PlayStation Plus April 2023: Unveiling the Free Games and More!
The free PS Plus games for April 2023 were a diverse and exciting lineup, available to subscribers across all tiers (Essential, Extra, and Deluxe/Premium). These games were claimable from April 4th to May 1st.
The free PS Plus games for April 2023 included:
- Meet Your Maker: A post-apocalyptic first-person building-and-raiding game where players can design deadly Outposts and test their creations against other players.
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure: A charming 3D platformer featuring the lovable Sackboy from the LittleBigPlanet series.
- Tails of Iron: A hand-drawn, action RPG adventure with brutal combat and a compelling narrative featuring a rat warrior.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these titles and explore some frequently asked questions about PlayStation Plus.
A Closer Look at April 2023’s Free PS Plus Games
Meet Your Maker: Build, Raid, and Survive
Meet Your Maker was arguably the headline title for April 2023, offering a unique blend of creation and destruction. Players can build intricate and deadly Outposts filled with traps, guards, and hazards to challenge other players. Conversely, they can raid other players’ Outposts, testing their skills and strategy against increasingly difficult designs. This day-one release was a significant draw for many subscribers. The game is also available on Steam and the link is: https://store.steampowered.com/app/11…
Sackboy: A Big Adventure: Platforming Fun for Everyone
Sackboy: A Big Adventure brought a family-friendly platforming experience to the PS Plus lineup. This 3D adventure allowed players to control Sackboy through a variety of colorful and imaginative levels, either solo or in co-op with up to four players. The game is known for its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and lighthearted story.
Tails of Iron: A Grim and Gritty Tale
Tails of Iron offered a darker and more challenging experience compared to the other two titles. This action RPG featured a hand-drawn art style, brutal combat, and a compelling story about a rat warrior seeking to avenge his kingdom. The game is known for its demanding boss battles and strategic combat system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PlayStation Plus
Here are some frequently asked questions about PlayStation Plus, addressing various aspects of the service and clearing any confusion:
1. What are the different PlayStation Plus tiers?
PlayStation Plus currently offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium (or Deluxe in some regions). Each tier offers different benefits, including monthly games, access to online multiplayer, discounts, and more.
2. What are the benefits of PS Plus Essential?
PS Plus Essential is the base tier and provides access to monthly free games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for game saves, and exclusive content.
3. What does PS Plus Extra offer in addition to Essential?
PS Plus Extra includes all the benefits of Essential, plus access to a game catalog featuring hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. This catalog is similar to Xbox Game Pass.
4. What are the benefits of PS Plus Premium/Deluxe?
PS Plus Premium (or Deluxe in regions without cloud streaming) includes all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to a classics catalog featuring PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 games (PS3 games are cloud-streamed), game trials, and cloud streaming for select PS4 and PS5 games.
5. How long can I keep the free monthly games on PS Plus Essential?
You can keep the free monthly games as long as you maintain an active PS Plus Essential subscription. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to the games until you renew your subscription.
6. Do I get to keep the games in the PS Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs forever?
No. Games in the Extra and Premium game catalogs are available as long as they remain in the catalog. Sony can remove games from the catalog at any time. When a game is removed, you will no longer be able to play it, even if you downloaded it. The only exception to this is when you choose to purchase the game yourself.
7. How do I claim the free monthly PS Plus games?
You can claim the free monthly games through the PlayStation Store on your console or through the PlayStation website or app. Simply add the games to your library during the claim period.
8. What happens if I claim a PS Plus game but don’t download it right away?
The game will remain in your library as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription. You can download it at any time.
9. Are all PS Plus games available on both PS4 and PS5?
Not always. Some PS Plus games may be exclusive to either PS4 or PS5. It’s important to check the compatibility information before claiming a game.
10. Can I play online multiplayer without PlayStation Plus?
For most games, yes, you need PlayStation Plus to play online multiplayer. However, some free-to-play games do not require a PS Plus subscription.
11. When are new PS Plus games usually announced?
Sony typically announces the new PS Plus games for each month on the last Wednesday of the preceding month. For example, the May games are often announced on the last Wednesday of April.
12. Can I get a free trial of PlayStation Plus?
Yes, PlayStation Plus offers a free trial to new subscribers. Each person is eligible for only one free trial unless otherwise communicated. Certain other feature limitations may also apply to free trials to prevent fraud and misuse of content.
13. Is PlayStation Plus worth the cost?
Whether PlayStation Plus is worth the cost depends on your gaming habits and needs. If you play online multiplayer regularly, want access to free monthly games, and enjoy having a large library of downloadable games, then PS Plus is likely a good value.
14. What games have been removed from PS Plus?
Games are periodically removed from the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs. Recent removals include titles like Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition. It’s essential to check for expiration dates to avoid losing access to games you enjoy.
15. Will the PlayStation 4 still be supported in the future?
Sony plans to continue supporting the PlayStation 4 until 2025, but they have formalized its plan to cease producing games for the PlayStation 4 by 2025.
The Value of PS Plus: More Than Just Free Games
Beyond the allure of free monthly games, PlayStation Plus provides a range of benefits that enhance the overall gaming experience. Access to online multiplayer is essential for many popular titles, and the exclusive discounts can save you money on new games and add-ons.
The PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers offer even greater value with their vast game catalogs. These catalogs provide access to hundreds of games, ranging from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. This can be a great way to discover new games and genres without having to purchase them individually.
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is another community to explore, providing valuable resources and information about the educational aspects of gaming. Learning through gaming is a fantastic way to engage in critical thinking and improve problem-solving skills. For more, please visit: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion: PlayStation Plus Continues to Evolve
PlayStation Plus has evolved significantly over the years, offering a variety of tiers and benefits to cater to different gamers’ needs. The April 2023 lineup, featuring Meet Your Maker, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Tails of Iron, was a testament to the service’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging content. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, PlayStation Plus offers something for everyone. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements to see what exciting games and features Sony has in store for the future of PS Plus.