Fall Guys on PS4: Clearing Up the Confusion About its “Free-to-Play” Status
The question of whether Fall Guys is free on PS4 can be confusing. Let’s cut through the noise: Fall Guys is free-to-play on PlayStation 4 (and PS5). You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access the base game and its core multiplayer functionality. However, this wasn’t always the case, and that’s likely why the confusion persists.
Understanding Fall Guys’ Evolution to Free-to-Play
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout initially launched as a paid game. Its vibrant visuals, chaotic gameplay, and easy-to-learn mechanics quickly made it a global phenomenon. However, the gaming landscape is ever-changing, and Mediatonic, the game’s developer (now owned by Epic Games), decided to switch to a free-to-play model.
This transition occurred on June 21, 2022. Simultaneously, Fall Guys launched on new platforms including Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This move dramatically increased the player base, revitalized interest in the game, and made it accessible to a much wider audience. The core reasoning behind this shift was simple: to bring more players into the fold and ensure the game’s long-term health. Epic Games also implemented cross-platform play, cross-platform parties, and cross-progression features, all tied to an Epic Games Account, further incentivizing players across different platforms to dive in.
The Free-to-Play Model Explained
So, what does “free-to-play” actually mean for Fall Guys? It means the base game, including access to the main game modes and multiplayer functionality, is available for anyone to download and play without an initial purchase. Think of it as a “try before you buy” model, except in this case, you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy a significant portion of the experience.
The developers monetize the game through in-app purchases. These include:
- Battle Pass: A seasonal progression system that offers exclusive cosmetic rewards as you level up.
- Show-Bucks: A premium currency that can be purchased with real money and used to buy cosmetic items in the in-game store, such as skins, accessories, and emotes.
- Cosmetic Items: Individual items like character skins, patterns, colors, titles, and banners available for direct purchase.
These purchases are entirely optional and do not affect gameplay balance. You can still enjoy Fall Guys without spending a dime, competing alongside paying players.
PlayStation Plus: The Important Clarification
A key point of confusion often arises regarding PlayStation Plus. Previously, a PS Plus subscription was required to play most online multiplayer games on PlayStation consoles. However, this policy has changed for free-to-play titles like Fall Guys. You no longer need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play Fall Guys online on your PS4 or PS5. This exemption makes Fall Guys truly accessible to all PlayStation users.
This change represents a shift in Sony’s approach, aligning with other platforms like PC and mobile, where free-to-play games typically don’t require a separate subscription for online access. This move benefits both players and developers, fostering larger communities and encouraging more people to try out free-to-play titles.
Addressing Common Issues
While Fall Guys is now free, users might still encounter issues when trying to play on PS4. Error messages like “{FIXED} PS4/PS5 – FALL GUYS Failed to login. Please check your Connection” can appear. These issues are rarely related to PS Plus, but more commonly stem from:
- Internet Connection Problems: Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection.
- Server Issues: Fall Guys servers sometimes experience downtime for maintenance or due to high player traffic. Check the official Fall Guys social media channels for updates.
- Epic Games Account Issues: Verify that your Epic Games account is properly linked to your PlayStation account.
- Game Updates: Ensure you have the latest version of Fall Guys installed.
The Rise of Similar Games
The success of Fall Guys has inevitably led to the emergence of similar games, with Stumble Guys being the most prominent example. While Stumble Guys shares many gameplay mechanics and visual similarities, it’s important to remember that it is a separate game developed by a different studio. The article mentions Stumble Guys as a “ripoff”, but the evolution of each title has been quite distinct.
Fall Guys also copied back some features from Stumble Guys. Both games have their unique features and communities, so the distinction matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Fall Guys actually free on PS4?
Yes, Fall Guys is free-to-play on PS4. You can download and play the base game without any cost.
2. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Fall Guys online on PS4?
No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Fall Guys online on PS4 or PS5.
3. When did Fall Guys become free-to-play?
Fall Guys became free-to-play on June 21, 2022.
4. How do Fall Guys developers make money if the game is free?
The developers monetize Fall Guys through in-app purchases, including the Battle Pass, Show-Bucks (premium currency), and cosmetic items.
5. Is Fall Guys pay-to-win?
No, Fall Guys is not pay-to-win. Purchases are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay balance.
6. What platforms is Fall Guys available on?
Fall Guys is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via the Epic Games Store).
7. Is Fall Guys cross-platform?
Yes, Fall Guys supports full cross-platform play, allowing you to play with friends on different platforms.
8. Do I need an Epic Games account to play Fall Guys?
Yes, an Epic Games account is required to enable cross-platform play, cross-platform parties, and cross-progression.
9. What is Stumble Guys?
Stumble Guys is a similar game to Fall Guys developed by a different studio, featuring similar gameplay and visual style.
10. Is Fall Guys suitable for all ages?
Fall Guys has a PEGI 3 rating, making it accessible and safe for all ages. Games Learning Society promotes responsible gaming, and Fall Guys, with its PEGI 3 rating, fits this criteria. You can find more about responsible gaming at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
11. How big is the Fall Guys download file on PS4?
The Fall Guys download file size on PlayStation is approximately 7.4 GB.
12. Can I play Fall Guys split-screen on PS4?
No, Fall Guys does not offer a split-screen multiplayer option.
13. Is Fall Guys still popular?
Fall Guys experienced a surge in popularity when it became free-to-play and remains a popular choice for casual and competitive gamers.
14. What are the basic controls for Fall Guys on PS4?
The basic controls include:
- Move: Left analog stick
- Jump: X button
- Dive: Square button
- Grab: R2 button
15. Does Fall Guys rank you?
Yes, Fall Guys uses a Crown Rank system based on the number of Crowns you’ve earned throughout your career.
In conclusion, while the initial pay-to-play model might have caused some confusion, Fall Guys is indeed a free-to-play game on PS4, and you don’t need PlayStation Plus to enjoy it. Dive in, have fun, and embrace the chaotic world of Fall Guys without spending a dime!