PlayStation Plus Extra gives you a game library instead of just online play
PlayStation Plus Extra is the middle tier of PlayStation's subscription service. It includes everything in the base PlayStation Plus plan — online multiplayer, cloud saves, monthly games — plus access to a library of several hundred games you can read and play as long as your subscription is active. You pay a monthly or annual fee, and the games stay available to you for the duration of your membership.
The base PlayStation Plus plan covers online multiplayer and a small rotating selection of free games each month. Extra adds a permanent library on top of that. The games in the Extra library change over time — Sony adds and removes titles throughout the year — but you get to keep playing anything in the library as long as you stay subscribed.
Key Takeaways
- PlayStation Plus Extra includes online multiplayer, cloud saves, monthly free games, and access to a library of several hundred downloadable games.
- You can read and play any game in the library while your subscription is active, but lose access if you cancel.
- The library rotates regularly — games are added and removed throughout the year, so the selection changes.
- PlayStation Plus Premium is a higher tier that adds classic PlayStation games and game trials, but Extra is the middle option between base and Premium.
What games are included in the Extra library
The Extra library contains several hundred games across PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Sony does not publish a fixed list because the library changes regularly, but it typically includes recent and older PlayStation exclusives, third-party games, and indie titles. Games like God of War, Spider-Man, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Astro's Playroom have been part of the library at various times.
You can browse the full current library directly on your PlayStation console or through the PlayStation app on your phone. The library is searchable by genre, release date, and other filters. Games are added and removed on a rolling basis — Sony typically announces major additions and removals in advance, but the exact timing and selection depend on licensing agreements with game publishers.
How to read and play Extra library games
Once you have an active PlayStation Plus Extra subscription, you can browse the library through your console's PlayStation Plus section or through the PlayStation app. When you find a game you want to play, select it and choose "read." The game downloads to your console's storage, just like a game you purchased outright.
You can have multiple games from the library downloaded at once, limited only by your console's storage space. If you run out of storage, you can delete games and re-read them later without paying again — as long as your subscription remains active. If your subscription lapses, you lose access to all Extra library games, though your save data remains in cloud storage and can be restored if you resubscribe.
PlayStation Plus Extra vs. Premium vs. base PlayStation Plus
| Feature | Base PlayStation Plus | PlayStation Plus Extra | PlayStation Plus Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud saves | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly free games | Yes (2–3 per month) | Yes (2–3 per month) | Yes (2–3 per month) |
| Game library (PS4 and PS5) | No | Yes (several hundred) | Yes (several hundred) |
| Classic PlayStation games | No | No | Yes (PS1, PS2, PSP) |
| Game trials | No | No | Yes (up to 2 hours) |
Base PlayStation Plus is the entry-level option and covers online multiplayer and a small rotating selection of free games each month. Extra adds a large library of downloadable games but does not include classic games or trials. Premium includes everything in Extra plus access to classic PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, and PSP games, and the ability to try new games for up to two hours before deciding whether to buy them.
Pricing and subscription options
PlayStation Plus Extra is available as a monthly subscription or an annual subscription. Monthly pricing varies by region, but you can typically cancel or change your tier at any time. If you pay for a full year upfront, the per-month cost is lower than paying month-to-month, but you commit to the full year.
If you already have a base PlayStation Plus subscription, you can upgrade to Extra by paying the difference between your current plan and the Extra tier. Sony prorates the cost based on how much time remains on your current subscription. You can also downgrade from Extra back to base PlayStation Plus, though you will lose access to the Extra library games.
What happens to your games if you cancel
If your PlayStation Plus Extra subscription expires or you cancel it, you when ready lose the ability to play any games from the Extra library. The games remain on your console's storage, but they will not launch — you will see a message saying you need an active subscription to play them.
Your save files for those games are stored in PlayStation's cloud storage and remain there for a limited time. If you resubscribe to Extra later, you can read the games again and your saves will still be there. However, if you do not resubscribe within a certain period, your cloud saves may be deleted. Check your subscription status in your account settings to see when your cloud storage expires.
How to start or change your subscription
You can start or change your PlayStation Plus subscription through your PlayStation console, the PlayStation app on your phone, or the PlayStation website. On your console, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then Other, then PlayStation Plus. From there you can view your current subscription status, change your tier, or start a new subscription if you do not have one.
You will need a valid payment method on file — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Sony will charge your payment method on your subscription renewal date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You can change your payment method or cancel your subscription at any time through the same settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Extra library games on both PS4 and PS5?
Most games in the Extra library are available for both PS4 and PS5, but some are exclusive to one console or the other. When you browse the library, the console compatibility is listed for each game. You can read a PS4 version to your PS4 and a PS5 version to your PS5 using the same subscription.
Do I own the games in the Extra library or just rent them?
You do not own them — you have the right to play them as long as your subscription is active. Once your subscription ends, you lose access. This is different from buying a game, where you own it permanently and can play it even if you cancel your subscription.
How much storage space do I need for Extra library games?
That depends on which games you read. PS5 games typically range from 30 to 100+ gigabytes each, and PS4 games are usually smaller. A PS5 comes with about 667 GB of usable storage after the system software, so you can fit several large games but not hundreds. You can expand storage with an external SSD or delete and re-read games as needed.
Can I share my PlayStation Plus Extra subscription with family members?
Yes, if they use the same console. You can set up a PlayStation Network account for each family member on your console, and they can all use the Extra library as long as your subscription is active on the console. If they want to play on a different console, they would need their own subscription or you would need to set your console as their "primary" console, which has additional restrictions.
What if a game I am playing leaves the Extra library?
You can continue playing it if you have already downloaded it, but you cannot read it again once it leaves the library. Your save file remains in cloud storage. If the game is later added back to the library or you purchase it separately, you can read it again and your save will still be there.