What Happens When You Delete a Purchased Game on PS5?

The digital age has brought unparalleled convenience to gaming. We can download games directly to our consoles, bypassing the need for physical media. But what happens when your PS5’s storage starts filling up? The natural solution is to delete games you’re no longer playing. The good news is that deleting a purchased game on your PS5 is not as scary as it sounds! You do not lose your right to the game. You can redownload and reinstall it any time you want, free of charge, as long as you use the same PlayStation account that you originally used to purchase the game. Your license to play the game remains valid, and it’s simply a matter of re-downloading the data. Think of it like removing a book from your bookshelf – the book still belongs to you; it’s just stored elsewhere temporarily.

Understanding the Nuances of Deleting Games

However, there are some important things to keep in mind. The deletion process affects different aspects of your gaming experience in varying ways:

• Game File Deletion: This removes the actual game data from your PS5’s storage. This frees up space, allowing you to download new games or other content.

• Save Data Considerations: Importantly, deleting a game does not automatically delete your saved game data. This data is stored separately. If you want to continue your progress later, you’ll be able to pick up where you left off after reinstalling the game. However, be careful! You can also manually delete save data through the PS5’s settings. If you do delete the save data, it’s gone unless you have cloud saves enabled through PlayStation Plus.

• Trophy Data: Trophies earned in a game are permanently tied to your PlayStation account and cannot be deleted by removing the game or its save data. These digital accolades remain a testament to your gaming achievements.

• Digital Ownership Verification: The PS5 verifies your ownership of digital games through your PlayStation Network account. As long as you are logged in with the account you used to purchase the game, you’ll be able to redownload it from the PlayStation Store or your Game Library.

How to Redownload a Deleted Game

Redownloading a game on PS5 is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to Your Game Library: From the PS5 home screen, go to your Game Library.
2. Find the Game: Look for the deleted game in the list. It will likely be under a tab like “Purchased” or “Not Installed.”
3. Select and Download: Select the game and choose the “Download” option. The game will then begin downloading to your PS5’s storage.
4. PlayStation App Method: Alternatively, you can use the PlayStation App. Go to Game Library > Purchased. Select the game you want to download, and choose Download to Console.

Managing Your PS5 Storage Effectively

To avoid constantly deleting and redownloading games, consider these storage management tips:

• External Storage: Utilize an external hard drive to store PS5 games. You can directly play PS4 games from an external drive, and use it to archive PS5 games that you aren’t currently playing.
• Prioritize Games: Think strategically about which games you play frequently and keep those installed. Archive games that you play infrequently on an external drive.
• Cloud Saves: Regularly back up your save data to the PlayStation Plus cloud storage. This protects your progress in case of data loss or if you need to delete save data locally.
• Delete Unwanted Data: Periodically review your installed games and delete any unnecessary files, such as game demos or old save files that you no longer need.
• Check for Updates: Keep your PS5 system software and games updated to ensure optimal performance and storage efficiency.

Games can provide educational opportunities and cognitive benefits, as evidenced by research found at the Games Learning Society. Understanding the mechanics of game ownership on digital platforms helps gamers engage with their favorite games and consoles with confidence. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what happens when you delete a purchased game on PS5:

1. Do I have to repurchase a game if I delete it from my PS5?

No, you do not have to buy a game again if you delete it. Once purchased on the PlayStation Store, the game is permanently linked to your account. You can redownload it anytime using the same account.

2. Will deleting a game erase my saved progress?

Not necessarily. Game files and saved data are stored separately. Deleting the game itself usually leaves your save data intact. However, you can delete save data manually if desired. If you have PlayStation Plus, your save data may also be backed up to the cloud.

3. Will I lose my trophies if I delete a game?

No, your trophies are permanently tied to your PlayStation Network account and are not affected by deleting a game.

4. Can I redownload a game I got through PlayStation Plus if my subscription expires?

If you obtained a game through PlayStation Plus, you can only redownload and play it as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Once your subscription ends, you will lose access to the game until you renew your subscription.

5. What’s the difference between deleting a game and uninstalling it?

On PS5, the terms are often used interchangeably. Deleting or uninstalling a game removes the game files from your console’s storage.

6. If I delete a game, will my friends still see my trophies for that game?

Yes, your friends will still be able to see the trophies you’ve earned for a deleted game on your PlayStation Network profile.

7. How do I delete save data for a game on PS5?

Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Saved Data. Select the game and then choose the save data you want to delete.

8. Can I move games to an external hard drive instead of deleting them?

Yes, you can move PS4 games to an external hard drive and play them directly from there. You can also store PS5 games on an external hard drive for archival purposes, but you will need to move them back to the internal storage to play them.

9. Does deleting a game also remove any DLC (Downloadable Content) I purchased for it?

No, deleting the base game does not automatically delete the DLC you purchased separately. You may need to redownload the DLC after reinstalling the game. Check your Game Library to redownload.

10. If I upgrade to a PS5 from a PS4, can I redownload my purchased games?

Yes, as long as you use the same PlayStation Network account on your PS5, you can redownload any games you purchased on your PS4.

11. What is “Game Presets” and does it get deleted with the game data?

Game Presets allow you to customize settings like difficulty, performance mode, and camera control preferences for supported games. These presets are generally tied to your profile and not directly linked to the game data. Therefore, deleting a game won’t necessarily erase your Game Presets.

12. How do I check how much storage space a game is taking up on my PS5?

Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. This will show you a list of installed games and the amount of storage space each one is using.

13. Can I use a physical copy of a game I previously owned digitally, and will my save data work?

Yes, you can use a physical copy of a game you previously owned digitally. If the game is the exact same version, your save data should work seamlessly. If it’s a different version (e.g., a special edition), compatibility may vary.

14. What happens if a game I purchased digitally gets delisted from the PlayStation Store? Can I still redownload it?

Even if a game is delisted from the PlayStation Store, you should still be able to redownload it from your Game Library as long as you purchased it before it was delisted. Your license to play the game remains valid.

15. Are there any alternatives to deleting games to free up space on my PS5?

Yes, consider these alternatives: Upgrading the internal SSD, utilizing an external hard drive for PS4 games and PS5 game storage, archiving less frequently played PS5 games to external storage, and deleting unnecessary screenshots and video clips.

Deleting a purchased game on your PS5 is a straightforward and reversible process, providing peace of mind as you manage your console’s storage. Understanding the nuances of game data, save files, and trophies ensures a smooth gaming experience. Enjoy gaming without the fear of losing your precious game library or hard-earned progress!