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Rocksmith Remastered vs. Rocksmith+: What’s Free and What You’ll Pay

Rocksmith Remastered is paid; Rocksmith+ offers a free entry point but charges a subscription for its full licensed catalog. Here’s how the editions and PC setup differ.
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No—Rocksmith Remastered is a paid game. Steam’s U.S. listing for Rocksmith 2014 Edition REMASTERED LEARN & PLAY showed a $9.99 base price when checked on October 7, 2026, with a separate temporary discount. The price and any sale can change by region and date. Rocksmith+ is a different product: it offers free access to lessons and a selection of songs, while a subscription unlocks its full licensed catalog.

Which Rocksmith product is free?

The name can refer to different games and services, so check the exact product before deciding whether it fits your budget. Steam currently lists the paid Rocksmith 2014 Edition REMASTERED LEARN & PLAY. Ubisoft’s Rocksmith+ has a free entry point but is a separate subscription service for its full catalog. The original Rocksmith from 2011 is no longer available for new digital purchases through the stores covered by Ubisoft’s delisting notice.

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Product Access model What to know
Rocksmith 2014 Edition REMASTERED LEARN & PLAY Paid Steam purchase; U.S. base price was $9.99 on October 7, 2026, before any temporary discount The current Learn & Play edition has selected music and exercises. It is not the same licensed-song collection as the older Remastered base game. Steam listing
Rocksmith+ Free entry point plus subscription Ubisoft describes free lessons and a selection of 20 songs; a subscription unlocks the full licensed catalog. Song availability may vary by region. Ubisoft Store Ubisoft announcement
Original Rocksmith (2011) Delisted from digital storefronts beginning October 17, 2021 Ubisoft said existing owners could continue to use content they had purchased, subject to the stated import requirements. Ubisoft delisting notice

What does Rocksmith+ offer without a subscription?

Ubisoft’s Store says, “Start for free with lessons and a selection of 20 songs using real-time feedback and practice tools.” That free selection is not the full licensed catalog. Ubisoft’s September 2026 announcement also says song availability may vary by region, so check the service in your location for the current selection.

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A separate free-weekend promotion in September 2026 offered 12 tracks for a limited time. That was a time-limited event, not evidence of an ongoing offer.

#1 Best Overall
Rocksmith
  • When we say any guitar we mean any guitar. Whether it's the guitar sitting in your attic, your cherished faithful steed, or the guitar you have yet to buy, Rocksmith lets you plug any guitar into your Xbox 360 system.
  • Difficulty settings that adapt to your ability. You love a challenge, but hate being overwhelmed. Rocksmith understands this, and knows exactly how far to push to keep you entertained and addicted.
  • Lots of music. Lots of styles. One of the most satisfying moments for any guitar player is hearing yourself play your favorite song for the first time. Rocksmith has amassed an amazing library of songs from different music genres.
  • Play songs instead of just learning them. You want to play new songs, but you don't want to labor through tablature or cringe through poorly produced videos. No problem. Imagine that. A video game that'll get you stage-ready.

What comes with the paid Steam edition?

The current Steam product is titled Rocksmith 2014 Edition REMASTERED LEARN & PLAY. Its listing describes selected content, including Bachsmith and Bachsmith II, Classic Melody, and exercise bundles. It also says additional downloadable songs are purchased through the Steam store rather than through the in-game store interface.

Steam warns current owners of the older Remastered edition not to download Learn & Play if they want to preserve the older base game’s licensed music. The editions have different content; verify the exact listing and your existing library before installing or buying.

Rank #2
Rocksmith 2014 Edition with Real Tone Cable (PS4)
  • Rocksmith 2014 Edition for PlayStation 4
  • Improved Interface More Songs and New Features
  • 50 New Songs 80 Lessons Plus New Session Mode
  • More Effects Tunings Amps and Tones
  • Includes Specially Designed Rocksmith USB Cable

What else might a PC setup cost?

Steam says a Ubisoft account is required and the Rocksmith Real Tone Cable is sold separately. Its listing presents that cable as the way to connect a real guitar or bass to a PC; it is not included in the game purchase. The official listing does not establish whether generic audio interfaces or adapters are compatible, so do not assume an arbitrary device will work.

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Can you still buy older Rocksmith games or songs?

Original 2011 game

Ubisoft announced on October 8, 2021, that the original Rocksmith would leave digital storefronts on October 17, 2021, with DLC removed later. Ubisoft said owners could continue to install, download, re-download, play, and use products already purchased. It also said eligible original-game content could be played in Remastered if the required import access had been purchased before delisting. The notice specifies the relevant import products by platform: the Disc Import Pack for Xbox, Disc Export Access for PlayStation, and Disc Import Tool for Steam.

Rank #3
Rocksmith Guitar and Bass - Xbox 360
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box

Rocksmith 2014 songs and DLC

Ubisoft’s Rocksmith 2014 Leaving Stores page documents scheduled removals of games and music packs as licenses expire. Availability can differ by song, platform, and date; check the relevant storefront for a particular track rather than assuming the full catalog is still for sale.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to choose between them

  • Choose Learn & Play if you want the paid Steam game and its selected music and exercise bundles, and are comfortable buying the Real Tone Cable separately for the listed PC setup.
  • Try Rocksmith+ if you want to start without paying for a subscription and are satisfied with the free lessons and available song selection. Check the catalog and regional availability before subscribing.
  • Check your library first if you own the older Remastered edition or original-game content. Learn & Play is a distinct edition, and legacy song access depends on what you bought and whether the required import access was obtained before delisting.

Rocksmith+ subscriptions renew automatically for the selected duration at the checkout price unless canceled before the next billing date. Confirm current pricing, renewal terms, and cancellation timing at checkout. Ubisoft subscription terms

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Rocksmith
Rocksmith
$30.56
Bestseller No. 2
Rocksmith 2014 Edition with Real Tone Cable (PS4)
Rocksmith 2014 Edition with Real Tone Cable (PS4)
Rocksmith 2014 Edition for PlayStation 4; Improved Interface More Songs and New Features; 50 New Songs 80 Lessons Plus New Session Mode
$91.14
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Rocksmith+ Real Tone Cable
Rocksmith+ Real Tone Cable
Allows users to plug any guitar, bass, or piano to their PC
$64.95
SaleBestseller No. 5
RockSmith Real Tone Cable
RockSmith Real Tone Cable
Compatible with all consoles that support the Rocksmith Game as well as PC; Plug any real guitar into Xbox, PS4, PS3, etc
$62.97
Best Value
Sale
RockSmith Real Tone Cable
  • Compatible with all consoles that support the Rocksmith Game as well as PC
  • Plug any real guitar into Xbox, PS4, PS3, etc
  • Features breakaway design
  • 11.25ft / 3.429m Cable
  • Rocksmith video game not included
Rank #4
Rocksmith+ Real Tone Cable
  • Allows users to plug any guitar, bass, or piano to their PC
  • Allows for real-time, responsive guitar or piano play for a recording at 16 bit (up to 48kHz). Plus, the analog-to-digital interface connects the instrument directly to any Windows PC

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.

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