Choosing the perfect console to play with friends was, until recently, a task that began by asking your friends which one was your favorite. Today, the widespread availability of crossplay has completely changed the landscape, allowing players across different devices, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, to enjoy their favorite games together.
This cross-compatibility has become standard for popular titles like Fortnite, which allows PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and even mobile users to join a single game. However, console players still face a significant hurdle: the mandatory payment of a subscription to access multiplayer features, especially in the PlayStation ecosystem.
While on platforms like PC or mobile you can connect online for free, on consoles it requires the purchase of PlayStation PlusWhy does this model exist? What exactly is PlayStation Plus? Are there legal ways to get PlayStation Plus for free or cheaper? Here we tell you everything in detail and with resources, integrating All the latest news, benefits and proven tricks.
What is PlayStation Plus and why do you need it?
PlayStation Plus is Sony's premium subscription service for its PlayStation consoles, including PS4 and PS5. The main reason most gamers sign up for it is to access the online multiplayer game in titles that require it. But it offers many others benefits that are worth knowing in depth:
- Monthly Free Games: Several titles are added each month that you can download and play at no additional cost, as long as you maintain an active subscription.
- Exclusive discounts: Special offers on the PlayStation Store for full games, expansions, and DLC content.
- Cloud storage: Up to 100GB to store your game progress and data, ideal if you ever need to restore information to a different console.
- Social and community functions: Take advantage of features like Share Play, voice chat, co-op play, gifting, and more.
The PlayStation Plus system also includes ways to share your games with friends who don't have them, thanks to the Share Play feature. This option not only facilitates multiplayer and co-op, but also allows you to invite someone to play a title that only you have installed, even if the other person doesn't have a copy associated with their account.
Remember: If you stop paying for your subscription, you lose access to your accumulated free games. (unless you reactivate your account). And while discounts and community features motivate many users, the biggest draw remains access to online multiplayer in most games.
PlayStation Plus plans, prices, and modalities
The PlayStation Plus subscription can be purchased in several ways and with different access levels, called Essential, Extra and Deluxe/PremiumEach of these plans has its own advantages and costs:
- Essential Plan: Access to online play, free monthly games, exclusive discounts, Share Play, and cloud storage. This is the basic plan for those who only want to play online and have monthly games.
- Extra Plan: Includes all of the above and also gives you access to the PS4 and PS5 game catalog to download and play for as long as you maintain your subscription. Adds access to Ubisoft+ Classics with a selection of recognized titles.
- Deluxe/Premium Plan: Add to all the above the ability to play PlayStation classics (PS1, PS2, and PSP), premium game trials, and cloud game streaming (region-dependent). It's the most comprehensive plan.
Depending on the country and store, you can find these plans with a duration of:
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 12 months
The list price of PlayStation Plus (in euros) is usually around:
- 1 month: € 8,99
- 3 months: € 24,99
- 12 months: € 59,99
The annual subscription is significantly more economical than monthly renewal. In addition, there are periodic promotions or prepaid cards at online stores that can reduce the final price.
Which games require PlayStation Plus for multiplayer?
Most multiplayer titles on PlayStation consoles require an active subscription to access its online features. However, there are exceptions:
- Free-to-play games: Some popular titles such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Genshin Impact, Warframe, Dauntless, Brawlhalla and Call of Duty: Warzone They don't require you to pay for PlayStation Plus for online gaming. These agreements are due to pressure from publishers to open up access to more users, especially those who cannot afford recurring payments.
- Paid titles and other multiplayer: On the contrary, games like Minecraft, FIFA, or PUBG Yes, they require PlayStation Plus. to enjoy multiplayer, without exception.
The list of exemptions may change over time, and it's common for the largest free-to-play titles to reach similar future agreements. Always check the PlayStation Store or the official website to see if your favorite game requires a subscription.
How to get PlayStation Plus for free legally?
Sony, periodically, offers free PlayStation Plus trials to new users who have never had an active subscription. The usual duration is 14 days, although sometimes it may vary and be offered only for 7 days depending on promotions or region.
To take advantage of this opportunity, you must:
- Check that your PlayStation Network account was never associated with PlayStation Plus. Review your transaction history to make sure.
- If you've never had a subscription, simply go to the PlayStation Store from your console or website, search for PlayStation Plus, and select the free trial option if available.
- During registration, you will be asked to enter a valid payment method (credit card or PayPal). You must cancel the automatic renewal before the end of the period if you do not wish to continue with your paid subscription.
This gives access to all the benefits of PlayStation Plus: Multiplayer mode, free monthly games, discounts, cloud storage, Share Play, and other premium features.
Many users have resorted to creating additional PlayStation Network accounts Using temporary email addresses to take advantage of successive free trials. However, Sony has refined its systems to detect abuse and limits the possibility of a single console or primary account from repeating trial periods. Always try to act in accordance with the terms of service.
Is it safe to use temporary emails?
When creating multiple accounts to take advantage of these trial periods, it's common to use temporary email generators. These platforms allow you to receive the confirmation email needed to activate the new account, although Sony blocks some of the most commonly used services.
Among the sites that usually work to create temporary email accounts associated with PlayStation Network we highlight:
Please note that these features may no longer be supported at any time, so please try alternatives if you encounter errors or crashes from Sony.
Once the account is confirmed, it is not necessary to keep that temporary email, as most communications will be marketing. However, if you choose this method, you will need to Notify your friends every 14 days of your new PlayStation Network username, which can complicate the social experience if not everyone follows the same strategy.
Buy PlayStation Plus cheaper: recommended options
The PlayStation Store never reduces the price of its subscription except during very specific promotions. Therefore, if you want to save, we recommend comparing PlayStation Plus cards and codes in alternative online stores. You can find discounts on between 15 and 20 euros on secure websites with high sales volume, such as the following:
When purchasing a code outside of the PlayStation Store, make sure it corresponds to your region. A code for Spain, for example, won't work in Latin America or other countries, which can lead to errors or even the inability to activate your subscription.
The process to redeem your license is simple: log in to your main PlayStation account, access the settings menu, and select "Redeem Code" to activate your subscription, which will automatically be added to your existing subscription if it hasn't expired yet.
Legal information, subscription changes, and additional details
PlayStation Plus is a recurring subscription: unless you explicitly cancel it, payment will continue to be charged automatically at the frequency indicated when you signed up (monthly, quarterly, or annually), and at the current PlayStation Store price. You can manage your subscription, change your plan, and review your terms and conditions on the official Sony website or from the console itself.
Legal restrictions vary by country. There are minimum age requirements and possible access restrictions for minors, who will require parental consent. PS Plus benefits and content are subject to change, and Sony reserves the right to modify the game library, remove promotions, or update the terms of service with prior notice.
The catalog of free games, game trials, and classics included in the Extra or Deluxe/Premium plans is subject to periodic changes. Check back regularly to make sure you don't miss out on any temporary benefits.
Additional benefits and unique details of each plan
Many players don't explore all the benefits included in the more advanced PlayStation Plus plans. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, higher tiers provide:
- Expanded game catalog: Access to the Extra or Deluxe/Premium plans means enjoying a rotating selection of hundreds of titles at no additional cost, only while the subscription is active.
- Exclusive launch tests: In Deluxe/Premium, you can try new games for a limited time before deciding to purchase them.
- classic games: Explore legendary titles from PlayStation history, perfect for nostalgic fans or discovering hidden gems.
- Cloud Streaming (Premium/Deluxe): Play select titles without downloading, as long as your connection supports it and it's available in your region.
These advanced features make the higher-end plans an ideal choice for those seeking maximum variety and possibilities beyond online gaming.
Whatever your preferred way to play, PlayStation Plus is still practically indispensable If you're looking to unleash your console's potential, play online with friends, and access an impressive variety of titles every month, take advantage of free trials when available, compare prices to get the cheapest annual subscription, and explore the different tiers to find the one that best suits you. Remember, you can always switch between accounts or use temporary email services to maximize your free days, although Sony is increasingly tightening the terms to prevent abuse. If you're looking for a complete social and gaming experience, PlayStation Plus is your gateway to all the content and benefits offered by the Sony ecosystem.