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10 Tech How-To

PS Plus Game Check: Is It Included or Not?

Guide 10-7907 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you exactly how to check whether a specific PlayStation game is part of your PS Plus subscription. You’ll learn the quickest ways to search the PlayStation Store, understand the different membership tiers, and avoid the common confusion between monthly games, the Game Catalog, and games you’ve claimed but haven’t downloaded.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to your PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5), or a web browser
  • Your PlayStation Network (PSN) account login details
  • An active PS Plus subscription (Essential, Extra, or Premium)

Step-by-Step

  1. Turn on your console and sign in to the PlayStation Network account that has the active PS Plus subscription. If you’re using a PS5, make sure you’re on the main home screen.
  2. Open the PlayStation Store from the home screen. The icon looks like a shopping bag with the PlayStation shapes on it.
  3. Scroll down the left-hand menu until you find the “PS Plus” section. On PS5, it’s usually near the top of the sidebar. On PS4, it’s a dedicated tile on the store’s main page.
  4. Select “Benefits” or “All Benefits” within the PS Plus hub. This screen shows everything your current subscription tier includes.
  5. Use the search function inside the PS Plus section. Look for a magnifying glass icon. Type the name of the game you want to check and press enter.
  6. Look for the price tag on the game’s store page. If the game is included, you’ll see a button that says “Add to Library” or “Download” with a PS Plus icon (the white plus sign inside a blue circle) next to it. If it’s not included, you’ll see a regular price button.
  7. Check the subscription tier if the game appears. Some games are only available on PS Plus Extra or Premium. The store page will clearly state “Included with PS Plus Extra” or “Included with PS Plus Premium” if it’s part of the catalog.
  8. If you’re unsure about a game you already own, go to your Game Library (on PS5, it’s the icon with the controller and game cases). Find the game, and look for a small PS Plus icon next to the title. If it has one, it was claimed through your subscription.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the monthly games with the Game Catalog: PS Plus Essential gives you three free games each month. PS Plus Extra and Premium give you access to a large catalog of games. A game being in the catalog does not mean it’s a monthly game, and vice versa.
  • Searching the entire store instead of the PS Plus section: If you search the main store, you’ll see the game’s regular price even if it’s in the PS Plus catalog. You must be inside the PS Plus hub to see the “included” status.
  • Assuming all PS Plus tiers have the same games: The Essential tier only has the monthly games. The Extra and Premium tiers have a much larger library. A game might be included for Premium users but not for Essential users.
  • Thinking that claiming a game means you own it forever: With the monthly games, you keep them as long as you have an active subscription. With the Game Catalog, games can be removed at any time, even if you’ve downloaded them.
  • Checking on a different account: If you have multiple PSN accounts on your console, make sure you’re signed in with the one that has the PS Plus subscription.

Tips

  • Use the PlayStation App or website: You can also check on your phone or computer. Go to the PlayStation Store website, sign in, and navigate to the PS Plus section. The same “Add to Library” button will appear if the game is included.
  • Filter by “PS Plus” in the store: On the PS5 store, you can use the filter options to show only games included with your subscription tier. This is a great way to browse what’s available.
  • Check the “Last Played” or “Purchased” sections: If you’ve claimed a game but never downloaded it, it will still be in your library. Look for the PS Plus icon next to the game’s name.
  • Add games to your library even if you don’t plan to play them: For the monthly games, you have a limited time to claim them. Once claimed, they stay in your library. For the Game Catalog, you don’t need to claim them; you just need an active subscription.
  • Read the game’s store page description: It will often say “PS Plus required” or “Included with PS Plus” in the details section.

Troubleshooting

If you can’t find the game in the PS Plus section: First, double-check that you’re looking in the right place. The PS Plus hub is separate from the main store. If you still can’t find it, the game is likely not part of the current PS Plus lineup. It may have been removed from the catalog, or it may never have been included.

If the game shows a price even though you’re sure it’s included: Make sure your PS Plus subscription is active. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions to verify. Also, check that you’re signed in with the correct account. If you’re on a PS5, check if the game is only available on a higher tier (Extra or Premium) than the one you have.

If you see “Add to Library” but the download doesn’t start: This can happen if your storage is full. Go to Settings > Storage and free up some space. Also, check your internet connection. You can also try adding it to your library and then downloading it later from your Game Library.

If you previously had PS Plus, but it lapsed: You’ll lose access to the monthly games and the Game Catalog. Once you resubscribe, your access returns. You won’t lose your claimed games, but you can’t play them while your subscription is inactive.

If the game’s page says “Not available for purchase”: This usually means the game is not sold separately, but it might be included in the catalog. Check the PS Plus section again, or look for a “PS Plus” tab on the game’s page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I keep PS Plus games forever?
A: You keep the monthly games as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription lapses, you lose access, but you get them back when you resubscribe. Games from the Game Catalog can be removed by Sony at any time.

Q: What’s the difference between PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium?
A: Essential gives you the monthly games and online multiplayer. Extra adds a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games. Premium adds classic games from PS1, PS2, and PSP, plus cloud streaming.

Q: Can I check if a game is included without turning on my console?
A: Yes. Go to the PlayStation Store website, sign in, and browse the PS Plus section. The website shows the same “Add to Library” button for included games.

Q: If a game leaves the Game Catalog, can I still play it?
A: No. Once a game leaves the catalog, you can no longer play it, even if you’ve downloaded it. You would need to purchase it separately to keep playing.

Q: How do I know which tier a game is on?
A: The game’s store page will clearly show the PS Plus logo and the tier name, such as “Included with PS Plus Extra.” You can also filter the PS Plus section by tier.

Q: Are all PS Plus games available on both PS4 and PS5?
A: Not always. Some games are PS5-only, while others are PS4-only. The store page will list the compatible platforms. The monthly games are usually available on both, but the catalog can vary.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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