What Do You Get With PS Plus? A Comprehensive Guide
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PlayStation Plus, or PS Plus, is a subscription service offered by Sony for PlayStation users, designed to enhance their gaming experience. It unlocks a range of features, content, and benefits that go beyond basic gameplay. In essence, PS Plus provides access to online multiplayer, monthly downloadable games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for game saves, and much more. The specific offerings vary depending on the subscription tier you choose, with options ranging from Essential to Extra and Premium. Let’s delve deeper into what you get with PS Plus.
Core Benefits of PlayStation Plus
At its core, PlayStation Plus aims to elevate your gaming experience through a variety of perks. Here’s a breakdown of the core benefits:
Online Multiplayer Access
This is arguably the most significant benefit for many players. A PS Plus subscription is required to play most PS4 and PS5 games online with other players. This feature lets you connect with friends, participate in competitive matches, and enjoy cooperative gameplay across a vast range of titles. However, it’s important to note that certain free-to-play games like Fortnite do not require a PS Plus subscription for online play.
Monthly Games
One of the most appealing aspects of PS Plus is the provision of monthly games available for download at no extra cost. These games are available for you to download and play as long as you maintain an active subscription. The games rotate each month, offering a fresh batch of titles to try, ranging from indie gems to AAA blockbusters.
Exclusive Discounts
PS Plus subscribers get access to exclusive discounts on a variety of games and add-ons available on the PlayStation Store. These discounts can significantly reduce the cost of expanding your game library and can often be more significant than standard sales.
Cloud Storage for Game Saves
With PS Plus, you can automatically back up your game saves to the cloud. This is a crucial feature for protecting your game progress. Whether you need to reinstall a game or switch consoles, your save data will be readily available for download.
Share Play
This feature allows you to invite a friend to play a local multiplayer game with you online, even if they don’t own the game themselves. It’s a fantastic way to share gaming experiences with your friends, irrespective of their library.
Game Help
Some games provide in-game hints and walkthroughs exclusive to PS Plus subscribers. This is a great feature for getting past particularly tricky sections of a game without having to resort to external sources.
Understanding the Different PS Plus Tiers
The specific benefits you receive depend on which PS Plus tier you subscribe to: Essential, Extra, or Premium.
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the base tier, and it includes the core benefits, such as online multiplayer, monthly downloadable games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage, and Share Play.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes all the benefits of Essential, plus access to a large catalog of games that can be downloaded and played as part of your subscription. It’s a sort of “Netflix of games”, with a library that gets updated regularly.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: This is the top tier, offering all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to a larger catalog of games, including classic titles from older PlayStation consoles, cloud streaming for select titles, and access to game trials that allow you to sample games before purchasing them.
Is PS Plus Worth It?
The value of a PS Plus subscription depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences. For players who primarily enjoy online multiplayer, the Essential tier is often considered a must-have. If you like to play a variety of games and want access to a large, rotating library, the Extra tier can offer excellent value. The Premium tier, while the most expensive, provides the most extensive benefits and is suited to those who want the ultimate PlayStation experience.
Some may feel the lack of day-one releases on PS Plus Extra and the fact that titles don’t necessarily stay forever could be a deterrent, and comparisons with services like Game Pass are inevitable. Ultimately, whether the subscription is worth it is determined by your play style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the “Monthly Games” on PlayStation Plus?
Monthly Games are titles that are made available for you to download and play at no additional cost as part of your PS Plus membership. These games change every month and are available for download and play as long as your subscription is active.
2. How do I keep the PS Plus games I’ve downloaded?
You can keep and play the games you’ve downloaded through PS Plus as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription ends, you’ll lose access to the games even if they are downloaded to your console. However, if you resubscribe, you’ll regain access to them.
3. How many games are free with PlayStation Plus?
The number of free games you receive each month varies, but you always receive at least a few as part of the Essential tier. The Extra and Premium tiers also provide access to a vast library of hundreds of games that you can download and play while your subscription is active.
4. How long are the monthly games available on PS Plus?
Once a monthly game is claimed, it remains in your library as long as your subscription is active. You can download and play it anytime within the subscription period.
5. What is the difference between PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Now was a separate service that has been integrated into PlayStation Plus. Now, PS Plus Premium offers a catalog of games, some of which can be streamed and some of which can be downloaded. Whereas the basic PS Plus Essential is geared towards online play and a couple of monthly free games.
6. Why did PlayStation Plus prices increase?
Sony increased the price of PlayStation Plus 12-month subscriptions to continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to the service. This was a move intended to sustain and improve the offerings of PS Plus.
7. What is the best PS Plus membership option?
The “best” membership option depends on your gaming habits and budget. PS Plus Premium provides the most comprehensive benefits, including classic games and cloud streaming. However, if you are not interested in these, PS Plus Extra or Essential may suffice.
8. Is PlayStation Now streaming only?
Not anymore. PS Plus Premium, which includes features previously offered by PS Now, allows you to stream many PS3 games and select PS4 titles. Many PS4 titles are also available to be downloaded directly to your console.
9. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Fortnite online?
No, you do not need PlayStation Plus to play Fortnite online, or other free-to-play games. This applies to other free online multiplayer games as well.
10. Will I lose my game saves if I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription?
No, you will not lose your saved games. If you have cloud backups through PS Plus they will still be stored on the cloud. However, you can only download them with an active PS Plus membership. In addition, they are stored on your system’s local storage and will not be deleted by canceling your membership.
11. Is PlayStation Plus only available monthly?
No, PlayStation Plus offers several subscription options, including monthly, 3-month, and 12-month options. The 12-month option usually offers the best value.
12. Why do I need PlayStation Plus now?
You need PlayStation Plus if you want to play most PS4 and PS5 games online with others. It’s the requirement for participating in most online multiplayer activities.
13. What happens to PS Plus games that leave the service?
When a game leaves the PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium game catalog, you will no longer be able to play it, even if you have downloaded it, unless you purchase it separately. This is similar to streaming services, where titles rotate in and out of their library.
14. Will digital games last forever?
In reality, digital games have limited lifespans, especially if they are tied to subscription services like PlayStation Plus. If your subscription lapses, your access is gone unless you resubscribe or purchase the games.
15. What is the PlayStation Plus Collection?
The PlayStation Plus Collection was a selection of PS4 games that were available for PS5 owners with an active PS Plus membership. It was discontinued on May 9, 2023, so you can no longer access those games even if you claimed them previously.
Conclusion
PlayStation Plus is a multifaceted service that provides a range of benefits, making it an attractive option for PlayStation owners. From accessing online multiplayer and monthly games to receiving exclusive discounts, the service offers numerous ways to enhance your gaming experience. By understanding the different tiers and their respective benefits, you can choose the subscription option that aligns with your gaming habits and preferences. It’s more than just a subscription; it’s an upgrade to your PlayStation journey.