How to Download Free Games on PS5
To download free games on PS5, you have three legitimate options: grab genuinely free-to-play titles like Fortnite or Apex Legends directly from the PlayStation Store (no PS Plus required), claim monthly PS Plus games if you have a subscription, or download game demos and trials. The fastest route is heading straight to the Free to Play section in the store, where you can download warzone PS5 and start playing immediately without any membership.
Downloading Free-to-Play Games from the PlayStation Store
Free-to-play games are the most straightforward way to download free games on PS5. These titles are completely free to download and play, and most of them do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer. Here's exactly how to find them:
Start from your PS5 home screen and select the PlayStation Store icon. Once the store opens, press the R1 button on your controller to switch to the "Collections" tab. Scroll down through the collections until you find the "Free to Play" section and select it. This will show you a curated list of popular free-to-play games currently available.
Examples of games you'll typically find here include Fortnite, Roblox, and Apex Legends. When you find a game you want, select its tile to open the product page, then press the Download button. The game will begin downloading immediately. Once it's done, it will automatically install on your PS5, and you can launch it straight from the home screen.
One important thing to note: free-to-play online games do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer. This means you can jump into matches in Fortnite or Apex Legends without paying anything extra. However, some free-to-play games may offer optional in-game purchases, but these are never required to play the core game.
Finding and Downloading Game Demos and Trials
If you want to test a game before committing to a purchase, demos and trials are another excellent way to download free games on PS5. Demos are typically shortened versions of full games that let you play a portion of the content at no cost.
To find demos, go to the PlayStation Store and press R1 to open the Collections tab again. Scroll down until you locate the "Demos" section. Here you'll find a rotating selection of playable demos for upcoming and recently released games. Select any demo and press Download to add it to your console.
It's important to distinguish between two types of free trials. Regular demos are open to all PlayStation Network users, regardless of subscription status. However, some game trials are exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members. These Premium trials typically offer limited playtime, usually ranging from one to three hours of full-game access. If you see a trial that requires PS Plus Premium, you'll need that specific subscription tier to download and play it.
Demos and trials are great for checking whether a game suits your preferences before spending money. They also count as free games on PS5, so you can build a small library of playable content without paying anything.
Claiming Monthly PS Plus Games and Using the Game Catalog
PlayStation Plus members get access to free games every month, and this is one of the most valuable ways to download free games on PS5 if you already have a subscription. PS Plus comes in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Regardless of which tier you have, you can claim the monthly free games.
To claim your monthly games, open the PlayStation Store and navigate to the PS Plus section. Select each game and press the "Add to Library" button. Once claimed, these games remain in your library as long as your PlayStation Plus membership is active. If your membership lapses, you lose access to them until you resubscribe.
If you have PS Plus Extra or Premium, you also get access to the Game Catalog. This is a large library of games that you can download and play at no additional cost beyond your subscription. To browse the Game Catalog, go to the PS Plus section in the store and select "Game Catalog." You'll find hundreds of titles spanning PS4 and PS5, including first-party exclusives and popular third-party games.
Some games in the catalog are available for both PS4 and PS5, while others are PS5-specific or PS4-only (playable on PS5 via backward compatibility). Check the game's product page to see which version you're downloading. The Game Catalog is updated regularly, so check back frequently to see what new titles have been added.
Storage Check Before Downloading
Before you download any free game, check your available storage space. Go to Settings > Storage to see how much space you have left. If you're running low, delete unwanted games or files from your console to make room. You can also install an M.2 SSD to expand your storage capacity if needed.
Automatic Installation and Launching
Once a download completes, your PS5 will automatically install the game. You don't need to do anything manually. When installation is finished, the game will appear on your home screen.
When you first launch a downloaded game, it may prompt you to download and install updates or patches. Allow these to complete to ensure you're playing the latest version with all fixes and improvements. After that, you can customize the game's settings, adjust controls, and start playing. Your save progress will be stored automatically on your console's internal storage.
Get a Browser on PS5
Download Games in Rest Mode PS5
To speed up your downloads, you can enable downloads in rest mode. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Then, when you start a download, put your PS5 into rest mode. The download will continue in the background, and your game will be ready by the time you return. This is especially useful for large free-to-play games that take a while to download, so you can download games in rest mode PS5 without keeping the console fully powered on.
For the wider topic, see get a browser on PS5.
