PlayStation Plus monthly games are a core benefit of the subscription and one of the main reasons people sign up. For new subscribers, the system is straightforward once you understand what games you get, when they appear, how long they remain available, and what happens if your subscription ends. This article explains exactly that—no more and no less.
What “PlayStation Plus Monthly Games” Actually Means
PlayStation Plus monthly games are a set of games made available each month to active subscribers. These games can be claimed during a limited window and then played as long as the subscription remains active.
Key points:
- Games rotate monthly
- Availability is time-limited
- Claimed games stay in your library
- Active subscription is required to play them
Which PlayStation Plus Plans Include Monthly Games
Monthly games are included with all current PlayStation Plus tiers:
PlayStation Plus Essential
- Monthly downloadable games
- Online multiplayer access
- Cloud saves
- PlayStation Store discounts
PlayStation Plus Extra
- Includes all Essential benefits
- Adds access to a large rotating game catalog
PlayStation Plus Deluxe / Premium (region-based)
- Includes Essential and Extra benefits
- Adds classic titles and trials (availability varies by region)
Important:
The monthly games benefit is identical across all tiers. Higher plans do not unlock extra monthly titles.
How Many Monthly Games Are Offered
Most months, subscribers receive:
- 2 to 3 full games
- Usually a mix of:
- One PlayStation 5 title
- One or two PlayStation 4 titles
There is no fixed genre or publisher pattern. Selection varies month to month.
When Monthly Games Are Released
Monthly games follow a predictable schedule:
- New games typically go live on the first Tuesday of each month
- Availability usually lasts until the first Tuesday of the following month
If a game is not claimed during this window, it cannot be added later, even if you had an active subscription at the time.
How to Claim PlayStation Plus Monthly Games
Claiming games is required. They are not added automatically.
You can claim games via:
- PlayStation console (PS5 or PS4)
- PlayStation mobile app
- Official PlayStation website
Once claimed:
- The game is permanently added to your library
- Downloading is optional and can be done later
What Happens After You Claim a Game
After claiming:
- The game remains in your library indefinitely
- You can download, delete, and re-download at any time
- An active PlayStation Plus subscription is required to play
If your subscription expires:
- Claimed monthly games become locked
- Progress and save data remain intact
When you resubscribe:
- Access to previously claimed games is restored automatically
Do Monthly Games Change Based on Region?
Monthly game lineups are:
- Mostly consistent globally
- Occasionally adjusted due to:
- Regional age ratings
- Licensing restrictions
In such cases, an alternative title of similar value is provided.
Are Monthly Games “Free” Games?
Monthly games are not free purchases. They are:
- Subscription-based entitlements
- Playable only while the subscription is active
You do not own the license permanently in the same way as a purchased game.
Difference Between Monthly Games and the Game Catalog
New subscribers often confuse these two benefits.
Monthly Games
- Must be claimed manually
- Stay in your library once claimed
- Locked without an active subscription
Game Catalog (Extra and above)
- No need to claim
- Games rotate in and out
- Removed titles become unplayable even with an active subscription
Monthly games offer longer-term access stability compared to the catalog.
What Happens if a Monthly Game Is Removed From the Store
If a monthly game is:
- Delisted from the PlayStation Store
- Removed from sale
It remains playable for subscribers who claimed it, as long as their subscription is active.
Storage, Downloads, and Reinstallation
Monthly games:
- Do not require immediate download
- Can be installed or removed at any time
- Do not expire once claimed
Storage limits depend entirely on:
- Console storage capacity
- External or expanded storage setup
Can You Share Monthly Games Across Accounts?
Monthly games can be shared:
- Via console-level game sharing
- On a primary console setup
Limitations apply:
- Only one account needs the subscription
- Offline access depends on console settings
Common Misunderstandings New Subscribers Have
- Claiming later is not possible after the month ends
- Cancelling the subscription locks access
- Monthly games are separate from trials and demos
- Higher tiers do not give more monthly titles
Understanding these rules early avoids frustration.
