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Only some free-to-play games are exempt – the vast majority will only give you access to online multiplayer if you have an active PS Plus subscription. This is Sony's way of better-competing with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass service, and it will be interesting to see if it pulls it off.PlayStation Plus is a requirement for PS4 and PS5 gamers to play each other online. And finally, PS Plus Premium adds retro titles to the mix, featuring games pulled from the PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 libraries. PS Plus Extra comes with everything PS Plus Essential offers, but adds access to a huge library of PS4 and PS5 games. PS Plus Essential is PS Plus as it's been since the PlayStation 4 launched, letting subscribers play online multiplayer games and giving them access to free games every month.
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Sony has since revamped PlayStation Plus significantly, recently introducing three new tiers for subscribers to choose from. Those perks continue to be a major selling point to this day, with many PS4 and PS5 gamers looking forward to the free PS Plus games every month. Before PS Plus was tied to online multiplayer, the service was mainly about giving PlayStation gamers exclusive discounts and special offers, along with access to free games every month. Of course, PS Plus existed before it was required for PS4 and PS5 online multiplayer.
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