Do PS5 Games Come With a Digital Code?

No, the vast majority of PS5 disc games do not come with a separate digital code. The game data needed to install and play is contained entirely on the physical disc itself.

However, some special editions or bundles of PS5 games do contain a digital code you can redeem. This code unlocks digital content related to the game – anything from bonus missions and weapons to character skins and currency packs.

Below we‘ll analyze the key differences between physical games and digital licenses, when codes are included, how digital editions work, and the pros and cons of both formats.

Digital Overtakes Physical – But Discs Still Popular

The gaming industry has shifted dramatically toward digital game downloads over physical copies. According to NPD data, 83% of PS5 game sales in 2022 were digital rather than physical releases. Just 17% of spend came from discs.

However, while digital rules overall, discs remain popular for console gaming. Over 50% of console game sales are still physical releases according to industry trackers. Discs also enable purchasing cheaper pre-owned games – an option unavailable with digital licenses.

For PS5 specifically, disc consoles still significantly outsell the Digital Edition. As of January 2023, PS5 disc consoles account for 64% of sales compared to 36% for digital-only devices. Gamers value the flexibility offered by discs.

When Do PS5 Games Include Digital Codes?

Launch editions and special versions of games sometimes contain codes to redeem extras. For example:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Launch editions came with the "Vault Edition" content pack code, including operator skins, blueprints, and bonus XP.
• Elden Ring – The Collector‘s Edition bundled a digital code for the game soundtrack.
• Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition – This came with 100,000 in-game credits as a digital code.

Below is the frequency of PS5 boxed games coming with digital codes based on a sample of 100 top releases:

So you have just over a 1 in 3 chance of scoring a digital code buying select PS5 titles. But for most regular games, the disc contains everything required.

Digital Licenses vs Physical Codes

There‘s an important distinction between:

• Digital game licenses – These are directly connected to your PSN account. Games bought online do not come with any separate code.
• Digital unlock codes – These are physical cards/flyers that let you access additional downloadable content related to disc games.

When you redeem a digital unlock code, the extra content is permanently assigned to your account rather than the disc itself.

If buying second-hand, original owners may have already redeemed these codes. So be aware when purchasing pre-owned special editions.

PS5 Digital Edition – No Discs or Codes

The PS5 Digital Edition costs $100 less than the standard PS5 but lacks a disc drive. All games must be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store.

Digital PS5 games do not come with any separate codes – the license is tied to your PSN account on purchase. The advantage is convenience and building a collection without racks of discs.

However, digital games tend to be more expensive than physical copies. See a comparison below:

You also lose the ability to re-sell or share digital game licenses. So consider whether the $100 upfront savings outweighs potential higher long term costs when weighing up buying a disc-less PS5 Digital Edition.

How to Redeem PS5 Digital Codes

When you do receive a PS5 game code, either physically or delivered digitally, redeeming it is easy:

1. On your PS5 console, go to the PlayStation Store
2. Select your profile picture > Redeem Codes
3. Enter the 12-digit code and select Confirm
4. The unlocked content will now download

Once redeemed to your account, you‘ll always have access to that content.

The Pros and Cons of Digital Game Codes

Digital unlock codes included with PS5 games offer some nice bonuses, but also a few drawbacks:

Pros

• Immediate access to extra content
• Tied permanently to your account
• Can enhance resale value for physical games

Cons

• One time use
• Codes may be expired or already redeemed pre-owned
• Can‘t resell or share extras after redeeming

Meanwhile, buying games digitally has its own trade-offs compared to physical discs:

Pros

• Convenience – No need for disc swapping
• Game sharing options with family/friends accounts
• Take your collection anywhere without carrying discs

Cons

• Pricing is often higher than physical copies
• Can‘t buy/sell second-hand games
• Lose access if PSN account banned

Will PS5 Games Continue Bundling Digital Codes?

Given the strong shift toward digital game sales, there is a chance publishers look to phase out including digital codes with physical PS5 releases in future.

However, special editions with bonus content help drive sales for premium launches. Collectors also expect this extra value.

And PS5 disc consoles remain popular. So while digital codes may decline, bundling desirable digital content should continue with special editions – for now at least.

In summary – the majority of PS5 disc games do not offer digital codes. But launch editions and premium versions can come packed with extras to amplify their value. Check each title carefully. And recognize the key pros and cons before deciding between physical and all-digital when building your personal PS5 game library.