PlayStation Plus & Online Multiplayer: Your Questions Answered

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posted on 5 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Have you ever tried to play an online game on your PlayStation only to be notified that you need PlayStation Plus to play online? This is definitely 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

Is PlayStation Plus required to play games online?

For most titles, yes, PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer. The exception is that most free-to-play games or subscription-based games that have 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 the game's description in the PlayStation Store. PS Plus is also not required to use the internet browser on your PlayStation console.

PlayStation Games with Free Online Multiplayer

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: Brawhalla, MultiVersus Sports Games: Rocket League, eFootball 2024 MOBAs: Smite Other: Roblox, Rec Room

PS Plus Plan Prices & Benefits

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