Dive into the expansive world of online multiplayer on your PlayStation 5! Once your PS5 is unboxed and ready to go, the realm of online gaming opens up countless hours of entertainment, competition, and connection. While some free-to-play titles readily offer online access, most of the immersive multiplayer experiences require a little setup to get you connected. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up your PS5 for online gaming, ensuring you’re ready to join your friends and the global gaming community.
To begin your online adventure, the first essential step is to ensure your PS5 is connected to the internet. While some of the best free PS5 games like Fortnite or Apex Legends don’t mandate a PlayStation Plus subscription, accessing online multiplayer in premium titles usually requires Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service. This service is available for $9.99 per month or $59.99 annually. Alternatively, PlayStation Now, now integrated into the new PlayStation Plus tiers, also provides online access to a library of games.
- Power On your PlayStation 5 console.
- Navigate to the Settings menu from the PS5 home screen. This is located at the top right, symbolized by a gear icon.
- Select Network within the Settings menu. This section manages all your internet connection settings.
- Check your connection status. If you’re not currently connected, choose Set Up Internet Connection to establish a new connection.
Once you’ve entered the Network settings, your PS5 will scan for available internet connections. You can choose between Wi-Fi or LAN Cable. For a more stable and often faster connection, especially beneficial for online gaming, a wired LAN connection is recommended. However, Wi-Fi offers flexibility if your router is not nearby.
- Select your connection type: Choose Wi-Fi to connect wirelessly or LAN Cable if you are using an Ethernet cable.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network (if applicable): Select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) from the list of available networks and enter your Wi-Fi password. For LAN connections, simply ensure the cable is securely plugged into both your PS5 and router.
- Test Internet Connection: After setting up your connection, select Test Internet Connection to ensure everything is working correctly. This will check your internet status, PlayStation Network sign-in, and NAT Type.
If you intend to play paid multiplayer games online, a PlayStation Plus subscription is typically required. PlayStation Plus not only unlocks online multiplayer for most games but also offers a range of benefits, including monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for game saves.
- Return to the Settings menu from the PS5 home screen.
- Go to Users and Accounts.
- Select Account.
- Navigate to the PlayStation Plus tab on the left-hand menu.
- Here you can check your current PlayStation Plus status. If you are not subscribed, you will see options to subscribe to PlayStation Plus.
- Choose Subscribe and select the subscription plan that suits you best (monthly, yearly, etc.). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the subscription process, which will involve payment details.
Alternatively, consider PlayStation Now, which is now integrated into the PlayStation Plus subscription tiers (Extra and Premium). PlayStation Now offers access to a vast library of downloadable and streamable games, and many of these titles support online multiplayer without needing a separate PlayStation Plus subscription (depending on the game and your PS Plus tier). Check the PlayStation Plus game catalog to confirm if a game you want to play online is available through your subscription.
To enhance your online gaming experience even further, consider investing in some key accessories:
- DualSense Controller: The DualSense controller is designed to immerse you deeper into games. Its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers provide a tactile dimension to gameplay, enhancing your connection to the virtual world, especially in online multiplayer titles.
- Gaming Headset: For seamless communication with teammates and friends, a gaming headset is essential. Clear voice chat can be the difference between victory and defeat in many online games, and it enhances the social aspect of online play.
Once you are online and have your subscriptions sorted, you’re all set to dive into the multiplayer action. Each game may have slightly different methods for accessing online lobbies, but generally, you’ll find multiplayer options within the game’s main menu. To play with friends, utilize the Party feature on PS5 to create a voice chat group and easily join the same games together.
Setting up your PS5 for online gaming is a straightforward process. By ensuring a stable internet connection and understanding the PlayStation Plus subscription, you’ll unlock a vast library of online multiplayer experiences. Get connected, grab your DualSense controller, and get ready to play!
