To download a PlayStation Plus game, open the right section for that title—Monthly Games or the Game Catalog—select an eligible game, then choose Download. The game installs automatically. Monthly games are included with Essential, Extra and Premium; the Game Catalog requires Extra or Premium. Menu labels and available titles can vary by region and system software, so check your local PlayStation interface.
First, check which kind of PS Plus game you want
Monthly Games and the Game Catalog are separate sections, and they have different access rules. PlayStation describes monthly games as “games available for you to download and play at no extra cost during your PlayStation Plus membership.” You need an active membership to play them. New monthly games are added each calendar month, so check the current selection in your local PlayStation menu. PlayStation Support: Monthly Games.
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| Game type | Membership eligibility | Where to find it | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Games | Essential, Extra or Premium | PlayStation Plus > Monthly Games | Current monthly selection; access requires an active membership. Check the local PlayStation interface. |
| Game Catalog | Extra or Premium | PlayStation Plus > Game Catalog | Catalog selection can change and may vary by region. Check the local listing. |
Essential does not include the Game Catalog. Premium also includes a Classics Catalog and cloud streaming, but streaming is a separate way to play and does not install a game on your console. See PlayStation Plus plans and benefits.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDownload a Monthly Game
On PS5
- From Games home, scroll right to PlayStation Plus.
- Open the Benefits tab, then select Monthly Games.
- Highlight the game you want and select Download.
On PS4
- From the function screen, scroll right to PlayStation Plus.
- Select Monthly Games.
- Highlight the game, then choose Add to Library > Download.
PlayStation’s Monthly Games instructions describe these console routes. The title must be part of the current selection for your region.
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Download a Game Catalog title
Before downloading, confirm that your plan is Extra or Premium and that the game is currently listed in your region. A title’s presence in the catalog is not a promise that it will remain available indefinitely.
On PS5
- From Games home, open PlayStation Plus.
- Go to Benefits > Game Catalog.
- Select an eligible game and choose Download.
On PS4
- From the function screen, open PlayStation Plus.
- Choose Game Catalog.
- Select an eligible game and choose Download.
PlayStation’s Game Catalog support page explains how to browse and download titles. Downloaded Plus games can also be found in your Game Library.
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What happens after you select Download?
The console downloads and installs the game automatically. Depending on the title, you may be able to start playing part of it before the full download finishes. To locate a game through the general Store route instead, open Game Library > Your Collection on PS5, or Library > Purchased on PS4, select the game and choose Download. For a Plus title, start in Monthly Games or the Game Catalog first so you can confirm it is included and eligible. See PlayStation’s game download instructions.
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You can queue a game download from a web browser or the PlayStation App. The console must be set up for the account and connected appropriately: PlayStation’s Store instructions say the PS5 must be logged into the account, or the PS4 activated as that account’s primary console; App downloads also require the console to be linked. Automatic downloads must be configured for the remote download to begin immediately. Otherwise, it starts the next time the console is turned on. Follow the account and console setup in PlayStation’s download guide.
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Download or stream?
Downloading installs the game locally and does not require a streaming connection while you play. Streaming lets you play eligible titles without downloading them or using local game storage, but requires an eligible membership, an eligible streamable game and a suitable connection. A Stream option is not the same as Download, and streaming availability depends on region and title.
| Consideration | Download | Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Local storage | Uses console storage after installation. | Does not install the game locally. |
| Connection | Needed to download; a stable connection is not required to stream the game while playing. | Requires a suitable broadband connection during play. |
| Eligibility | Depends on the game’s inclusion and your membership tier. | Only eligible titles can be streamed; membership and local availability rules apply. |
| Availability | Download must be offered for the game. | Stream must be offered for the game and region. |
PlayStation’s U.S. Game Catalog support page lists a minimum 5 Mbps broadband speed for catalog streaming and says 15 Mbps is needed for 1080p; the game must support 1080p, and resolution may drop below that connection speed. These figures are specific to that page’s streaming guidance. PlayStation’s PS5 cloud-streaming page separately lists a minimum of 5 Mbps upload and download speeds. Check the current local requirements for the streaming service you intend to use: PlayStation Plus game streaming and PS5 cloud streaming.
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- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
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If you switch between a downloaded version and a streamed version, save data does not transfer automatically between the two play types. PlayStation says downloaded saves are stored on the console, while streamed save data is stored on PlayStation. Moving saves between play types requires cloud-storage steps; see PlayStation’s save-transfer instructions.
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If a PS Plus game is not showing up
- Check the section: Monthly Games and the Game Catalog are separate; look in the section that matches the game.
- Check your tier: the Game Catalog requires Extra or Premium, while Monthly Games are included with all three membership levels.
- Check membership and regional availability: monthly-game play requires an active membership, and catalog titles can vary by region and change over time.
- Check the console account: make sure you are using the PlayStation account associated with the membership.
- Look in your library: downloaded Plus titles can appear in Game Library. For Store downloads, PS5 uses Game Library > Your Collection and PS4 uses Library > Purchased.
- Check whether the game offers Download or Stream: streaming is only available for eligible titles and is not a local installation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
