Do You Need A Game Pass To Play Anthem?
Hey gaming fans, ever wondered if you need a subscription like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to jump into the action-packed world of Anthem? Let's dive in and clear up any confusion about what you need to play this game. We'll cover all the bases, from the basic requirements to potential subscription benefits. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the world of Anthem and its requirements!
Understanding Anthem and Its Gameplay
Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty of subscriptions, let's refresh our memories about Anthem. Anthem, released back in 2019, is a shared-world action role-playing game (RPG) developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. In Anthem, players suit up in powerful exosuits called Javelins and team up to take on thrilling missions in a vibrant, alien world. The gameplay revolves around completing various quests, fighting challenging enemies, and, of course, looting cool gear to enhance your Javelin. The game's focus is on cooperative multiplayer, meaning you and your friends can join forces to tackle missions and explore the open world together. Anthem's graphics were stunning for its time, with detailed environments and impressive visual effects that truly immerse you in the game's universe. The game offered a unique experience with its blend of action, RPG elements, and cooperative gameplay. You could customize your Javelin with different weapons and abilities, allowing you to tailor your gameplay style to your preferences. The core concept of Anthem was super interesting, but it faced some challenges in its early days, which we'll touch on later. But first, let's clear up the main question: do you need a subscription to play?
So, Anthem features cooperative multiplayer and a vibrant world, but does that mean you absolutely need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to dive in and start playing? Well, the answer depends on which platform you're on, so keep reading, guys, because we're about to break it down.
PlayStation: PlayStation Plus and Anthem
Now, let's talk about the PlayStation side of things. If you're planning to play Anthem on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you'll need to have a PlayStation Plus subscription to access the game's online features. Since Anthem is all about multiplayer and teaming up with other players, PlayStation Plus is a must. Without it, you won't be able to participate in the game's cooperative missions or connect with your friends to take on the various challenges together. This is standard for most online multiplayer games on PlayStation. PlayStation Plus allows you to play online multiplayer, and also offers monthly free games and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. So, if you're a PlayStation gamer, you will need that PlayStation Plus subscription to fully enjoy Anthem's experience, especially if you're looking to team up with friends or other players online. If you're a PlayStation user, the subscription is essential if you want to play Anthem with others online.
But what if you only want to play the single-player campaign? Well, let's clarify that as well: Anthem is primarily a multiplayer experience, meaning the single-player aspect is not the main focus, and the heart of the game is in its online cooperative missions. This also means that, even for the core experience, you'll still need PlayStation Plus. So, when it comes to Anthem on PlayStation, the answer is a straightforward “yes”; you need PlayStation Plus to enjoy the game.
Xbox: Xbox Game Pass and Anthem
Alright, let's switch gears and talk about the Xbox world. On the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, the situation is a bit different when it comes to playing Anthem. To play online multiplayer games like Anthem, you will need an Xbox Live Gold subscription. However, Xbox has evolved its offerings and now heavily promotes its Xbox Game Pass service. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that provides access to a large library of games, including some titles that can be played with your existing Game Pass subscription. However, Anthem is not, and has never been, included in the Xbox Game Pass library, meaning that you can't access it via the service. So, if you're hoping to play Anthem on your Xbox, you'll need to have an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online, just as on PlayStation, you need PlayStation Plus. Xbox Live Gold is the service that unlocks the multiplayer features on Xbox. Unfortunately, Anthem isn't included in the standard Xbox Game Pass library. So, if you have Game Pass, you won't be able to download and play Anthem without also having Xbox Live Gold.
In short, whether you're on PlayStation or Xbox, you'll need a subscription service to enjoy the multiplayer aspects of Anthem. For PlayStation, it's PlayStation Plus, and for Xbox, it's Xbox Live Gold. So, to get the full Anthem experience, you will need a subscription to play online.
EA Play and Anthem
There's one more thing we need to discuss: EA Play. EA Play is another subscription service from Electronic Arts, which offers access to a library of EA games, exclusive rewards, and early access to some new titles. Now, here's where it gets interesting: Anthem is available on EA Play. If you have an EA Play subscription, you can play Anthem. However, if you are playing it on a console, you will still need the relevant subscription to play online: PlayStation Plus for PlayStation and Xbox Live Gold for Xbox. So, while EA Play gives you access to the game, you'll still need the platform-specific online subscription to play with others.
Can You Play Anthem Without a Subscription?
So, can you play Anthem without any subscriptions? The short answer is no. Since Anthem is an online multiplayer game, you will need a subscription to play. But there are a few options if you want to play Anthem. You can buy the game on PlayStation or Xbox. However, if you want to play it with others online, you'll need a PlayStation Plus or an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Additionally, if you have an EA Play subscription, you can play Anthem, but you will still need to have an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription to access online multiplayer features. Unfortunately, playing Anthem entirely offline isn't possible, as the core experience is designed around online interactions and cooperative gameplay. So, if you want to dive into Anthem’s world, you will need the appropriate subscription service.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're facing issues while trying to play Anthem, here's a quick guide to help you troubleshoot some common problems.
- Subscription Status: Make sure your PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription is active and up to date. Check the expiration date and renew it if necessary. Without a valid subscription, you won't be able to connect to the game's servers.
- Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection. A poor connection can cause lag, disconnections, and other issues. Try restarting your modem and router to see if that resolves the problem. Also, verify that your network settings are configured correctly on your console.
- Game Updates: Always keep your game updated to the latest version. Older versions may have bugs or compatibility issues. Check the console store for any available updates and install them.
- Server Status: Sometimes, server outages can cause connection problems. Check the official game forums or social media channels to see if there are any known server issues. Wait for the servers to be back online, and then try again.
- Account Issues: Double-check your account details to ensure your account is properly linked and in good standing. Log out and log back in to refresh the connection.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve many common issues and enjoy your Anthem gaming experience.
Is Anthem Worth Playing in 2024?
So, should you play Anthem in 2024? This is a question with a complicated answer. Anthem had a rocky launch and was met with a mix of excitement and criticism. Despite the intriguing concept and stunning graphics, the game had several problems, including technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of engaging content at launch. BioWare tried to fix the game with updates and attempted to revive it with a major overhaul, but they eventually canceled those plans. The game's future is uncertain, as it is no longer being actively developed. However, the game still has a dedicated player base. If you are a fan of looter-shooters, you might find Anthem enjoyable, especially at a discounted price. Despite its problems, Anthem features beautiful visuals and engaging combat mechanics, which can still provide some entertainment. It's a game that could provide some fun gameplay moments. However, be prepared for a less-than-perfect experience. It's worth considering the cost and your tolerance for potential issues before jumping in. If you're okay with its flaws and looking for some sci-fi action, it could be a fun experience, and some of you might find the game to be an enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, guys! The bottom line is that to play Anthem, you will need a subscription. Whether you're on PlayStation or Xbox, you'll need the appropriate subscription service to enjoy Anthem's multiplayer aspects. On PlayStation, it's PlayStation Plus, and on Xbox, it's Xbox Live Gold. And while EA Play gives you access to the game, you will still need the platform-specific online subscription to play with others. We hope this answers your questions and gets you ready to explore the world of Anthem. Happy gaming, and we'll see you online!