription tier for you.

Is PS Plus Essential still worth it?