PlayStation Plus & Online Multiplayer: Your Questions Answered

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Everything to know about PS Plus, which games need it, and which don't

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: July 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Is PlayStation Plus required to play games online?
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• PlayStation Games with Free Online Multiplayer
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• PS Plus Plan Prices & Benefits

|Show more |Show less

Have you ever tried playing an online game on your PlayStation only to be notified that you need PlayStation Plus? This is frustrating, especially because it's another charge on top of the price you paid for the game. Unfortunately, PlayStation Plus is a requirement to play most PS4 and PS5 games online, but there are a few games that don't need it—keep reading to learn more.

PlayStation Plus & Online Multiplayer: Overview

PlayStation Plus is required for most games that have online multiplayer. Most free-to-play or subscription-based online multiplayer games don't require PS Plus. If you're unsure if a game needs PS Plus, check the PlayStation Store page for the game.

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Section 1 of 3:

Is PlayStation Plus required to play games online?

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1. For most titles, yes, PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer. The exception is that most free-to-play or subscription-based games with some degree of online multiplayer gameplay don't require an active PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership.

   • While most free-to-play and subscription-based games don't need PS Plus for online play, you may still find some games in these categories that require a PS Plus subscription (i.e., some Destiny 2 modes require PS Plus despite being free-to-play).
   • If a game requires a PS Plus subscription, it will be noted in its description in the PlayStation Store.
   • PS Plus is also not required to use the internet browser on your PlayStation console.
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Section 2 of 3:

PlayStation Games with Free Online Multiplayer

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1. Most free-to-play or subscription-based online multiplayer games don't need PS Plus. Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of games that you can play online without a PlayStation Plus subscription:

   • Shooters: Overwatch 2, The Finals, Warframe, Splitgate, Rogue Company
   • Battle Royales: Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, Super Animal Royale, Fall Guys
   • Role-playing Games: Path of Exile, Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, Tower of Fantasy
   • MMORPGs: Final Fantasy XIV, Neverwinter
   • Fighting Games: Brawlhalla, MultiVersus
   • Sports Games: Rocket League, eFootball 2024
   • MOBAs: Smite
   • Other: Roblox, Rec Room

Section 3 of 3:

PS Plus Plan Prices & Benefits

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1. There are three PlayStation Plus plans. These plans, along with their prices and benefits, are as follows (though pricing and benefits may differ for regions outside of the U.S.):

   • Essential: From $9.99/month
     • Benefits: free monthly games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, exclusive content, cloud storage, and Share Play
   • Extra: From $14.99/month
     • Benefits: Everything from the Essential plan, plus the game catalog and Ubisoft Classics
   • Premium: From $17.99/month
     • Benefits: Everything from the Essential and Extra plan, plus Classics Catalog, game trials, PS5 cloud streaming, and the Sony Pictures Catalog
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