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What do you actually get with a PlayStation Plus membership?

With so many games and services out there, it’s no surprise that Sony’s revamped PlayStation Plus has become a key part of the modern PlayStation experience. Whether you're a casual player looking to jump into online multiplayer or a die-hard gamer wanting access to hundreds of titles, there's now a tier of PS Plus for you.

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Let’s walk through what each version brings to the table—and which one makes the most sense based on how you play.


What is PlayStation Plus?


At its core, PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for PS4 and PS5 players. It gives members a range of perks that enhance gameplay, from online access to a massive on-demand library of games.


Since the big update in 2022, PS Plus has been split into three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each one builds on the previous, offering more features and content as you go up the ladder. You can subscribe monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your budget or how often you play.


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Breaking Down the PlayStation Plus Tiers:

Let's explore what each tier offers:


1. PlayStation Plus Essential


This is the foundational tier, providing the core benefits that many PlayStation gamers have come to expect.


  • Online Multiplayer Access: The cornerstone benefit for playing paid online games. Titles like Call of Duty, EA Sports FC, and Grand Theft Auto Online require an active PlayStation Plus subscription to unlock their online features. This capability allows you to connect and play with friends and gamers globally, fostering seamless cooperative and competitive play.


  • Monthly Games: Each month, PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers receive a curated selection of typically 2-3 games that they can add to their library. These games remain playable as long as your membership is active. This selection often combines indie gems and popular AAA titles, offering a great way to discover new favorites and build your game collection.


  • Exclusive Discounts: All PlayStation Plus members gain access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of games, DLC, and add-ons in the PlayStation Store. These member-only deals, often stacking with seasonal sales, can lead to significant savings on both new releases and back-catalog titles.


  • Cloud Storage for Game Saves: Protecting your gaming progress is crucial. Essential members receive access to cloud storage, allowing your game saves to be automatically uploaded online. This provides peace of mind, as you can easily access your saved games from any PlayStation console by simply logging into your account – ideal if you switch consoles or encounter hardware issues.


  • Share Play: Play games with a friend online, even if they don't own the game (requires online multiplayer access for applicable titles).


Who it’s for: Casual players or those mainly interested in online play and a few bonus games each month.


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2. PlayStation Plus Extra


Building on the Essential tier, Extra introduces a vast game catalog for extensive exploration.


Includes everything in PlayStation Plus Essential, PLUS:


  • Game Catalogue: Access to a vast and constantly updated library of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games. This includes popular titles from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners, offering an immense amount of content to dive into.


  • Ubisoft+ Classics: A curated selection of popular games from Ubisoft's back catalog is included as part of the Game Catalogue, providing even more renowned titles to enjoy.


Best For: Gamers who want a huge library of current-gen and last-gen games to explore, alongside all the Essential benefits.


3. PlayStation Plus Premium (or Deluxe in regions without cloud streaming)


This is the most comprehensive tier, offering the ultimate PlayStation experience with classic games and streaming capabilities.


Includes everything in PlayStation Plus Essential and Extra, PLUS:


  • Classics Catalogue: An expanded library of beloved games from previous PlayStation generations, including titles from PS1, PS2, and PSP. This is perfect for enjoying nostalgic favourites.


  • PS3 Game Streaming (via Cloud): Stream a selection of PlayStation 3 titles without needing to download them. This allows you to experience a range of PS3-era games directly on your PS4, PS5, or PC.


  • Game Trials: Time-limited trials of selected new release games, allowing you to play for a few hours before purchasing. If you decide to buy the game, your progress often carries over, making it a great "try before you buy" option.


  • Cloud Streaming for Catalogue Games: Stream a selection of games from the PS4/PS5 Game Catalogue and Classic Catalogue directly to your PS4, PS5, or PC (availability of streaming to PC may vary by region).


Best For: Players who want the most comprehensive PlayStation experience, including access to a huge game library, cloud streaming for classic and modern titles, and the ability to test new releases.


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Console Game Sharing (A PlayStation Feature)


While not exclusive to PlayStation Plus, the console's game sharing functionality works seamlessly with digital purchases. By setting your console as the 'Primary PS4/PS5' for your account, other users on that console can play your digital games, including PlayStation Plus Monthly Games (if they're downloaded), even if they don't have their own active subscription. This is a great way to enjoy titles with family or housemates.


Early Access and Beta Features (Occasional Perk)


While not a guaranteed monthly inclusion, PlayStation Plus members occasionally receive opportunities for early access to selected games, beta tests, or exclusive demo versions. This allows you to experience upcoming titles ahead of their official release and sometimes even provide valuable feedback to developers.



Final Thoughts


Ultimately, a PlayStation Plus membership offers significant benefits designed to enhance your gaming experience, no matter your play style. With three distinct tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—you can choose the level of access that best suits your needs. From the fundamental online multiplayer and monthly games of Essential, to the expansive game catalogs of Extra, and the retro libraries and cloud streaming of Premium, PlayStation Plus aims to provide substantial value. Considering its ability to expand your game library, offer more social opportunities, and secure your save data, it remains a worthwhile investment for many gamers looking to get the most out of their PlayStation journey.

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