Do You Need PlayStation Plus for Squad on PS5?
No, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Squad online on PS5. However, there is a catch: you do need PS Plus to play any online multiplayer game on PS5, including Squad, unless the game is free-to-play. This article explains the exact requirements, how it works, and what you need to know before jumping into Squad on your PS5.
How PlayStation Plus Works on PS5
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for the PS4 and PS5. It comes in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. The Essential tier is the cheapest and includes online multiplayer access, monthly free games, and cloud saves. The Extra and Premium tiers add a catalog of downloadable games and other perks. For most paid online games like Squad, the Essential tier is all you need to play online.
When you buy Squad on PS5, you are buying the game itself. The game is not free-to-play, so it does not fall under the exemption that lets you play online without PS Plus. To play any paid game online, Sony requires an active PS Plus subscription. This applies to the entire PS5 library of paid multiplayer games, not just Squad.
Does Squad Require PS Plus on PS5?
Yes, Squad requires PS Plus on PS5. Since Squad is a paid game (you buy it outright), it is subject to Sony’s standard online multiplayer policy. If you want to play Squad online with other players, you need an active PS Plus subscription. If you only play the single-player or offline modes (if any), you do not need PS Plus. However, Squad is primarily an online multiplayer game, so most players will need PS Plus.
What About Free-to-Play Games?
Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone do not require PS Plus to play online. Sony made this exception to encourage players to try these games without a paywall. However, Squad is not free-to-play. It is a paid game, so the exception does not apply. If you are unsure whether a game requires PS Plus, check the game’s store page or the PlayStation support website.
How to Check If You Need PS Plus for a Specific Game
If you are not sure whether a game requires PS Plus, there are a few ways to check:
- Look at the game’s page on the PlayStation Store. It will often state “Online Play Required� or “PS Plus Required.�
- Check the game’s official website or FAQ.
- Contact PlayStation Support directly.
For Squad specifically, the store page clearly indicates that online play requires PS Plus. If you already own the game, you can also try launching it without PS Plus; the game will prompt you to subscribe if it is required.
What If You Don’t Have PS Plus?
Without PS Plus, you will not be able to join online matches in Squad. You can still install the game and play any offline content, but the core experience—the large-scale multiplayer battles—will be inaccessible. If you want to play online, you have two options:
- Subscribe to PS Plus Essential (or a higher tier).
- Purchase a PlayStation Plus gift card or redeem a trial code if available.
Note that PS Plus is a recurring subscription. You can choose a monthly, quarterly, or yearly plan. The Essential tier is the most affordable and gives you everything you need for online play.
Common Misconceptions About PS Plus and Squad
One common misconception is that PS Plus is only needed for “AAA� games or that it is optional for smaller titles. This is false. Sony’s policy applies to all paid games, regardless of size or popularity. Another misconception is that you can share a PS Plus subscription with friends to play online together. While you can share some benefits through “Console Sharing and Offline Play,� online multiplayer access is tied to the account that has the subscription. Each player needs their own PS Plus to play online simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Squad online on PS5 without PS Plus?
No, you cannot. Squad is a paid game, and Sony requires PS Plus for online multiplayer on all paid games. You need at least the Essential tier.
Is Squad free on PS5?
No, Squad is not free. It is a paid game. You must buy it separately, and then you need PS Plus to play online.
Do I need PS Plus for Squad’s single-player mode?
No, you do not need PS Plus for single-player or offline modes. However, Squad does not have a traditional single-player campaign; it is primarily an online multiplayer game. If there is any offline training mode, it would work without PS Plus.
Can I get a free trial of PS Plus to play Squad?
Occasionally, Sony offers free trials of PS Plus, but they are not always available. You can check the PlayStation Store or the official PlayStation website for current promotions. If you find a trial, you can use it to play Squad online for the duration of the trial.
Does PS Plus Extra or Premium give me Squad for free?
No, Squad is not part of the PS Plus Extra or Premium game catalog as of now. You still need to purchase the game separately. PS Plus Extra and Premium give you access to a library of games, but Squad is not currently included.
Can I share my PS Plus with a friend so they can play Squad online?
No, online multiplayer access is tied to the account with the active PS Plus subscription. While you can share games through console sharing, each player needs their own PS Plus to play online at the same time.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.