PS Plus Games: Can You Keep Them After They Leave the Service?

If you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you might have noticed that some games on the service are only available for a limited time. But what happens to those games after they leave the service? Can you still play them, or do they disappear from your library? Let’s break down what you need to know about PS Plus games and how they work once they leave the platform.

Understanding PS Plus Game Availability

PlayStation Plus gives subscribers access to a rotating catalog of games that can be downloaded and played as long as they are part of the PS Plus library. These games are available in different tiers, such as PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium, each offering a different set of benefits. Once a game is added to your library during its availability window, you can continue to access it as long as you remain a subscriber.

What Happens When a Game Leaves PS Plus?

When a game leaves the PS Plus catalog, several factors come into play regarding your access:

• Games You’ve Claimed: If you have claimed and added a game to your library during the time it was available, you can still play it even after it leaves the PS Plus catalog—provided that you maintain an active PS Plus subscription.
• Games Not Claimed: If you didn’t claim the game while it was available, you will no longer be able to access it once it is removed from the PS Plus lineup. You would have to purchase the game separately to play it.

Subscription Requirements

One key detail to remember is that access to claimed PS Plus games requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to those games, even if they are still in your library. However, if you resubscribe at a later time, your access will be restored, and you can continue playing the games you previously claimed.

Purchased Games vs. PS Plus Games

It’s also important to differentiate between games that you have purchased outright and games that you have claimed through PS Plus. If you purchase a game, it’s yours to keep forever, regardless of whether it remains part of the PS Plus library or not. On the other hand, PS Plus games are only accessible with an active subscription and depend on their availability status on the service.

Can You Still Play Games Offline?

For games claimed through PS Plus, playing offline is possible but comes with certain limitations. Before you play offline, your system will need to verify your subscription status periodically. This means that if you try to play a PS Plus game offline after your subscription expires, the game will not launch until you reconnect to the internet and renew your subscription.

How to Keep Track of PS Plus Games

PlayStation Plus frequently updates its game offerings, adding new titles and removing older ones. To keep track of which games are currently available and which ones are set to leave the service soon, check the PS Plus section on your PlayStation console or visit the PlayStation website. It’s a good idea to claim games you’re interested in before they leave, so you don’t miss out.

Tips for Managing Your PS Plus Library

• Claim All Monthly Games: Even if you’re not interested in playing them right away, adding all monthly games to your library ensures they’re available if you decide to play them later.
• Keep Your Subscription Active: If you want to maintain access to your library of claimed PS Plus games, make sure your subscription doesn’t lapse.
• Watch for Sales: If a game you enjoyed is about to leave the service, look out for discounts. Sony often offers discounts on games leaving PS Plus, giving subscribers a chance to purchase them at a lower price.

Conclusion

When a game leaves the PS Plus service, your ability to play it depends on whether you claimed it while it was available and whether you maintain an active PS Plus subscription. Claimed games stay in your library, but you’ll need to keep your subscription active to play them. Keeping track of the monthly changes and claiming games even if you’re not immediately interested can help you make the most of your PlayStation Plus membership.

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