Will We Get Free Games with PS5? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can get free games with your PS5, although the details of how you get them are important. The PS5 itself comes pre-loaded with Astro’s Playroom, a delightful and engaging game designed to showcase the console’s innovative features. Beyond that, the primary avenue for accessing free games is through a PlayStation Plus membership. Think of it as a gaming subscription that unlocks a treasure trove of benefits, including monthly downloadable games. This is the core way to consistently snag those coveted freebies. Let’s delve deeper into the world of free games on the PS5.

Understanding PlayStation Plus and Free Games

The PlayStation Plus service is Sony’s subscription offering, now structured in tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier provides increasing benefits, including a selection of free games each month.

• PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the entry-level tier. Subscribers get access to a few free PS5 and PS4 games every month, which they can download and play as long as their subscription remains active. It also provides access to online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves.

• PlayStation Plus Extra: Building upon the Essential tier, Extra adds a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games that subscribers can download and play at no extra cost. It’s essentially a Netflix for games, offering a rotating library of titles. While not permanently free, you can play them as long as they are available in the catalog and your subscription is active.

• PlayStation Plus Premium: The top-tier offers everything from the Essential and Extra plans, plus access to a library of classic PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games, available through cloud streaming and/or download. It also includes time-limited game trials of select titles.

The key takeaway is that while Astro’s Playroom is a permanently free experience included with the console, ongoing access to free games is tied to your PlayStation Plus subscription level. Every month, the selection of free games changes, so it’s a good idea to check what’s on offer and claim the games even if you don’t plan to play them immediately. They’ll be added to your library and available to you as long as you remain a subscriber.

Claiming Your Free Games

The process of claiming these free games is straightforward:

1. Navigate to the PlayStation Store: From your PS5‘s home screen, select the PlayStation Store icon.
2. Locate the PlayStation Plus Section: Within the store, look for the PlayStation Plus section. This is usually prominently displayed.
3. Claim Your Monthly Games: You’ll find the current month’s selection of free games. Simply select each game and click the “Add to Library” button. Once added, you can download the game at your convenience.

Other Avenues for Potentially “Free” Games

While PlayStation Plus is the main source, other possibilities can lead to opportunities to play for free, or very little:

• Game Upgrades: Some PS4 games offer free or discounted upgrades to the PS5 version. This might require owning the PS4 version digitally or a physical copy.
• Free Weekends and Demos: Keep an eye out for free weekend events or demos of upcoming games. This provides limited-time access to try out new titles.
• Promotional Offers: Sony occasionally runs promotions where they give away games or offer significant discounts on selected titles.
• Game Trials: The PlayStation Plus Premium tier allows for game trials where you can download and play a full game for a limited time period. This is like renting the game, but without any charge.
• Exploration of learning games: Educational games can also improve your skills and abilities. To explore more on this topic, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or directly at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is a PlayStation Plus Membership Worth It?

The value of a PlayStation Plus membership depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you primarily play single-player games offline, the Essential tier might not be as appealing. However, if you enjoy online multiplayer, the Essential tier becomes almost mandatory. The Extra and Premium tiers are particularly attractive to gamers who like to explore a variety of titles and don’t mind the rotating nature of the game catalog. The cost can certainly be offset by the number of free games you access and the discounts you receive. Consider your gaming habits and the available game libraries to make an informed decision.

Additional Considerations

• Game Availability: The availability of specific games can vary depending on your region.
• Subscription Cancellation: If you cancel your PlayStation Plus subscription, you will lose access to the games you downloaded through the service, unless you purchase them separately.
• Storage Space: Keep in mind that downloading games requires sufficient storage space on your PS5. The Ultra-High Speed SSD in the PS5 helps with load times but doesn’t change the fact you’ll need to make sure you have the space for new downloads.

In conclusion, while the PS5 doesn’t continuously shower you with permanently free games, the PlayStation Plus service offers a compelling avenue to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. Combined with other potential freebies and upgrades, the PS5 can deliver a surprisingly affordable and diverse gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to free games on the PS5:

1. Does buying PS5 come with games?

Yes, every PS5 console comes with Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. It is designed to demonstrate the features of the DualSense controller.

2. How do I claim free games on PS5?

Navigate to the PlayStation Store on your PS5, find the PlayStation Plus section, and claim the available monthly games by adding them to your library.

3. Are PS4 games free on PS5?

Not automatically. However, some PS4 games offer free upgrades to the PS5 version. Check the PlayStation Store for upgrade options.

4. Can I play PS3 discs on PS5?

No, the PS5 is not backwards compatible with PS3 game discs. However, some PS3 games are available digitally through PlayStation Plus Premium.

5. Is Minecraft free on PS5?

No, Minecraft is not free on the PS5. However, if you already own Minecraft on the PS4, you might be able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free.

6. What is the PS5 Digital Edition? Does it come with free games?

The PS5 Digital Edition is a version of the PS5 without a disc drive. It still comes with Astro’s Playroom pre-installed, and you can access free games through PlayStation Plus.

7. How much is a PlayStation Plus subscription?

The price varies depending on the tier (Essential, Extra, Premium) and the subscription duration (monthly, yearly). Check the PlayStation Store for current pricing.

8. Will I lose my free games if I cancel PlayStation Plus?

Yes, you will lose access to the games you claimed through PlayStation Plus if you cancel your subscription, unless you purchase them separately.

9. Are the free PlayStation Plus games available forever?

You can play the free games as long as you are subscribed to PlayStation Plus and the games remain available on the service. Games can rotate out of the Extra and Premium catalogs.

10. How often are new free games added to PlayStation Plus?

New free games are typically added to the PlayStation Plus Essential tier on the first Tuesday of each month. The game catalogs of the Extra and Premium tiers are updated periodically.

11. What happens if I already own a free PlayStation Plus game?

If you already own a game that is offered for free through PlayStation Plus, you won’t receive any additional benefits.

12. Is there a way to get a free PlayStation Plus subscription?

Sony occasionally offers free trials or promotional periods for PlayStation Plus. Keep an eye out for these offers.

13. Can I play my PS4 games online without PlayStation Plus on PS5?

No, a PlayStation Plus membership is still required to play most PS4 and PS5 games online.

14. Does the PS5 come with a free HDMI cable?

Yes, the PS5 includes an HDMI cable.

15. What other benefits do I get with PlayStation Plus besides free games?

Besides free games, PlayStation Plus offers online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for game saves, and access to the PlayStation Plus Collection (for PS5 owners who are also PlayStation Plus members) which consists of a selection of popular PS4 titles.