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If a PS Plus game is missing or will not download, first check whether it is a Monthly Game you claimed or a Game Catalog title, then confirm you are using the account and subscription plan that provide access. Those benefits follow different rules and have different menu paths on PS5 and PS4.
First, identify the kind of PS Plus game
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog games are separate benefits. Sony says Monthly Games can be downloaded and played while your membership is active; they are added each calendar month. Extra members can access the Game Catalog, while Premium members can access both the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. Check the PlayStation Plus plan details if you are unsure what your membership includes.
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A Game Catalog title must still be included in the catalog and available to your plan. A game that appeared there previously is not necessarily available indefinitely. Sony says PlayStation Plus games can also be found in Game Library. If you are unsure whether a title is still included, check the current catalog and Sony’s PlayStation Plus games list.
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Check the account and entitlement before changing settings
Sign in to the PlayStation account that claimed the Monthly Game or otherwise has access to the title. A household member’s subscription does not mean every other account owns a redemption. For a recently purchased game or voucher redemption, check the account’s transaction history; Sony includes that check in its game launch troubleshooting.
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- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Then match the benefit to the plan: Monthly Games are included with Essential, Extra, and Premium while the membership is active; Game Catalog access requires Extra or Premium, and Classics Catalog access requires Premium. Even with the right plan, a catalog game must currently be available.
Use the correct PS Plus menu on PS5 or PS4
For a Monthly Game on PS5
- From Games home, select PlayStation Plus.
- Open Benefits, then Monthly Games.
- Highlight the game and select Download.
For a Monthly Game on PS4
- Open PlayStation Plus.
- Select Monthly Games and highlight the title.
- Choose Add to Library, then Download.
For a Game Catalog title
On PS5, go to Games home > PlayStation Plus > Benefits > Game Catalog. On PS4, open PlayStation Plus > Game Catalog. Select a title that is eligible for your plan and currently available, then choose Download. Sony also documents remote downloads through a browser or the PlayStation App on its PlayStation Plus benefits page.
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- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
If the game still does not appear or download
Check PlayStation service status
Look at the PlayStation Network service status. If Sony reports an alert affecting the relevant service, wait for it to clear and retry.
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Install available system software updates. If access is supposed to come from another account on the console, check the sharing setting on the subscriber’s console: on PS5, Console Sharing and Offline Play must be enabled; on PS4, the console must be activated as the subscriber’s Primary PS4. Sony says selected Monthly Plus downloads and eligible catalog games can be shared, but another account cannot redeem PS Plus games on the subscriber’s behalf. See Sony’s PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play and PS4 primary console guidance for the settings and limits.
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- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Restore licenses
A license refresh can help when a game or add-on cannot be located. Sony Interactive Entertainment says on its PlayStation Support page, “Please note, restoring licenses won’t affect your data.” The page is in PlayStation’s en-AE locale; menu names may differ by region.
- PS5: Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses.
- PS4: Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses.
Follow Sony’s license restoration instructions if you need help with the process.
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- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Rebuild the database only after the basic checks
If the account, plan, availability, service status, updates, sharing, and licenses all check out, Sony’s launch troubleshooting includes rebuilding the console database. Start the console in Safe Mode and select Rebuild Database. Treat this as a later step, not the first fix.
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If the title remains unavailable, contact PlayStation Support. Include the exact error code or message, a description of what happens, the steps that reproduce it, and a screenshot or video if possible. Sony recommends providing those details in its game launch troubleshooting guidance.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
