PS4/PS5 Disc Requirements: Which Games Need the Disc?
On PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, a game bought on a physical disc must have that disc inserted every time you play it, even after a full installation, because the console uses the disc as a license check. This applies to all standard retail disc games on both consoles, with a few notable exceptions like free-to-play titles and certain “PlayStation Hits” or “PS Plus” editions that are downloaded separately. Below we break down exactly how disc verification works, which games bypass it, and what happens when you buy a used or borrowed disc.
Why the Disc Is Required Every Time
When you insert a PS4 or PS5 game disc, the console copies (installs) the game data to the internal hard drive or SSD to speed up loading. However, the disc itself is not just a one-time installer—it acts as a physical key. Every time you launch the game, the console checks that the disc is still in the drive. If you remove it, the game closes or refuses to start. This is a deliberate anti-piracy measure: it prevents you from installing the game, giving the disc to a friend, and both of you playing simultaneously.
The check is quick and silent; you don’t see a prompt, but the console verifies the disc’s presence and authenticity. This is why you must keep the disc in the drive for the entire play session, even if the game has been fully installed to the console’s storage.
Which Games Do NOT Require the Disc?
There are a few categories of games that do not require a disc after installation:
- Free-to-play titles (e.g., Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone) – these are downloaded from the PlayStation Store and have no disc version, so no disc is ever needed.
- PS Plus monthly games – if you “purchase” a free game through PS Plus, it’s tied to your account and downloaded, no disc involved.
- Digital-only releases – any game that was never sold on a disc, such as indie titles or small digital-only releases, obviously doesn’t need a disc.
- Games that have a “PlayStation Hits” or “Greatest Hits” re-release – these are still disc-based, so they still require the disc. No exception there.
One important nuance: some games come with a disc but also offer a free digital upgrade (e.g., PS4 disc to PS5 digital version). In that case, you still need the PS4 disc in the drive to play the upgraded PS5 version, because the console uses the disc as proof of ownership. The only way to avoid the disc is to buy the digital version separately.
How Disc Verification Works on PS5
The PS5 works the same way as the PS4 for disc verification, but with one extra layer: the PS5’s disc drive is region-free for games (though not for Blu-ray movies), and the console can play both PS4 and PS5 discs. When you insert a PS4 disc into a PS5, the console installs the PS4 version, and you can play it with the disc in the drive. If the game has a free PS5 upgrade, you download the PS5 version, but the PS4 disc must remain in the drive to validate the license.
There is no “install once and forget” option. Even if you install a game from a disc, the console will periodically check the disc when you launch the game. If you try to play a disc game without the disc, you’ll see an error message like “Cannot start the application. Insert the disc.”
What About Used or Borrowed Discs?
Used and borrowed discs work exactly like new ones—they require the disc in the drive. The console does not tie a disc to a specific account; it only checks for the physical disc. So you can buy a used copy, insert it, install it, and play it as long as the disc is in the drive. The same applies to borrowing a game from a friend: you can install it and play it, but you must have the disc every time. This also means you can’t share a disc with a friend and both play at the same time—only the person with the disc can play.
However, note that any downloadable content (DLC) or updates you download for a used game are tied to your account, not the disc. If you buy a used copy of a game that has online passes or exclusive DLC, you may need to purchase those separately if they were already redeemed by the previous owner.
Common Misconceptions
One common myth is that after you install a game, you can return the disc and still play. That’s false—the disc is required for the life of the game. Another misconception is that the PS5’s “game sharing” feature lets you play disc games without the disc. Game sharing works only for digital games; disc games are tied to the physical disc. Also, some people think that if you delete the installed data, you can reinstall from the disc without needing the disc again—that’s true, but you still need the disc to launch the game after reinstalling.
Disc vs. Digital: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between buying a disc or a digital copy, consider these points:
- Convenience: Digital games are always available without swapping discs, but they take up storage space and are tied to your account.
- Resale value: Discs can be sold or traded after you finish them; digital games cannot be resold.
- Installation: Both versions install to the console, but disc games require the disc in the drive to play, while digital games do not.
- Price: Discs often drop in price faster than digital, and you can find used deals.
- Sharing: Discs can be lent to friends or family, but only one person can play at a time. Digital games can be shared via “game sharing” on two consoles (set as primary and secondary), but that’s more complex.
There is no universal “best” choice—it depends on your priorities. If you like to collect, trade, or save money, discs are great. If you prefer the convenience of not swapping discs and having your library always available, digital is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep the disc in the PS5 to play a PS4 game?
Yes. If you insert a PS4 disc into a PS5, the console installs the game and requires the disc to remain in the drive to play. The only exception is if you have a digital version of the same game, which does not require a disc.
Can I play a disc game on my PS5 without the disc if I have the digital version?
No. If you have a disc and a digital version, the console will treat them as separate licenses. You can play the digital version without the disc, but the disc version always requires the disc. If you want to play the disc version, you must insert the disc.
What happens if I remove the disc while the game is running?
The game will pause and you’ll see a message that the disc is required. You can usually resume after reinserting the disc, but some games may close entirely. It’s best to keep the disc in until you’re done playing.
Can I install a disc game on two PS5s and play with the same disc?
No. The disc is a physical key, so only the console with the disc inserted can play the game. You could install the game on two consoles, but only one can play at a time—the one with the disc.
Do PS5 games require the disc every time like PS4 games?
Yes, PS5 disc games require the disc in the drive every time you play, just like PS4 games. There is no difference in this regard.
Can I get a digital license for a game I own on disc without paying?
Usually no. Some publishers offer a paid upgrade (e.g., PS4 to PS5), but that still requires the disc. To get a digital license, you typically need to buy the digital version separately. There is no automatic conversion.
Final Thoughts
Understanding disc requirements is simple: if you play a physical copy, keep the disc in the drive. This applies to all PS4 and PS5 disc games, regardless of whether you have the latest update or an upgraded version. The only way to avoid the disc is to buy the digital version. Knowing this can help you decide whether to go all-digital or stick with physical media.
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