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A free PS4 game is claimed by the PlayStation account that redeems it. Other users can play eligible downloaded games on that account’s primary PS4, but console sharing does not give them their own claim or a license they can take to another console. Whether access lasts depends on what kind of offer the game came from.
What a “free game” claim gives you
The word “free” does not identify the license. A game might be an outright free-to-keep Store offer, a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game, a title available through a Plus catalog, a limited-time promotion, or a free-to-play game. Those categories can have different access conditions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mortal Kombat 11 - PlayStation 4 | $20.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $19.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
IRIPLEZO Grand Theft Auto V | $24.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Red Dead Redemption - PlayStation 4 | $24.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (PS4) | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
The account that redeems or purchases a digital game is the account associated with that claim. Check that account’s transaction history to confirm a redemption or purchase was completed. If the game is a Plus benefit, access depends on the applicable subscription and availability rules; do not assume that every game described as free is a permanent purchase.
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Can another account play the game on the same PS4?
Usually, another local user can play eligible downloaded games on the claiming account’s primary PS4. PlayStation says each account can activate one PS4 as its primary console. To set it up, sign in to the owner’s account and go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4. That activation lets other users on that console access applications purchased from PlayStation Store and selected Plus benefits. See PlayStation’s primary PS4 activation guide.
#1 Best Overall
- The all new custom character variations give you unprecedented control to customize the fighters and make them your own
- The new graphics engine showcasing every skull shattering, eye popping moment, brings you so close to the fight you can feel it
- And featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best in class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making
- 1 - 2 players; Network players 2 - 8 full game requires PlayStation plus membership to access online multiplayer; Dualshock 4 vibration function; HD video output 720p, 1080i, 1080p
For Plus, PlayStation lists downloaded Monthly Games among benefits shareable on the subscriber’s primary PS4, alongside certain other benefits. The subscription and title’s own access conditions still apply. Sharing on a console is not the same as claiming: the second account does not receive its own Plus game redemption. PlayStation explicitly lists “Redeeming PlayStation Plus games on another account” as a benefit that cannot be shared. The PlayStation Plus sharing guide sets out the current categories.
What changes on a different PS4?
The primary-console arrangement applies to the owner’s activated PS4. A different PS4 does not give its local users the same access just because the game was claimed elsewhere. PlayStation’s older PS4 FAQ explains that on a non-primary console, access is tied to the owner signing in; treat that as historical context, while the current activation guide governs today’s primary-console setting. The FAQ was published on October 30, 2013: PlayStation 4: The ultimate FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1, mk11: Aftermath & Kombat Pack 2.
- the definitive mk11 experience! Take control of earthrealm's protectors in the game's two critically acclaimed, time-bending story campaigns as they race to stop kronika from rewinding time and rebooting history.
- friendships are tested, and new alliances forged, in the battle to save all of existence. mk11 ultimate features the complete character roster, including new additions rain, mileena & Rambo.
- Mortal Kombat 11 showcases every amusing friendship, gory fatality and soul-crushing Fatal blow like never before. You'll be so close to the fight, you can feel it!
Rank #4
- When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends.
- Experience Marston’s journey across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico as he fights to bury his blood-stained past in the critically acclaimed adventure.
- Also included is Undead Nightmare, the ground-breaking horror story expansion that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into an apocalyptic fight for survival against a zombie horde.
- Experience the epic western adventures that defined a generation
Rank #3
- STUNNING VISUALS — Enhanced levels of fidelity and performance with new graphics modes featuring up to 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, HDR options, ray tracing, improved texture quality, and more
- FASTER LOADING — Quicker access to the action as the world of Los Santos and Blaine County load in faster than ever before.
- ADAPTIVE TRIGGERS AND HAPTIC FEEDBACK — Feel every moment through the DualSense controller, from directional damage to weather effects, rough road surfaces to explosions, and more.
- TEMPEST 3D AUDIO — Hear the sounds of the world with pinpoint precision: the throttle of a stolen supercar, the rattle of neighbouring gunfire, the roar of a helicopter overhead, and more.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the European version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
Rank #2
- Physical combat over the shoulder free camera brings the action closer than ever combat in God of war is up close frenetic and unflinching. Kratos' Axes powerful, magic and multi faceted is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration
- Midgard and beyond: Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of war features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
- Vicious, physical combat with an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before
Why a claimed game may be locked or missing
- Confirm the account. Sign in to the account that claimed or bought the game. Check its transaction history for the purchase or redeemed voucher; a different local user may not be the account with the claim.
- Identify the offer type. For a Plus game, verify that the membership is active and that the game remains available under the relevant Plus access rules. PlayStation’s PlayStation Plus support page explains membership and benefits.
- Check primary PS4 activation. If a different local account owns the game, make sure the owner’s account has this console activated as its primary PS4.
- Restore licenses. On PS4, open Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses, then select Restore. PlayStation recommends this for issues such as a padlock icon or missing game/add-on, and says restoring licenses does not affect data. Follow PlayStation’s license restoration steps.
- Check service and software status. If the game remains unavailable, check PlayStation service status and make sure the PS4 system software is current. PlayStation’s game launch troubleshooting guide covers these checks and other launch problems.
Quick distinction: sharing versus a separate claim
| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Another user on the claimant’s primary PS4 | Can access eligible downloaded games and selected Plus benefits, subject to the game’s conditions. |
| Another account trying to redeem the claimant’s Plus game | Does not get a separate redemption; PlayStation says redeeming Plus games on another account cannot be shared. |
| Owner’s account using a different PS4 | Primary-console sharing does not apply there; access depends on the owner account’s sign-in and the game’s entitlement rules. |
| Game included with Plus | Access follows the relevant subscription and game availability rules; it is not automatically a permanent purchased license. |
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.
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