Which Call of Duty is Free on PS5? A Complete Guide
The question of which Call of Duty title is free on the PlayStation 5 is a common one for gamers looking to dive into the action without breaking the bank. The simple answer is: Call of Duty: Warzone is the free-to-play offering available on PS5. However, there’s more to the story than just that. This article will not only confirm that Warzone is free but also delve into other aspects of the Call of Duty universe on PS5, including what you can expect from the free-to-play experience, any potential costs associated with other games, and more.
Diving into Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone is a standalone, free-to-play battle royale experience set within the broader Call of Duty universe. It’s designed to be accessible to everyone, meaning you don’t need to own any of the premium Call of Duty titles to jump into the action. This is a significant shift from the traditional model of needing to purchase the latest Call of Duty release to access its multiplayer component.
The core gameplay revolves around intense, large-scale battles, where players drop into a vast map, scavenge for weapons and equipment, and fight to be the last team standing. Warzone has evolved over time, introducing new maps, weapons, and game modes. Currently, you can enjoy playing on maps like Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel, offering a variety of environments and tactical challenges. It is important to note that Warzone Caldera is no longer available, with developers focusing on future content within the core Warzone experience.
The free-to-play nature of Warzone means there are in-game purchases, often in the form of cosmetic items or battle passes. While these purchases are optional and provide no gameplay advantage, they can enhance the player’s experience and allow customization. You can have a completely full and satisfying time with Warzone without spending a penny.
Understanding the Free-to-Play Model
It’s crucial to distinguish between the free nature of Warzone and the paid nature of the mainline Call of Duty titles. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are premium games that must be purchased. While owning a premium title might grant certain unlocks in Warzone, the core Warzone experience itself remains free to all PS5 players.
A common misconception is that a PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play Warzone online. This is incorrect. Because Warzone is a free-to-play title, you do not need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to enjoy its online multiplayer capabilities. This is a notable exception, as most online multiplayer games on PlayStation 5 require a PlayStation Plus subscription.
How to Get Started with Warzone on PS5
Downloading and installing Call of Duty: Warzone on your PS5 is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Turn on your PlayStation 5 and sign in to your PlayStation Network account.
- Go to the home screen and navigate to the PlayStation Store.
- Use the search function and type “Call of Duty: Warzone“.
- Select the game from the search results.
- Press the “Download” button.
Once the download is complete, you’ll be able to launch Warzone directly from your PS5 home screen. The game will guide you through any initial setups and allow you to jump straight into the action.
Other Free Games on PS5
While Call of Duty: Warzone stands out as the free Call of Duty experience, it’s also worth noting that many other free-to-play games are available on the PS5. These titles include:
- Fortnite: A hugely popular battle royale game.
- Apex Legends: Another free battle royale title focusing on squad-based combat.
- Fall Guys: A party royale game now free to download.
- Warframe: A free-to-play online action game.
These games, just like Warzone, don’t require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play, offering players a vast library of completely free entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II free on PS5?
No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is not free on PS5. It is a premium title that must be purchased to play. While owning it may provide some benefits in Warzone, the main game itself requires a purchase.
2. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Call of Duty: Warzone on PS5?
No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Call of Duty: Warzone on PS5. This is due to its free-to-play nature.
3. Is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War free on PS5?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not a free-to-play game. It is a premium title that must be purchased to play.
4. What maps are available in Warzone on PS5?
Warzone features a rotating selection of maps. Currently, maps such as Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel are in rotation.
5. Is Warzone 2 available on PS5?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is available on PS5. There is not a separate “Warzone 2”, as it is just called Warzone. The original Warzone Caldera version has been shut down.
6. Can I play Warzone on PS5 without owning any other Call of Duty games?
Yes, absolutely. Warzone is a standalone free-to-play game. You don’t need to own any other Call of Duty game to play it.
7. How much does it cost to get Call of Duty Warzone on PS5?
It doesn’t cost anything to download and play Call of Duty: Warzone on PS5. It is entirely free.
8. Are there any advantages to owning a premium Call of Duty game while playing Warzone?
Owning a premium title, like Modern Warfare II, may provide some weapon blueprints or cosmetic items in Warzone. However, these are not required to compete effectively in Warzone and do not offer a gameplay advantage.
9. Is there any Call of Duty game that’s free to play on PlayStation?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is the free-to-play Call of Duty experience available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
10. Is Call of Duty: Warzone crossplay compatible?
Yes, Warzone is a crossplay title, allowing you to play with friends on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
11. What are some other free-to-play games on PS5?
Other popular free-to-play games on PS5 include Fortnite, Apex Legends, Fall Guys, and Warframe.
12. Can I get a free Call of Duty game with PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus may offer free games each month, but these rarely include full Call of Duty titles. Free titles through PS+ typically rotate monthly.
13. How big is the download size for Call of Duty: Warzone on PS5?
The download size for Warzone can be quite large, usually requiring 70 GB or more of storage space.
14. Will future Call of Duty games be free?
Future Call of Duty titles may have free-to-play modes like Warzone. However, mainline titles will likely continue to be premium releases.
15. Is Fall Guys free to download on PS5?
Yes, Fall Guys is free to download on PS5, as of June 2022.
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Warzone is the free Call of Duty game available on the PlayStation 5. It offers a robust battle royale experience without the need for a premium game purchase or a PlayStation Plus subscription. Enjoy your battles, and welcome to Warzone!