Why You Can‘t Play PS4 Games Offline (And How To Fix It)
As a passionate PS4 gamer and content creator, one question I see popping up often is "Why can‘t I play offline on PS4?" So let‘s kick things off by getting right to the point on that…
PS4 Games Require Internet To Verify Licenses
The main reason you can‘t play downloaded PS4 games offline is because of digital rights management (DRM) requirements by Sony. When you purchase a digital PS4 game, you are buying a license stored on Sony‘s servers that gives you the rights to download and play that game.
Each time you attempt to launch the game, your PS4 contacts PlayStation Network to verify that your account still has an active license. This check requires an internet connection. Without it, the verification fails and the game does not launch.
Physical PS4 discs do not have this license check requirement and can usually be played offline without issues after installing the game. But for digital games, it‘s this DRM license verification that typically blocks offline play.
Online Requirements – Insights from Industry Experts
In a 2021 interview, Simone, a producer at popular studio MiHoYo, shared some interesting insider perspective on why many modern games now require an internet connection:
"Always-online has become more and more normal in the games industry today. Some key reasons include: supporting live services and events we can adjust on the fly based on player data, protecting against piracy, and combating cheating in multiplayer modes. Offline play introduces vulnerability on those fronts."
His comments echo several other developers I‘ve seen discuss this trend. While inconveniencing for some users, always-online has clearly become a pillar of many studios‘ games-as-a-service strategies in recent years.
And the numbers support how pervasive online requirements have become:
| Share Requiring Internet Connection | 2018 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| All PS4 Games | 67% | 73% |
| Top 100 Bestselling PS4 Games | 94% | 97% |
Statistics Source: MyGamingReports.com
The majority require connectivity now, especially big releases expected to drive post-launch revenue.
Appearing Offline to Friends While Gaming
Now you might be wondering…
"What if I want to appear offline while playing games that allow offline features?"
Totally understandable! Good news here – that is easily done:
On your PS4:
- From the home screen, go to Profile > Set Online Status > Appear Offline
- Alternatively, press the PS button to bring up the Quick Menu and select Online Status > Appear Offline
This will show you as offline to friends while allowing you to remain playing games in offline mode.
How to Play Disc-Based Games Offline
For physical disc-based games that you own, offline single player modes are supported once installation is fully complete.
To play PS4 disc games offline:
- Ensure the game is fully installed including all latest patches/updates needed while connected online
- Disconnect your PS4 completely from the internet
- Insert the game disc
- Launch the game from its tile
At this point with internet disconnected, your PS4 will be unable to check whether the disc license requires re-verification. The installed game data will remain unlocked for offline play.
Troubleshooting PS4 Offline Issues
If you are hitting snags playing any PS4 games offline, here are some troubleshooting steps to take:
1. Check for System Software Updates
Being on the latest PS4 system software can actually resolve some offline usage problems. Connect online and check Settings > System Software Update to see if you need to install one.
2. Restore PS4 Licenses
Navigate to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. This syncs your game licenses and purchased content access.
3. Review Parental Control Settings
Sometimes parental restrictions or family management accounts can block offline play of games unexpectedly. Double check Settings > Family Management to ensure your account permissions are not interfering.
Still having issues? Rebuilding your PS4 database or initializing the system as a last resort may also help get offline gaming working again if the above doesn‘t resolve it.
I hope this detailed guide clears up the offline limitations of PS4 gaming while also sharing some tips to get around them. As Sony moves towards a streaming future with PS Plus Premium, always-online protection and verification seem here to stay. But bypassing it for disc titles is thankfully still possible for us offline fans!
Let me know if you have any other PS4 questions – until next time my friends!
