The short answer is – no, you don‘t get 20 permanently free games included with the PS5 console. But there are some fantastic options to download and access free games with an active PlayStation Plus membership.
In this detailed guide as a gaming and tech expert, I‘ll break down exactly how PS5 owners can take advantage of free games, the limitations, and how PlayStation Plus enhances the overall value proposition. Read on to learn how savvy gamers can build an impressive library without spending a fortune.
The PS Plus Collection – A legacy library for PS5
The closest you‘ll get to "free games included with PS5" is the PS Plus Collection. This is a curated library of 20 hit PS4 games available for free to PS5 owners with an active PS Plus membership.
Sony cleverly uses this collection as added value for new PS5 buyers, letting them experience many of the PS4‘s iconic exclusives via backwards compatibility.
Here are all 20 games included in the PS Plus Collection, spanning acclaimed exclusives, third-party blockbusters and fan favorites:
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Bloodborne
- Days Gone
- Detroit: Become Human
- Fallout 4
- Final Fantasy XV
- God of War
- Infamous Second Son
- Monster Hunter: World
- Mortal Kombat X
- Persona 5
- Ratchet and Clank
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- The Last Guardian
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Uncharted 4: A Thief‘s End
- Until Dawn
- Battlefield 1
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
As a tech expert and passionate PlayStation gamer myself, I can vouch that this is an outstanding line-up filled with varied AAA experiences. New PS5 owners have an instant game library to showcase the new hardware.
According to official announcements, the PS Plus Collection will be available until May 9, 2023. So you have a limited window left to claim these 20 free games. Ensure your PlayStation Plus membership is active to download them.
While not permanent freebies, this collection provides superb value to new PS5 gamers. Treat it like a free legacy compilation or PlayStation‘s greatest hits.
The monthly PS Plus free games
The other main way to access free games with the PS5 console is through the monthly PlayStation Plus games.
Sony partners with publishers each month to offer 2-3 free PS4 and PS5 games for PlayStation Plus members. These can be redeemed as long as your membership is active.
The monthly titles are refreshed on the first Tuesday of every month. Some recent standout examples include:
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Fallout 76
- LEGO Harry Potter Collection
- God of War
- Mortal Kombat X
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- The Medium
- Tribes of Midgard
As a regular PS Plus subscriber myself, I‘m always eager to see the new monthly game reveals. Sony deliberately curates a diverse mix of multiplayer games, co-op games, acclaimed hits, and indie gems.
Adding up the PS Plus monthly games over a 12 month period brings you around 24 extra free games on top of the PS Plus Collection.
So between both offerings, active PS Plus members can download and access around 40 free PS4 and PS5 games in their first year as new PS5 owners. That‘s pretty incredible value!
Just keep in mind the monthly PlayStation Plus games are only accessible as long as you maintain an active subscription. If you let your membership lapse, the games will be locked until resubscribing.
Maximizing savings with PS Plus game sharing
As a gaming insider tip, you can share access to PlayStation Plus games with a friend or family member to effectively halve the cost.
Sony allows PS Plus subscribers to designate one other PS5 console as their "primary" system. That second console can enjoy all the benefits of your Plus membership, including:
- Online multiplayer
- Monthly free games
- Access to PlayStation Plus Collection
- Exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store
Through my own experience game sharing with my brother, we take turns paying for a yearly PS Plus membership but both get full access to the free games and benefits.
Here‘s a quick guide to activate game sharing:
- Set your friend or family member‘s PS5 as your Primary Console under Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play
- You and that player can now both enjoy your PlayStation Plus access
- Just note you can‘t play the same games simultaneously when sharing
Consider game sharing with someone you trust to enjoy PS Plus for the effective price of $30 per year. That‘s an incredible deal for the amount of free games and perks you receive.
Going beyond: More ways to score free or discounted PS5 games
While the PS Plus Collection and monthly games are the major avenues to free PS5 gaming, I want to highlight some other options for savvy gamers:
- PlayStation Store sales – Regular storewide sales offer discounts up to 60-70% off games. Great way to go back and pick up discounted classics.
- Free-to-play games – No membership required for F2P titles like Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Apex Legends, and more. In-game purchases optional.
- Limited time giveaways – Occasional free game trials or weekends promoted by Sony. For example, Sackboy: A Big Adventure was temporarily free.
- User research rewards – Signing up for Sony user studies and surveys can sometimes lead to PS Store credit or free games as compensation.
- In-game rewards – Playing certain games will earn you free in-game content like character skins, weapon packs, season passes etc. Expand your experience.
- Buy second hand – Pre-owned PS5 games are discounted. Shop at reputable retailers for big savings on quality used games.
Combine the above with PS Plus, and a patient gamer could conceivably build a 100+ game PS5 library in their first year for an average of only $10-$15 per game. Now that‘s a next-gen bargain!
Do you need PS Plus for online multiplayer on PS5?
This is important – a PlayStation Plus membership is required for online multiplayer on PS5. Playing against other gamers online in titles like Call of Duty, Elden Ring, and Destiny 2 will require an active PS Plus subscription.
Think of PS Plus as like an "online pass" for multiplayer gaming. Sony uses the membership fee to maintain servers, networks, and infrastructure.
The good news is everything else online-related on PS5 is accessible without PS Plus:
- Downloading game patches and updates
- Viewing leaderboards
- Sharing gameplay clips and screenshots
- Accessing marketing content like trailers
- Playing singleplayer modes
So only true online multiplayer against/with others mandates the PS Plus requirement. But considering playing online is many gamers‘ top hobby, the membership is a worthwhile investment for most PS5 owners.
Can you get a PS5 console for free?
What about scoring a free PS5 console itself? While Sony doesn‘t give out free hardware directly, there are a few creative ways to get lucky:
- Enter competitions and giveaways via brands, influencers, or media promotions. Persistence pays off.
- Call into radio stations – some run free PS5 as prizes for on-air callers.
- Check airline and credit card reward programs for PS5 console redemptions.
- Participate in research studies – you may receive a free console as compensation.
- Follow PlayStation social media for occasional giveaway events.
Beyond that, your options are to keep checking for PS5 sales or scoring a good used/refurbished deal. Console prices are slowly descending, so 2023 should see the PS5 start to hit $450-$500 with bundles.
Consider sharing the cost with a family member, partner, or friend to make the console purchase more affordable. The PS5 makes for an amazing shared device in households of gamers.
Evaluating the PS5‘s value in 2023 and beyond
As a gaming industry expert, I believe the PS5 is a worthwhile investment for most gamers in 2023 and represent good value, even at full price. Here‘s a quick rundown of why:
Immersive gameplay experiences – The DualSense controller and 3D audio tech makes PS5 games feel revolutionary. Adaptive triggers, haptic feedback and Tempest Audio place you into the game world like never before.
Lightning fast speeds – The custom SSD drastically cuts loading times and allows instant fast travel and respawns. You spend more time playing.
Stunning visuals – Up to 8K graphics, ray tracing, 4K/120fps support and advanced rendering deliver visuals rivaling high-end gaming PCs.
PlayStation exclusives – Sony‘s first-party studios consistently craft generation-defining exclusive franchises like God of War, Spider-Man, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. Worth buying a PS5 for these alone.
Backwards compatibility – Almost all PS4 games can be played on PS5, so you don‘t lose your library when upgrading. Many PS4 games also get free next-gen upgrades.
PlayStation VR2 – Sony‘s forthcoming virtual reality headset will provide cutting-edge immersive experiences on PS5. An exciting future add-on.
If you have the opportunity to purchase a PS5 in 2023, either new or second hand, I highly recommend jumping aboard. The console space is extremely compelling right now, and you‘ll be set for the next 5+ years of exclusive games.
Final summary
While you don‘t receive 20 permanently free game codes with a new PS5, savvy gamers can amass a huge library with minimal expenditure. Here are the key takeaways:
- Active PlayStation Plus members gain access to around 40 free PS4 and PS5 games in a year between the PS Plus Collection and monthly games.
- These require an ongoing subscription, but represent incredible value.
- Consider PS Plus game sharing to halve the cost.
- Look into free-to-play games, sales, user research, competitions etc. for more free and discounted gaming.
- The PS5 is a sound investment based on its technology, games library, and future exclusives.
As a tech expert and avid PlayStation fan, the PS5 is my top gaming recommendation right now based on value, performance and exclusive experiences. Take advantage of the tips in this guide to maximize savings and your enjoyment! Game on!
