Some PlayStation PC Ports Drop PSN Account Requirement

Sony has recently announced a significant change for gamers, making PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts optional for certain PS5 games ported to PC. This decision comes into effect following the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2's PC port on January 30, 2025. The move affects several popular titles, including Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered in April 2025. However, not all games follow this new policy; PC ports of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, Until Dawn, and other single-player games still mandate a PSN account.

For those who choose to use their PSN accounts, Sony is offering enticing incentives. Players who sign in can enjoy additional benefits such as trophies and friend management, along with specific in-game bonuses:

• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 Suit
• God of War Ragnarok - Access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP)
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered - +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, Jordan's Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for Ellie
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Gain access to Nora Valiant outfit

Sony has indicated that PlayStation Studios will continue to develop more benefits for players who opt into using a PSN account.

This policy shift follows a period of backlash Sony faced in 2024 when they initially required a PSN account for Helldivers 2 on Steam, citing "safety and security" reasons. This decision led to the game being delisted in over 170 countries without PSN support, prompting a swift reversal just three days later due to widespread criticism and negative reviews. Similarly, the PC port of God of War Ragnarok in 2024 also faced criticism for requiring a PSN account, with users expressing their discontent on its Steam page.

The requirement for a PSN account has been a point of contention, especially since PSN is only available in around 70 countries, leaving many players in unsupported regions to create accounts in other countries. This not only complicates the gaming experience but also raises concerns about privacy, given Sony's past issues with data breaches.