How to Play PS4 Online Without PlayStation Plus: A Comprehensive Guide
Many PlayStation 4 owners wonder if it’s possible to enjoy online multiplayer gaming without subscribing to PlayStation Plus (PS Plus). While PS Plus is generally required for most online games, there are exceptions and alternative methods that allow you to play certain games online or access online features without a paid subscription. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing PS4 online without PS Plus, exploring free-to-play games, free weekends, account sharing strategies, and potential workarounds. Let’s dive in!
Understanding PlayStation Plus
Before exploring ways to play online without PS Plus, it’s important to understand what PS Plus is and what it offers. PlayStation Plus is a subscription service offered by Sony that provides several benefits, including:
* **Online Multiplayer Access:** The primary benefit is the ability to play most PS4 and PS5 games online with other players.
* **Monthly Free Games:** Subscribers receive a selection of free games each month that they can download and play as long as they remain subscribed.
* **Exclusive Discounts:** PS Plus members get access to exclusive discounts on games and add-ons in the PlayStation Store.
* **Cloud Storage:** PS Plus provides cloud storage for game saves, allowing you to back up your progress and access it from other consoles.
* **Share Play:** This feature lets you invite friends to join your single-player games or play local multiplayer games online, even if they don’t own the game.
While these benefits are appealing, not everyone wants or can afford to pay for a subscription. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy online gaming on your PS4 without PS Plus.
Free-to-Play Games That Don’t Require PS Plus
The most straightforward way to play online without PS Plus is by playing free-to-play (F2P) games. These games don’t require a PS Plus subscription to access their online multiplayer features. Here’s a list of popular free-to-play games on PS4 that you can enjoy online without paying for PS Plus:
* **Fortnite:** This massively popular battle royale game is entirely free to play online. You can team up with friends or go solo in the fight for survival.
* **Apex Legends:** Another popular battle royale game, Apex Legends features unique characters with special abilities and fast-paced gameplay. It’s free to play online.
* **Call of Duty: Warzone:** A free-to-play battle royale mode within the Call of Duty franchise, Warzone offers large-scale battles and intense action without requiring PS Plus.
* **Genshin Impact:** This open-world action RPG features stunning visuals, engaging storylines, and a vast world to explore. It’s free to play online with friends.
* **Rocket League:** A unique blend of soccer and vehicular combat, Rocket League offers fast-paced and addictive online multiplayer matches without PS Plus.
* **Warframe:** A cooperative third-person shooter set in a sci-fi world, Warframe offers a deep progression system and plenty of content to explore with friends online for free.
* **Destiny 2:** While some expansions and content require purchase, the core Destiny 2 experience, including certain online activities, is free to play without PS Plus.
* **Dauntless:** A monster-hunting action RPG similar to Monster Hunter, Dauntless allows you to team up with friends and take down challenging creatures online for free.
* **Paladins:** A team-based hero shooter with unique characters and abilities, Paladins offers competitive online matches without requiring PS Plus.
* **Smite:** A third-person multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where you play as gods and mythological figures. It’s free to play online on PS4.
* **Fall Guys:** A chaotic and hilarious battle royale where you compete in a series of mini-games. Online play is free without PS Plus.
* **Enlisted:** A squad-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) shooter set in World War II. Offers large-scale battles and historical settings, playable online without PS Plus.
* **Path of Exile:** A complex and deep action RPG in the style of Diablo. Offers a vast skill tree, tons of loot, and a dark fantasy setting. Playable online for free.
* **MultiVersus:** A platform fighter featuring characters from Warner Bros. franchises like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and Arya Stark. Online play is free without PS Plus.
To play these games online, simply download them from the PlayStation Store and start playing. No PS Plus subscription is required.
Free PlayStation Plus Weekends
Sony occasionally offers free PlayStation Plus weekends, during which all PS4 owners can access online multiplayer features without a PS Plus subscription. These weekends are usually announced in advance and typically coincide with special events or holidays. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Blog and official PlayStation social media channels for announcements about upcoming free PS Plus weekends. During these weekends, you can play any game online, even those that normally require PS Plus.
Share Play: A Limited Alternative
Share Play is a PS Plus feature that allows subscribers to invite friends to join their single-player games or play local multiplayer games online, even if the friends don’t own the game. While Share Play requires the host to have PS Plus, the guest doesn’t need a subscription to participate. However, Share Play has limitations:
* **Time Limit:** Share Play sessions are limited to one hour at a time.
* **Host Requirement:** The host must have a stable internet connection and a PS Plus subscription.
* **Limited Functionality:** Some games may not be fully compatible with Share Play.
If you have a friend with PS Plus, you can ask them to use Share Play to let you play their games online. While it’s not a permanent solution, it can be a fun way to experience online multiplayer without paying for a subscription yourself.
Account Sharing (Proceed with Caution)
Another method some players use to access online multiplayer without PS Plus is account sharing. This involves sharing your PlayStation Network (PSN) account credentials with a friend or family member who has a PS Plus subscription. If their PS4 is set as the primary console for their account, anyone who uses that console can access their PS Plus benefits, including online multiplayer. However, account sharing comes with significant risks and potential drawbacks:
* **Terms of Service Violation:** Account sharing violates Sony’s Terms of Service and could result in your account being banned or suspended.
* **Security Risks:** Sharing your account credentials with others increases the risk of your account being hacked or compromised.
* **Privacy Concerns:** Sharing your account means sharing access to your personal information, purchase history, and other sensitive data.
**We strongly advise against account sharing due to the potential risks involved. It’s always better to use legitimate methods to access online multiplayer, such as playing free-to-play games or waiting for free PS Plus weekends.**
**How to Set Up Primary PS4 (If you choose to proceed at your own risk):**
1. **Log In:** On the PS4 you want to share the PS Plus benefits with, log in with the PSN account that has an active PS Plus subscription.
2. **Settings:** Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
3. **Activate:** Select “Activate.” If the account is already activated on another console, you’ll need to deactivate it first. Choose “Deactivate” if necessary, then activate this console.
Once activated, other users on that PS4 should be able to access the PS Plus benefits of the account, including online multiplayer.
**Important Note:** Only one PS4 can be activated as the primary console for a given account. If you try to activate another console, the first one will be deactivated. This can lead to issues if multiple people are trying to share the same account.
Exploits and Workarounds (Not Recommended)
In the past, some players have attempted to use exploits or unofficial workarounds to access online multiplayer without PS Plus. These methods often involve manipulating system settings or using third-party software. However, these methods are unreliable, often patched quickly by Sony, and can potentially damage your console or compromise your account security.
**We strongly advise against using exploits or workarounds to bypass PS Plus. These methods are risky, unethical, and could result in your account being banned or your console being damaged.**
Alternatives to PlayStation Plus
If you’re looking for ways to save money on gaming, consider these alternatives to PlayStation Plus:
* **Buy Games on Sale:** Take advantage of sales and discounts on the PlayStation Store to purchase games at lower prices.
* **Rent Games:** Rent games from services like GameFly to try them out before buying them.
* **Trade Games:** Trade in used games at retailers like GameStop to get credit towards new purchases.
* **Play Offline Games:** Enjoy single-player games or local multiplayer games that don’t require an internet connection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even when playing free-to-play games or during free PS Plus weekends, you may encounter issues connecting to online multiplayer. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:
* **Check Your Internet Connection:** Make sure your PS4 is connected to the internet and that your connection is stable.
* **Restart Your Router:** Try restarting your router to refresh your network connection.
* **Check PlayStation Network Status:** Visit the PlayStation Network Service Status page to see if there are any known outages or maintenance issues.
* **Update Your PS4 Software:** Ensure your PS4 system software is up to date.
* **Check Game Servers:** Sometimes, game servers may be down for maintenance or experiencing technical issues. Check the game developer’s website or social media channels for updates.
* **Port Forwarding:** In some cases, port forwarding may help improve your connection to online game servers. Consult your router’s manual for instructions on how to set up port forwarding.
* **Contact PlayStation Support:** If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still unable to connect to online multiplayer, contact PlayStation Support for assistance.
Conclusion
While PlayStation Plus is generally required for most online multiplayer games on PS4, there are several ways to enjoy online gaming without a paid subscription. Free-to-play games offer a wide variety of online experiences without requiring PS Plus. Keep an eye out for free PS Plus weekends, and consider alternatives like Share Play or account sharing (with extreme caution). Remember to prioritize your account security and avoid using exploits or workarounds. By exploring these options, you can enjoy online gaming on your PS4 without breaking the bank.
By following these tips and strategies, you can maximize your online gaming experience on your PS4 without needing to subscribe to PlayStation Plus. Whether you’re battling it out in Fortnite, exploring the world of Genshin Impact, or teaming up with friends in Warframe, there are plenty of ways to enjoy online multiplayer gaming for free.