How to Get the Most Out of PlayStation Plus: Tips and Tricks

8 August 2025

Let’s be honest, gaming is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. If you own a PlayStation, you’ve probably heard about PlayStation Plus (PS Plus). But are you using this subscription service to its fullest potential? With features like free monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer access, and cloud storage, PS Plus has a lot to offer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some killer tips and tricks to maximize your PS Plus subscription. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore fanatic, you’ll find plenty of ways to level up your PlayStation experience. So, grab your controller, and let’s dive in!

What Is PlayStation Plus? A Quick Overview

Before we hit the gas pedal, let’s quickly talk about what PS Plus actually is. It’s Sony’s subscription-based service for PlayStation users, offering access to online multiplayer, free monthly games, discounts, and more. Recently, it’s evolved into a multi-tiered system with Essential, Extra, and Premium memberships. Each level unlocks different features, and knowing what you’re paying for is the first step to getting the most out of your subscription.

1. Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs

Are you subscribed to the right tier? PS Plus now has three options: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Here’s a quick breakdown:

- Essential: The basic plan includes online multiplayer, two free games per month, and cloud storage.
- Extra: Adds access to a catalog of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 titles.
- Premium: Includes everything from the other tiers, plus classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming.

Pro Tip: If you’re only interested in playing online multiplayer, Essential will do. But if you’re someone who loves exploring new games, the Extra or Premium tiers might be worth the extra cash. Think of it as upgrading from an economy seat to first class—totally worth it if you’ll use the perks.

2. Take Advantage of Free Monthly Games

Did you know that PS Plus gives you free games every month? This is one of the most exciting benefits. These games are a mix of indie gems and popular AAA titles, so there’s always something worth downloading.

Here’s the trick: Remember to claim these games even if you don’t plan on playing them right away. Once you claim them, they’re yours for as long as you maintain your subscription. Think of it like building a virtual game library—free of charge!

3. Explore the Game Catalog (Extra & Premium Tiers)

If you’re on the Extra or Premium plan, you have access to hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games. This is a goldmine for gamers who love variety. Instead of buying games individually, you can browse the catalog and jump into something new whenever you want.

Pro Tip: Use the “Filter” option to sort games by genre or popularity. Feeling nostalgic? The Premium tier even offers a collection of classics from the PS1, PS2, and PSP eras. It’s like dusting off an old photo album—pure nostalgia!

4. Use Cloud Storage to Save Game Progress

Ever upgraded to a new console and realized you lost all your saved games? It’s the worst, right? With PS Plus, you don’t have to worry about that. The service includes 100 GB of cloud storage for game saves.

Here’s how to use it:
1. Go to your PS settings.
2. Enable “Auto-Upload” for saved data.
3. Boom! Your game progress is now safe and sound in the cloud.

This is especially useful if you like switching between different PlayStations—say, your living room PS5 and your bedroom PS4. It’s like having a safety net for your hard-earned trophies. Trust me, you don’t want to lose that 100% completion on Elden Ring.

5. Score Exclusive Discounts and Early Access Deals

PS Plus members get access to some sweet discounts in the PlayStation Store. These deals are often exclusive and can save you a ton of money on games, DLCs, and in-game purchases.

How to make the most of it:
- Check the PlayStation Store every Tuesday. New deals usually go live then.
- Stack your savings during seasonal sales like Black Friday or Summer Sale.

Bonus Tip: Some games come with free DLC or extra goodies specifically for PS Plus users. Keep an eye out for these little perks—they’re like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans!

6. Unlock Online Multiplayer

Let’s face it, gaming with friends or strangers online is a big part of the PlayStation experience. PS Plus is your golden ticket to online multiplayer in games like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Fortnite. Whether you’re teaming up for co-op missions or trash-talking in competitive matches, online multiplayer takes gaming to a new level.

Pro Tip: Use PS Plus to find community events and tournaments. Many games have active online communities where you can join leagues, clans, or just casual game nights. Who knows? You might even make some lifelong gaming buddies!

7. Try Before You Buy with Game Trials (Premium Exclusive)

One of the coolest perks of the Premium tier is access to game trials. This feature lets you test out select games before committing to a purchase. Think of it like taking a car for a test drive—you get to see if it’s a good fit without spending a dime.

Pro Tip: Use game trials to explore genres or franchises you’re unfamiliar with. Not sure if you’ll like Death Stranding or Horizon Forbidden West? Trial it first and see if it scratches that gaming itch.

8. Don’t Forget to Play Classic Games (Premium Exclusive)

Are you a fan of retro gaming? If you’ve got the Premium tier, you can relive the glory days with a collection of classic titles. From PlayStation 1 to PSP, this feature is like a time machine for gamers.

Hot Tip: Some older games have received performance updates like higher resolutions or faster load times. It’s like giving an old car a new engine—it still has that retro charm but runs like a dream.

9. Share the Fun with PlayStation Plus Game Share

Ever had a friend who wants to try your games but doesn’t have PS Plus? Good news! With the Game Share feature, you can share your PS Plus benefits (like multiplayer access and your game library) with another console, as long as it’s set as your primary PlayStation.

How to set it up:
1. Go to your PS settings.
2. Select “Account Management.”
3. Enable “Activate as Your Primary PS4/PS5.”

Now your buddy can enjoy multiplayer matches or check out your free game collection without needing their own subscription. Sharing is caring, right?

10. Keep an Eye on Expiring Content

One thing you’ll want to remember is that not everything in PS Plus sticks around forever. Monthly games and some titles in the game catalog are only available for a limited time. If you snooze, you lose.

How to stay updated:
- Check your email for PS Plus announcements.
- Follow PlayStation on social media.
- Bookmark the PS Plus section in the PlayStation Store.

Set a reminder or add it to your calendar so you don’t miss out. It’s like catching a bus—if you aren’t paying attention, it’ll leave you behind.

Final Thoughts: Is PlayStation Plus Worth It?

Absolutely! The value PS Plus offers is hard to beat, especially if you know how to use it effectively. From free games and discounts to online multiplayer and cloud saves, it’s packed with features that can genuinely enhance your gaming life.

So, why not squeeze every last drop out of your subscription? Use these tips and tricks to make the most of your PS Plus membership, because you’re not just a gamer—you’re a smart gamer. Happy gaming!