If you’re asking, do you need PS Plus to play Warzone? — the answer is no. You can play Call of Duty: Warzone on both PS4 and PS5 without a PlayStation Plus subscription.
Since it’s a free-to-play title, Sony makes it an exception to the usual rule for online multiplayer access.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Warzone is fully accessible without PS Plus
- A PlayStation Network (PSN) account and internet are required
- All game modes, including Battle Royale and Resurgence, are available
- No paywall or hidden subscription fees involved
- Cosmetic and Battle Pass items are optional
- PS Plus only adds minor benefits like exclusive skins
This guide breaks it all down from real experience.
Do You Need PS Plus to Play Warzone on PS4 or PS5?
Most PlayStation users are used to the idea that playing online multiplayer games requires a PS Plus subscription. It’s been a long-standing requirement across the PS4 and PS5 systems for any kind of online competitive or cooperative gameplay. However, Warzone is one of the few games that breaks that pattern.
As someone who regularly plays on both PS4 and PS5, I’ve found Warzone to be one of the most accessible multiplayer games on the platform.
I was able to download it straight from the PlayStation Store, sign into my free PlayStation Network (PSN) account, and jump into an online match without ever needing to sign up for PS Plus.
Sony makes exceptions to the PS Plus rule for free-to-play titles. Warzone, being a free-to-download game with no upfront cost, is part of that category. Alongside games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, Warzone doesn’t need a PS Plus membership to play online.
From my perspective, this makes a huge difference. When recommending games to friends who don’t have PS Plus, Warzone is often the first one I mention.
It allows players to enjoy high-quality online matches without the additional cost of a subscription.
A gaming journalist also highlighted that Sony’s approach to free-to-play games is based on user engagement. These games tend to draw in millions of players, and the publisher benefits from in-game purchases and platform loyalty. In this context, requiring a subscription could be more of a barrier than a benefit.
Why Some Free Games Don’t Require PS Plus?
Sony’s policy on free-to-play games is straightforward. If a game is entirely free to download and play, it won’t be locked behind a PS Plus requirement. This is true for both PS4 and PS5 users. Over time, a growing number of popular online titles have joined this category, making console gaming more accessible than ever.
Some of the most well-known free-to-play games that don’t require PS Plus include:
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
- Rocket League
- Destiny 2 (core modes)
- Warframe
- Call of Duty: Warzone
These games are monetised through in-game purchases, which allows developers and publishers to generate revenue without charging players upfront.
This approach creates a more open entry point, especially for new or casual players who might not want to commit to a monthly subscription.
What Makes Warzone an Exception?
Warzone stands out not only because of its free-to-play status but also because of its unique position within the Call of Duty franchise. Unlike the premium releases in the series such as Modern Warfare III or Black Ops Cold War, Warzone is a standalone experience.
While it shares assets and branding with other Call of Duty titles, Warzone is independently available. This means you don’t need to purchase any other Call of Duty game to play it. It also means the online access rules differ.
Sony treats Warzone as a service-based title. As a result, it is given special access to online multiplayer features without the typical subscription barrier. For players like me, this makes it much easier to keep returning to the game, especially during seasonal updates and special events.
I spoke with a UK-based gaming journalist who summed it up well:
“Sony is happy to make exceptions for free-to-play giants like Warzone because of their massive user base. These games drive engagement, keep users on PlayStation, and still bring revenue via microtransactions. So, there’s no real incentive to lock them behind PS Plus.”
What Do You Need to Play Warzone Without PS Plus?
Although a PS Plus subscription isn’t required, there are still some key things you’ll need in order to play Warzone smoothly on a PlayStation console.
To help make it clear, here’s a table outlining what’s essential and what’s optional:
Basic Requirements to Play Warzone
| Item | Required or Optional | Notes |
| PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 | Required | Warzone runs on both platforms |
| Internet Connection | Required | A stable connection ensures smooth online gameplay |
| PlayStation Network Account | Required | Free to create; used for online identity and game access |
| Storage Space | Required | Warzone updates frequently; allocate at least 100GB |
| Headset | Optional | Useful for team communication, but not essential |
| PS Plus Subscription | Not Required | You can play Warzone without any paid subscription |
Setting up Warzone without PS Plus is very straightforward. From my experience, all you need to do is log in to your PlayStation Network account, search for Warzone in the store, and download it. Depending on your connection, it may take some time due to the file size, but no subscription steps are required during or after installation.
In team-based game modes like Battle Royale Trios or Quads, having a headset is useful for communication. However, voice chat isn’t mandatory. I’ve often played without one, especially when joining random teammates.
Updates and seasonal patches are frequent, so it’s wise to ensure you’ve got extra storage space available. I always keep at least 150GB free to avoid issues when new content drops.
Can You Access All Warzone Modes Without a PS Plus Subscription?
Warzone is not just one mode or map. It includes a variety of gameplay options, from traditional battle royale matches to smaller, faster-paced experiences like Resurgence. Fortunately, all these modes are fully accessible without a PS Plus subscription.
From my experience, you can enter matches in:
- Battle Royale Solo, Duo, Trio, and Quad modes
- Resurgence on smaller maps
- Limited-time events like Zombie Royale or Payload (when available)
- Mini Royale or Plunder when active in the rotation
These modes are updated regularly as part of seasonal events and patches. None of them are locked behind a paywall. I’ve played each of these across multiple seasons without subscribing to PS Plus at any point.
Warzone Modes Comparison
| Mode | PS Plus Required | Available for Free-to-Play Users |
| Battle Royale | No | Yes |
| Resurgence | No | Yes |
| Plunder | No | Yes (when active) |
| Limited-Time Modes | No | Yes |
| Ranked Play | No | Yes |
This open access is a major advantage for players who want variety without the cost. In many paid games, certain modes are locked behind premium access or subscriptions. Warzone offers a full experience to every player, regardless of whether they pay for PS Plus.
What Happens If You Have PS Plus Anyway?
While PS Plus is not required to play Warzone, many players still have an active subscription for other reasons. In my case, I often maintain PS Plus for access to other games, cloud saves, and occasional discounts.
Having PS Plus doesn’t change how Warzone functions. You won’t unlock any gameplay advantages or hidden features. However, there are a few minor extras that PS Plus members might receive from time to time.
For example:
- Exclusive PlayStation-themed cosmetic packs
- Weapon blueprints tied to seasonal promotions
- Early access to certain store bundles
- PS Store discounts on related content
These are usually limited-time offers and are entirely cosmetic. They don’t affect gameplay or match performance. I’ve redeemed a few free skins via the PlayStation Store, but they don’t give any kind of competitive edge.
From what I’ve observed, most of the benefits of having PS Plus lie outside of Warzone itself. They enhance your overall PlayStation experience rather than offering anything specific to this title.
Does This Apply to Other Call of Duty Titles Too?
It’s important to understand that this PS Plus exception is unique to Warzone. Other entries in the Call of Duty series still require a PS Plus subscription for online play.
If you want to access multiplayer modes in titles like Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, or Black Ops Cold War, a subscription is mandatory. These are full-price retail games and are treated accordingly by Sony’s subscription system.
I’ve tested this myself by installing Modern Warfare II on my PS5. Without PS Plus, the multiplayer section remains locked. You can still play the campaign or any offline content, but online modes are inaccessible without a subscription.
So, while Warzone gives you the freedom to play online for free, its sibling titles in the franchise do not. This distinction is crucial for anyone considering jumping into the broader Call of Duty universe.
Is There a Catch or Hidden Cost to Playing Warzone Free?
Although Warzone does not require a subscription or upfront payment, it follows the standard free-to-play model which relies on in-game purchases. These purchases are completely optional and do not affect a player’s core ability to enjoy the game.
From my time playing Warzone, the most common types of purchases I see include:
- Operator bundles with unique character skins
- Weapon blueprints and tracers
- Seasonal Battle Passes
- Calling cards, emblems, and finishing moves
The Battle Pass is the only system that comes close to being a regular expense, but it remains optional. It typically offers tiered rewards such as cosmetic items, XP boosts, and skins. Players can unlock items by playing and levelling up.
The Battle Pass usually costs between £8 and £10, depending on the bundle. I’ve bought it during a few seasons when I wanted access to certain skins or themed rewards, but I’ve also played through entire seasons without purchasing anything.
None of the purchases are pay-to-win. That’s one of the reasons I continue to play Warzone. You’re never outmatched because of gear someone bought with real money. The competitive balance is based on skill and loadout strategy rather than wallet size.
For players who just want to enjoy the game without spending money, Warzone offers a complete experience. You can level up, unlock base weapons, and participate in every mode without ever making a purchase or paying for PS Plus.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time exploring online games on both PS4 and PS5, I find it refreshing that Warzone doesn’t require a PS Plus subscription. It levels the playing field, especially for players who may not have the budget for a subscription or just want to try the game casually.
My personal experience has been seamless. I created a PSN account, downloaded the game, and was playing with friends in no time — no subscription hurdles to jump through.
If you’re on the fence about downloading Warzone because of the usual subscription headaches, you can relax. Just grab your controller, sign into PSN, and enjoy the drop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you play Warzone on PS5 without a subscription?
Yes, Warzone is a free-to-play title and doesn’t require a PS Plus subscription on PS5.
Do you need PS Plus for Warzone 2.0?
No. Warzone 2.0, just like its predecessor, is exempt from PS Plus requirements.
Is PS Plus needed for online multiplayer games?
Generally, yes — but free-to-play games like Warzone are exceptions.
Can I play Warzone on a new PlayStation without buying anything?
Yes. All you need is an internet connection, a PSN account, and available storage.
Will this change in the future – could PS Plus be required later?
Unlikely. Sony has kept free games outside the PS Plus paywall consistently. No plans for change have been announced.
Are there limitations without PS Plus when playing Warzone?
Only minor ones, such as missing out on exclusive skins or cloud saves. Gameplay access remains the same.
What other games are free online on PlayStation without PS Plus?
Popular titles include Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Warframe, and Destiny 2 (some content).
