Do you need a subscription to play online? Rules by platform

The short answer

It depends on where you play and what kind of game you play. On a PC or a phone you almost never need a platform subscription. On PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch you usually do, but only for paid multiplayer games that you play with other people over the internet.

Here is the pattern that holds on all three consoles: free-to-play games, single-player games and games you play on the same screen as a friend do not need a subscription. The rule for the console makers is about paid online multiplayer.

PlayStation

Online multiplayer on PS5 and PS4 needs a PlayStation Plus membership. Sony says most free-to-play games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty Warzone, do not require one. Sony sometimes runs short free-multiplayer weekends, but you should not plan around them.

Xbox

Online console multiplayer comes with Game Pass, starting at the entry tier (called Essential). Microsoft states that free-to-play games can be played online on console at no charge for every player.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo says a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play in many of its own and third-party games, including Mario Kart World, Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports. Some games, such as the free-to-play Fortnite, can be played online without it. Because it is "some games", check the individual game page.

PC and Steam

Playing online on a PC does not need a platform subscription. Steam multiplayer is free once you own the game. A few games run their own subscription (some online worlds charge a monthly fee), but that is the game's price, not a platform rule. PC Game Pass exists, but it is a game catalogue, not a ticket to go online.

Mobile

Phones and tablets do not charge for online play. Games are usually free to download and make money from in-game purchases or ads. Some offer an optional pass inside the game, which is never required to connect.

What free-to-play games usually allow

A free-to-play game costs nothing to start and earns money from extras like cosmetics or a battle pass. On consoles that usually includes the full online mode: matches, friends and voice chat. What you may still pay for is inside the game. That is a separate payment from the platform subscription, and neither one requires the other.

What a subscription adds beyond online play

Online play is only one part of what the services sell. Depending on the tier you can also get:

Whether those extras are worth paying for is a separate question. Our guide on game subscription break-even helps with that.

What to do before you pay

• Open the game's store page and look for a line like "online multiplayer requires" a membership.
• Ask which kind of play you want: free-to-play and local co-op cost nothing extra, paid online games on console do.
• If you only want to try, start with the cheapest tier or a short membership. You can upgrade later.