PlayStation PC Games Drop PSN Requirement

Sony's recent announcement simplifies things for PC gamers: PSN accounts are no longer mandatory for several PlayStation 5 titles ported to PC. This change, effective after the January 30, 2025 release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PC, offers a welcome level of freedom. Read on to discover which games are affected and what incentives remain for those who choose to link their PSN accounts.

Sony Makes PSN Accounts Optional for Select PS5 PC Ports

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and More: Freedom from PSN Account Requirements

Several PlayStation 5 games, when ported to PC, will no longer require players to link a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This includes Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered in April 2025. However, it's important to note that PC ports of titles like Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and Until Dawn will still require a PSN account.

Incentives for PSN Account Holders

While PSN accounts are no longer mandatory, Sony is offering incentives for those who choose to link them. These benefits include trophy support, friend management, and in-game bonuses:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Early unlock of the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit.
• God of War Ragnarök: Access to Kratos' Armor of the Black Bear set (previously only available in New Game+) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP).
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered: 50 bonus points to unlock extra features and Ellie's Jordan's Jacket skin.
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Access to the Nora Valiant outfit.

Sony hints at further incentives in the future, promising continued efforts to reward PSN account users.

Past Backlash and the Future of PSN on PC

Sony faced significant criticism in 2024 for requiring PSN accounts for Helldivers 2 on Steam, leading to the game's delisting in numerous regions lacking PSN support. Similar issues arose with God of War Ragnarök's PC port. This move highlighted concerns about accessibility and data privacy, particularly given PSN's limited regional availability (approximately 70 supported countries) and Sony's past data breaches. This shift towards optional PSN accounts suggests Sony is adapting its approach to the PC gaming market, acknowledging player feedback and the need for greater accessibility.