How to Claim PS Plus Games and Keep Them Forever

Introduction

If you're a PlayStation user wondering how to claim PS Plus games and keep them forever, you're in the right place. Whether you own a PS4 or the latest PS5, claiming your monthly PlayStation Plus free games is straightforward — but making sure you don't lose access to them is a little more nuanced. This guide walks you through the steps for claiming PS Plus games correctly on both consoles and explains how you can keep playing those titles as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription. Plus, we’ll cover handy tips like managing cloud saves and understanding the differences between the consoles when it comes to PS Plus benefits.

What Is PS Plus and Why Does Claiming Games Matter?

PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is Sony’s subscription service offering online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, and monthly free games. Since the launch of the revamped PS Plus tiers, the benefits have expanded, but the core principle remains: subscribers get access to a rotating collection of free games.

Claiming these free games correctly is crucial because you need to “add” the games to your library during their free claim period. Simply downloading them temporarily without claiming can mean losing access once the promotion ends. Once claimed, the games are yours to download and play whenever you want — but only while your PS Plus subscription remains active.

This guide is especially useful today as many have upgraded to PS5 but still enjoy their PS4 games, and PS Plus subscription models have evolved significantly over recent years. Understanding the process will help you build your game library with no hassle.

Claiming PS Plus Games: Step-by-Step

For PS5 Users

1. Navigate to the PS Plus Section
   From the PS5 home screen, head to the PlayStation Store or scroll to the dedicated PlayStation Plus area found under “Games” or within the main menu.

2. Find the Free Games
   Sony refreshes PS Plus free games monthly. Look for the “PS Plus Free Games” banner or a similar section displaying the current month’s offerings. You’ll see featured games, from blockbuster RPGs to indie gems.

3. Select and Claim Each Game
   Click a game you'd like to claim. Instead of clicking “Download,” select the option to “Add to Library” or “Claim.” This grants you permanent access as long as your subscription stays active.

4. Download or Install Later
   Once claimed, you can download the games immediately or anytime later through your library. PS5 supports fast downloads and backward compatibility, so many PS4 games can run smoothly on the console.

5. Verify Your Library
   Head to your game library from the home screen to confirm the game is listed there.

Tips for PS5

• Claim games early in the month: PS Plus free games typically switch monthly, so claim before they expire.
• Take advantage of the redesigned store interface for quick access to PS Plus titles.
• Back up your save data to the cloud (part of PS Plus subscription) to safeguard progress if you switch consoles.

For PS4 Users

1. Go to the PlayStation Store on PS4
   On your PS4, open the PlayStation Store app from the main menu.

2. Find the PS Plus Free Games Section
   There's usually a highlighted area for PS Plus free monthly games on the store’s front page.

3. Select and Claim Each Game
   Just like on PS5, don’t download right away unless you want to. The key is to “Add to Library” or “Claim” each available title during its free claim period.

4. Download from Your Library
   When ready, download the games from your library if you didn’t immediately install them.

5. Check Your Game Collection
   Open your “Library” from the home screen to ensure your claimed games appear.

Tips for PS4 Users

• You can claim PS Plus games from other devices, including the PS App or PlayStation Store website, which can be quicker.
• Make use of the PS Plus cloud save feature to back up your game progress.
• Some games are cross-buy, meaning claiming on PS4 may also give you access on PS5 if you upgrade.

Keeping PS Plus Games Forever: What You Need to Know

Claiming a PS Plus game means it’s added to your account and remains accessible as long as you have an active subscription. But once your PS Plus subscription lapses, you’ll lose access to any PS Plus game you haven't purchased outright. Here's a breakdown:

• Active Subscription Required: You must keep your PS Plus membership current to play the free games claimed.
• Games Remain in Library: Claimed games stay listed in your library after the offer period, but won’t launch unless your subscription is active.
• Subscription Expiry: If your subscription expires, your PS Plus titles become locked. When you renew, access instantly returns.
• Digital Ownership vs Download: You don’t actually own the games unless purchased, but “owning” means they belong to your account’s library for future claim.

Cloud Saves: Why They Matter

One of the unsung heroes of PS Plus is cloud saving. It backs up your game progress online, so you’re not tied to a single console. This is especially helpful if you upgrade your console or switch between PS4 and PS5.

• How to Enable Cloud Saves: Both PS4 and PS5 prompt to upload saves after gameplay. You can also manually upload from the save data menu.
• Restore Saves: When starting on another console or after a reinstall, simply download your save file from the cloud.
• Limitations: Cloud save storage offers a decent but finite space. Regularly managing old saves is wise.

Common PS Plus Myths and Mistakes

• Myth: Downloading a PS Plus game means I own it forever without subscription.
  No, you must claim the game and keep PS Plus active to keep access.

• Mistake: Waiting too long to claim games.
  Every month’s free games expire; if you don’t claim before expiration, you lose access.

• Myth: PS Plus games get removed from my library randomly.
  They remain in your library indefinitely but won’t launch without subscription.

• Mistake: Not using cloud saves and losing progress.
  Don’t forget uploading saves; if your console breaks or you switch devices, your progress remains safe.

Alternatives to PS Plus Games: Other Ways to Expand Your Library

While PS Plus is a fantastic way to get free games monthly, here are additional options to grow your PlayStation collection:

• PlayStation Store Sales: Check seasonal sales where games can drop as low as $10 or less.
• PlayStation Now / PS Plus Extra & Premium: Higher PS Plus tiers include access to large game catalogues via streaming or download.
• Physical Discs: Still a popular option for PS4 users, offering permanent ownership.
• Third-Party Deals: Platforms like Humble Bundle sometimes offer PlayStation codes or discounts.

Quick Summary: How to Claim PS Plus Games

• Best for PS5: Use the PS Plus tab on the home screen or PlayStation Store to claim before expiry.
• Best for PS4: Claim directly from the PlayStation Store or via the PlayStation app on mobile.
• Best practice: Always select “Add to Library” rather than just downloading.
• Keep games: Maintain an active PS Plus subscription.
• Backup: Enable cloud saves for safe progress storage.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I claimed a PS Plus game correctly?
A: Check your game library. If the game appears there after claiming, you’re set.

Q: Can I play PS4 PS Plus games on PS5?
A: Yes. Many PS4 PS Plus games are backward compatible and playable on PS5.

Q: What happens if my PS Plus subscription expires?
A: You lose access to PS Plus games but regain it when you renew.

Q: Are cloud saves automatic?
A: They often autosave, but manual uploads can prevent loss in case of issues.

Q: Can I claim PS Plus games from the PlayStation app?
A: Absolutely. The PS App lets you claim games remotely.

Q: Is PS Plus worth it for free games alone?
A: For many players, yes. The monthly lineup often includes top titles.

Pricing and Availability

PlayStation Plus costs vary depending on plan and region, but in US dollars:

• Monthly Subscription: Approximately $9.99
• Quarterly Subscription: About $24.99
• Annual Subscription: Around $59.99
• PS Plus Extra / Premium tiers: Range from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, offering larger game catalogues.

You can subscribe and claim games through your PlayStation console or the official PlayStation website. Promotions and bundles are available at times, especially around holidays.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Knowing how to claim PS Plus games correctly is essential for building a solid PlayStation game library without extra cost. Whether you're a PS4 user still enjoying your console or have jumped to PS5, following the simple claiming steps ensures you never miss out on free monthly titles. Remember, maintaining your PS Plus subscription and harnessing features like cloud saves will maximize your experience.

Explore related guides on managing PlayStation subscriptions and optimising console storage to get the most from your gaming setup. Happy gaming!