What Happens If I Delete a Game I Bought on PS5?
Deleting a game you purchased on your PlayStation 5 (PS5) might seem like a point of no return, but thankfully, it’s not. The good news is that deleting a digital game from your PS5 doesn’t mean you lose access to it forever. It’s more like removing a book from your shelf; the book (or in this case, the game) is still yours, and you can put it back on the shelf whenever you want. Specifically, deleting a purchased game only removes the installed game files from your PS5’s storage. Your license to play the game remains tied to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This means you can re-download and reinstall the game at any time, free of charge, as long as you’re logged in with the same PSN account you used to purchase it.
Understanding the Nuances of Deleting Games on PS5
While the core concept is simple, there are a few important aspects to consider when deleting games on your PS5. These involve save data, game ownership verification, and potential internet connectivity requirements.
Save Data: Your Progress is (Usually) Safe
One of the biggest concerns players have is losing their progress. Fortunately, save data is typically stored separately from the game files. The PS5 offers several options for managing your save data, including:
- Cloud Storage (PlayStation Plus Required): If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, your save data is automatically backed up to the cloud. This is the most convenient and reliable way to ensure your progress is safe, even if your console experiences a catastrophic failure.
- Console Storage: Save data is also stored locally on your PS5’s internal storage. Even if you delete the game, the save data usually remains intact. However, it’s crucial to avoid accidentally deleting the save data itself through the console’s settings.
- External USB Drive: You can manually back up your save data to an external USB drive for extra security. This is a good option if you don’t have PlayStation Plus or want an extra layer of protection.
Important Note: While save data is usually separate, some games might handle save data differently. Always check the game’s documentation or online resources to understand how your progress is stored. In rare cases, deleting a game might also delete associated save data if it’s not properly managed.
Re-downloading and Re-installing Your Games
Re-downloading a game you’ve purchased is straightforward:
- Navigate to your Game Library: On the PS5 home screen, go to your Game Library.
- Find the Game: Look for the game you deleted. It will usually have a download icon indicating that it’s not currently installed.
- Download and Install: Select the game and choose the “Download” option. The game will then download and install to your PS5’s storage.
Remember: You’ll need an active internet connection to download games from the PlayStation Network.
Game Ownership Verification
The PS5 needs to verify that you own the game before allowing you to play it. This verification process happens automatically when you download and install a game from the PlayStation Store using the account that purchased it. As long as you’re logged into the correct PSN account, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
Physical Games vs. Digital Games
The information discussed so far pertains to digital games purchased through the PlayStation Store. If you delete the installed data from a physical game disc, you simply need to re-insert the disc to reinstall the game. However, remember that physical games still often require updates and patches to be downloaded from the internet.
Optimizing Your PS5 Storage
Deleting games is often necessary to free up space on your PS5’s internal storage. Here are some tips for managing your storage effectively:
- Prioritize Games: Delete games you’re not currently playing or don’t plan to play in the near future.
- External Storage: Consider investing in an external SSD (Solid State Drive) to expand your PS5’s storage capacity. This allows you to store and play PS5 games directly from the external drive.
- Delete Unnecessary Files: Regularly review your storage and delete any unnecessary files, such as game demos or unused applications.
The design of games and the technology that supports them is constantly evolving. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, are dedicated to understanding these changes and exploring the educational potential of video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will I lose my trophies if I delete a game on PS5?
No, your trophies are tied to your PSN account, not the game installation. Deleting a game will not affect your earned trophies. They will remain associated with your profile.
2. Can I re-download a game I got through PlayStation Plus after it’s been removed from the service?
If you claimed a game through PlayStation Plus while it was available, you can continue to download and play it as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to the game until you renew your subscription. Once the game is removed from the PlayStation Plus service, you can’t claim it again.
3. What happens if I delete a game and then the developer removes it from the PlayStation Store?
If you’ve already purchased and downloaded the game, you should still be able to re-download and play it even if it’s removed from the PlayStation Store. Your purchase is tied to your PSN account. However, if you haven’t downloaded it, you might not be able to access it anymore, as it’s no longer available for purchase.
4. How do I check if my save data is backed up to the cloud?
Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Upload to Cloud Storage. You can see the status of your cloud saves and manually upload or download save data.
5. Is it safe to delete a game while it’s still running in the background?
No, it’s not recommended. Always close the game completely before deleting it to avoid potential data corruption or other issues.
6. Can I share a downloaded game with another PS5 if I delete it from my console?
Game sharing on PS5 is tied to account and console settings. Deleting the game from your console doesn’t affect the other console’s ability to play the game if it’s properly set up for game sharing under your PSN account.
7. How do I free up space on my PS5 without deleting games?
You can free up space by deleting unnecessary screenshots and video clips, deleting game demos you no longer play, and removing any applications you don’t use. Consider moving PS4 games to an external drive to free up space on your internal SSD.
8. Will deleting a game affect my online multiplayer progress or stats?
Your online multiplayer progress and stats are typically stored on the game’s servers, not locally on your console. Deleting the game will not affect your online progress.
9. What’s the difference between deleting a game and uninstalling it?
On PS5, the terms “delete” and “uninstall” are used interchangeably. They both refer to the process of removing the game files from your console’s storage.
10. Can I download a game on a different PS5 console using the same account after deleting it from my original PS5?
Yes, you can download the game on any PS5 console as long as you are logged in with the same PSN account that purchased the game.
11. How do I prevent accidental game deletions on my PS5?
There isn’t a specific setting to prevent accidental deletions, but you can be extra cautious when navigating the storage settings and ensure you’re selecting the correct options before confirming any deletion.
12. Does deleting a game also delete DLC (Downloadable Content)?
Deleting a game typically removes the base game files. DLC may be deleted along with the game, but you can usually re-download the DLC from the PlayStation Store if you own it. Check your transaction history to confirm your DLC ownership.
13. What if I don’t remember the PSN account I used to purchase the game?
If you don’t remember the account you used to purchase the game, you’ll need to try logging in with any other PSN accounts you may have. If you still can’t find it, contact PlayStation Support for assistance. They may require proof of purchase to help you recover your account.
14. Is there a way to archive games instead of deleting them completely?
While the PS5 doesn’t have a dedicated “archive” feature, you can effectively archive games by moving them to an external storage drive. This frees up space on your internal SSD while keeping the game readily available for re-installation.
15. If I upgrade my PS5 to a newer model, can I still access the games I purchased and deleted from my old console?
Yes, as long as you log in with the same PSN account on your new PS5, you can access and re-download all the games you purchased on your old console. Your game licenses are tied to your account, not the console itself.