What Is PlayStation Plus

Sony’s PlayStation Plus is a well-known brand with a long history, but the service received a substantial makeover in 2022. Combining the original version with PS Now, the platform adopted a tiered system that seemed designed to offer something equivalent to Xbox Game Pass, with the higher levels containing extensive libraries of games that are updated monthly.

Although not without its controversies or criticisms, PS Plus has stabilized by this point, making it a consistently valid option for PS5 and even PS4 owners. As the service offers a lot of content along with different price points and features, here are the major things everyone should know about PS Plus.

Updated on November 1, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Sony has revealed the PS Plus Essential games for November 2024.

All The PlayStation Plus Tiers

Rather than present a one-size-fits-all subscription, PS Plus lets users have their pick from three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Here is a summary of each level’s offerings:

• Essential
  – The core PS Plus benefits as they were prior to the 2022 relaunch. Subscribers gain access to online multiplayer, monthly games, exclusive discounts, and a few other benefits.
• Extra
  –
  Essential tier benefits
  + a catalog of downloadable PS5 and PS4 games.
• Premium
  – Essential & Extra tiers benefits + a catalog of classic PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games.

Ultimately, picking a PS Plus tier comes down to someone’s needs. If a player will only be using the online multiplayer feature, Essential will suffice and there is little to gain from subscribing to one of the higher tiers.

Premium’s central selling is its Classics Catalog, which adds hundreds of titles on top of the PS5 and PS4 games that are also available in the Extra tier. While this collection is grand, please note that PS3 games are played through Cloud Streaming and cannot be downloaded. Consequently, their performance is dependent on the user’s internet connection.

Which PS Plus Tier Should You Buy?

As there is quite a jump in price from one level to the next, a full breakdown of each tier’s features and benefits might help someone decide whether they should go for Essential, Extra, or Premium.

How Much Does PS Plus Cost?

Each PS Plus tier has its own price point to match the benefits included with the subscription.

PS Plus Essential

• 1-Month Subscription:
  $9.99
• 3-Month Subscription:
  $24.99
• 12-Month Subscription:
  $79.99

• 1-Month Subscription:
  $14.99
• 3-Month Subscription:
  $39.99
• 12-Month Subscription:
  $134.99

PS Plus Premium

• 1-Month Subscription:
  $17.99
• 3-Month Subscription:
  $49.99
• 12-Month Subscription:
  $159.99

How To Subscribe To PlayStation Plus?

The process to subscribe to PS Plus is quite straightforward, and there are a couple of avenues people can use to get there.

Newcomers to Sony’s ecosystem will first need to create a PlayStation Network account as this is required to utilize any service, including buying games from the PS Store. An account by following this link.

How To Subscribe To PS Plus Using The PS5

The most convenient way to subscribe to PS Plus is through the PS5 or PS4 console.

1. Log into the home screen.
2. Navigate to the PlayStation Plus panel
3. Select ”
   Subscribe
   ”
4. Pick Essential, Extra, or Premium
5. Pick a Payment Plan

How To Subscribe To PS Plus Using A Web Browser

It is also possible to subscribe to PS Plus directly from a web browser. Visit this playstation.com page and scroll down to the “Choose Your Membership Plan.” From there, choose a tier and select “Add to Cart.” After that, simply check out to complete the transaction.

How To Cancel A PS Plus Subscription?

There might come a time when someone might wish to cancel their PS Plus subscription. The process is quite uncomplicated:

1. On a web browser, head to the Sony Network’s
   Account Management
   page.
2. From the menu’s PlayStation Network options, select ”
   Subscription
   .”
3. Select ”
   Cancel Subscription
   ” near PlayStation Plus.

Account Management’s Subscription page also allows players to change their PS Plus tiers or payment frequency.

What Is PS Plus On PC?

PS Plus Premium subscribers also have the option to stream games via the service’s PC app. The library includes titles from both the Games and Classics Catalog, although it is not the full selection. Here are some things interested parties should know about this option:

• The
  DualShock 4 is the only confirmed compatible controller
  . That does not mean other controllers will not work, just that they are not guaranteed by Sony.
• PS Plus On PC is not currently available in every country that has the main streaming service.
• PS5 games cannot be streamed.
• A PS5 or PS4 is not needed to subscribe to PS Plus on PC.
• Sony recommends a Broadband wired internet connection of a minimum of
  5 Mbps
  ​​​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PS Plus Premium Subscribers Stream PS5 Games?

PS Plus Premium’s Cloud Streaming is compatible with the Games Catalog’s PS4 games and all the titles found in the Classics Catalog. PS5 games cannot be streamed.

Sony has not specified a fixed date of when subscribers can anticipate new additions to the library, but history suggests that games will be added roughly halfway through a month.

Can Subscribers Switch Tiers?

Yes. If someone wants to move up to a higher PS Plus tier, they only need to purchase a new membership at their desired level. This upgrade will happen instantly, and the customer will be charged a prorated fee for the rest of the current month.

If a member wishes to downgrade their tier, they would need to visit their Sony account’s “Subscription” tab to perform the change. This alteration will come into effect once the next payment is made.

Can PS Plus Benefits Be Shared?

While limited to one PS5 or PS4 console, certain PS Plus benefits are shared among the different accounts on the system. These include online multiplayer, access to Premium & Extra’s libraries, downloaded monthly games, and games purchased using a PS Plus discount.

Which PlayStation Plus should I Get?

Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference. If someone only intends to play PS5 and PS4 games, there is little reason to subscribe to Premium.

PS Plus Essential Free Games For November 2024

Death Note Killer Within (PS5/PS4); Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5); Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged (PS5/PS4)

• 	Death Note Killer Within	Ghostwire: Tokyo	Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
  Platform(s)	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC	Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS5, PC	Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Switch, PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One
  Released	2024-11-05	2022-03-25	2023-10-19
  Developer(s)	Grounding Inc	Tango Gameworks	Milestone
  Genre(s)	Social Deduction, Simulation, Strategy	Action, Adventure	Racing

PS Plus Essential lineups tend to be overshadowed by Extra and Premium’s monthly arrivals, but they are still exciting prospects in their own right. When it comes to November 2024, the selected games all have value, even if they might not be especially huge AAA projects that could be subscription sellers. Still, they offer different types of experiences that make them worth consideration, and most people will likely already know which title/s caters to them.

As a Day One addition, Death Note Killer Within is arguably the most enticing prospect on paper; however, as a social deduction game that (naturally) revolves around online multiplayer, it will certainly not be for everyone. These types of projects can have short shelf lives if they fail to hit the ground running, and most do not enjoy Among Us‘s success. Hopefully, Killer Within proves to be a worthwhile addition to this unique and niche genre.

Tango’s Ghostwire: Tokyo is probably November 2024’s biggest game on paper, as long as a subscriber is craving a single-player adventure with plenty of first-person action and minor hints of horror. Set in Japan’s capital city, the campaign blends exploration, combat, and linear bursts to create an atmospheric and satisfying experience. Ghostwire: Tokyo has a reputation for being divisive, so PS Plus removes that risk.

Looking for an arcade racer? Then Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged should hit the mark. Yes, licensed games are historically not great, but recent releases have been generally decent. Turbocharged is a high-quality package that looks beautiful and plays well. A love for the brand will make trying the different vehicles more enjoyable, but non-fans who are just yearning for a fun racer should also check this out.

• Current as of October 31, 2024

Most subscribers will likely invest in PS Plus Extra as that tier contains more than enough PS5 and PS4 games to keep someone busy for a long time. Unless specifically interested in classic PS games or Cloud Streaming, there is not much reason to pick Premium over Extra. Still, subscribers of both tiers can download and install the following titles.

PS Plus’ game library can vary from country to country.

What Classics Are On PlayStation Plus Premium?

PS Plus Premium celebrates PlayStation’s past, bringing together titles released over the span of more than two decades. If a PS5 or PS4 owner wants to play some old favorites, this tier should deliver.

Every PS5/PS4 Game Only On PS Plus Premium (Including Remasters Of PS3, Vita, & PSP Games)

Every PS3 Game On PS Plus Premium

Every PS1, PS2, & PSP Game On PS Plus Premium

Every PS VR2 Game On PS Plus Premium

• Before Your Eyes
• Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
• Job Simulator
• Kayak VR: Mirage
• Pistol Whip
• Synth Riders
• The Last Clockwinder
• Vacation Simulator
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapters 1 & 2
• Walkabout Mini Golf

Dead Island 2, Two Point Campus, & More

PS Plus Extra and Premium’s October 2024 games have a lot to offer, particularly for horror fans. Due to Halloween, the lineup prioritizes scares a bit more than usual, with both tiers incorporating a couple of projects that fit the theme; that said, Sony also included quite a few releases that have nothing to do with the genre. The month’s “big” title is Dead Island 2, which is a pretty great pick for October. While revolving around zombies, the game is just horror-themed rather than genuinely terrifying, making it an easy recommendation for anyone just craving a fun over-the-top action fest that embraces gore with every swing of a sword and every blast of a shotgun.

The Devil in Me is a more conventional horror experience and another respectable entry in The Dark Pictures series. These games can be divisive, but they are fun when played with friends and are also short enough that they usually avoid overstaying their welcome. Even if it is probably not the best entry in Supermassive’s anthology, The Devil in Me is above average.

Subscribers craving a time-sink will want to check out Two Point Campus, a management sim that puts players in charge of running an academy. The game is straight-up addictive, delivering depth while still being accessible for those who are not that familiar with these types of releases. The Extra tier also has Return to Monkey Island and Gris, two fantastic games with great visuals and storytelling. Overpass 2 is a solid racer too.

October 2024’s Premium lineup has two classic horror games: Dino Crisis and Siren. Undoubtedly the more well-known name, the former is an all-time great that is still routinely regarded as one of Capcom’s best projects. Although more of a cult favorite than a mainstream success, Siren is arguably the scarier of the two Premium arrivals.

While only available to people with a VR headset, The Last Clockwinder is a fantastic puzzle game. If someone has the tech, they need to try it.

Games Leaving PS Plus In November 2024

Red Dead Redemption 2, Kingdom Hearts, & More

November 2024 will see a pretty big selection of games depart from PS Plus Extra and Premium, arguably the most devastating yet. The headline farewell is Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar’s magnum opus that has not been on the service for all that long. The Western epic is long, ambitious, beautifully written, and realistic, delivering an experience that is still jaw-dropping even all these years after its release. RDR2 is not the month’s only open-world departure, unfortunately. While hardly universally adored, GTA: San Andreas – Definitive Edition will still be missed. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is also leaving, which is a knock to the service’s open-world and RPG offerings.

Recently, PS Plus has made a habit of removing franchises in almost their entirety, all of which are owned by Square Enix. Dragon Quest, Star Ocean, and Final Fantasy have gone through this process, and Kingdom Hearts is the next in line. Considering two of the four games are compilations, these departures will leave a pretty big hole. The fun does not stop there either, as Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, Superliminal, Teardown, Chorus, and Blasphemous are also leaving the service. Those are all great games in their own right.

Finally, PS Plus’s co-op lineup is also set to take a hit due to Overcooked 2 and Moving Out leaving in November 2024. Those are comfortably among the platform’s best cooperative experiences, and they will be missed.

PS Plus Game Trials

Besides instant access to PS Plus’s Game and Classics Catalogs, Premium subscribers can also try out a select few PS5 and PS4 titles for a limited time. Players can currently test out more than 60 games, and their trial periods vary in length.

Check out the below article to see a list of PS Plus Premium game trials.

Sony Pictures Core

A little-known feature available to Premium subscribers, Sony Pictures Core is a steaming service that contains over 2000 movies that can be rented or bought. Anyone can create an account, but people who have a Premium subscription have access to a range of movies.

Most of the biggest recent titles will need to be purchased, but the selection has a couple of older titles that can keep someone entertained for a few hours when they do not feel like playing a game. The Sony Pictures Catalogue also includes anime content from Crunchyroll.