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Which PlayStation Plus tier includes Monthly Games?
All three tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—include Monthly Games. On PlayStation’s US plan page, Essential is the least expensive option. Extra adds the Game Catalog, while Premium adds benefits such as the Classics Catalog, game trials, and streaming features. If you do not use those additions, they do not make a higher tier a better deal for Monthly Games alone. PlayStation’s US plan comparison and support information about PS Plus games describe the tier benefits.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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$10 -PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$50 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41E38Gd4E7L._SL160_.jpg)
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$50 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$100 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41O+bDxzGKL._SL160_.jpg)
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$100 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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What does Essential cost in the US?
PlayStation’s US plan page currently displays these recurring subscription prices. Prices and offers can change, so check the plan page before subscribing or renewing.
| Tier | One month | Three months | Twelve months | What it adds beyond Monthly Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $10.99 | $27.99 | $79.99 | Core benefits, including online multiplayer and cloud storage |
| Extra | $16.99 | $43.99 | $134.99 | Game Catalog |
| Premium | $19.99 | $54.99 | $159.99 | Classics Catalog, game trials, and streaming features |
At the displayed US Essential rates, twelve monthly payments total $131.88, while the twelve-month plan costs $79.99. PlayStation labels that annual option 39% off twelve months versus one month. The annual plan lowers the displayed yearly spend but requires more money up front; a shorter plan may suit you better if you are unsure how long you will subscribe. These prices are from PlayStation’s US plan page.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Do you keep Monthly Games after cancelling?
No. Monthly Games are available to download and play at no extra cost while your PlayStation Plus membership is active. PlayStation says new games are added each calendar month. They are not permanent purchases independent of the subscription: when membership ends, access to claimed Monthly Games ends as well. PlayStation’s Monthly Games support page explains access during membership.
Cancellation does not normally cut off benefits immediately. PlayStation’s cancellation guidance says benefits remain available through the subscription payment period already purchased; access ends when that membership period ends. The cancellation page cited here is UK guidance, so use your local PlayStation account or support page for region-specific cancellation steps. PlayStation’s UK cancellation guidance explains the timing and access consequences.
Rank #2
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
How to decide if Essential is worth it for you
Do not count every monthly offer as value simply because you can claim it. A game contributes to your personal value only if you want to play it. Consider these questions:
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- Do you claim most of the Monthly Games, or only an occasional title?
- Do you actually play the games you claim while your membership is active?
- Would you otherwise pay separately for the games you enjoyed, or are most offers not games you would choose?
- Do you need PS Plus for online multiplayer in the games you play?
- Do you use cloud storage, Share Play, discounts, or another Essential benefit?
- Would monthly or three-month payments be preferable to paying annually up front? Check the renewal terms and total cost shown for your account.
If Monthly Games are the only benefit you use, Essential is the relevant tier to compare against your habits. If you also rely on online multiplayer or another included benefit, count that use in your decision. Choose Extra or Premium only if their additional catalog or features are useful to you—not simply because they also include Monthly Games.
Rank #3
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
What to know about future PS4 additions
PlayStation’s US plan page says that, from January 2026, PS4 games will be added only intermittently. This statement concerns future PS4 additions; it does not establish a schedule for PS5 games. The available game catalog can also vary over time and by tier, so check PlayStation’s current game listings if catalog access affects your choice.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
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.
