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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →PlayStation Network is not required for the core PC experience in four specific PlayStation-published games: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Sony announced the change on January 29, 2025, but it did not remove PSN requirements from every PlayStation PC release.
Which PC games let you skip PSN?
Sony’s announcement applies to these four titles:
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| Game | PSN for core PC play | Benefits of linking PSN |
|---|---|---|
| Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | Optional | Trophies, friend management, and the Spider-Man 2099 and Miles Morales 2099 suits |
| God of War Ragnarök | Optional | Trophies, friend management, Black Bear armor, 500 Hacksilver, and 250 XP |
| Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered | Optional | Trophies, friend management, and the Nora Valiant outfit |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered | Optional | PSN Trophies, PlayStation overlay, 50 in-game points, and Jordan A. Mun’s jacket skin |
These details come from Sony’s January 29, 2025 announcement. A PSN account is optional for the games’ core PC play, but account-linked rewards and services are unavailable if you decline to sign in.
When did the policy change?
- January 29, 2025: Sony announced optional PSN login for the four games.
- January 30, 2025: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launched on PC with optional PSN login.
- April 3, 2025: The Last of Us Part II Remastered launched on PC with optional PSN login.
PlayStation’s separate announcements confirm the Spider-Man 2 PC release and The Last of Us Part II Remastered PC release. Naughty Dog also details the latter game’s optional account features, including the overlay, trophies, bonus points, and jacket skin, in its PC features guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
What does “optional” actually mean?
There are three different situations that are often confused:
- PSN required: You cannot proceed without creating or linking an account.
- PSN optional: You can play the core game without linking an account, while account holders receive additional features or rewards.
- PSN required for a feature: The main game works without PSN, but a particular service—such as multiplayer, trophies, social tools, or an overlay—requires it.
Sony’s January 2025 announcement concerns the second category for the four named games. Skipping PSN does not necessarily mean the game has no other online requirements: Steam or Epic, game updates, DRM, and online services may still require an internet connection.
What do you lose by skipping PSN?
The exact trade-offs vary by title, but Sony identifies several account-linked benefits:
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
- PlayStation Network trophies.
- Friend-management and social features.
- PlayStation overlay functionality where supported.
- Cosmetic items, early unlocks, in-game currency, or experience rewards.
Sony also refers to possible future account-linked benefits, but those should be treated as potential rather than guaranteed. If you only want the single-player campaigns in the four listed games, declining the login is the straightforward option. If trophies, PlayStation social features, or the bonus items matter to you, linking an account provides those benefits.
Helldivers 2 is not part of this announcement
Helldivers 2 should not be treated as one of the four games covered by Sony’s January 2025 policy. It has its own PSN-linking history: Sony announced in May 2024 that a planned linking update would not proceed after player feedback. That was a separate decision, not an expansion of the four-game announcement.
Because requirements and live-service policies can change, check the current Steam listing and the game’s official support documentation before buying. Do not infer Helldivers 2’s current account requirements from Sony’s policy for the four single-player titles.
Rank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Ghost of Tsushima has a different split
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is also not one of the four titles in Sony’s announcement. Its single-player campaign and its online Legends mode must be considered separately.
Nixxes says an account for PlayStation is not needed for the basic PC game, while signing in is involved when starting Legends, the online multiplayer component. In other words, an optional account for the campaign does not mean every feature works without PSN. See Nixxes’ support explanation for the title-specific requirements.
PSN optional does not mean every country can buy the games
Account requirements and store availability are separate issues. A game can allow optional PSN login while still being unavailable for purchase in a particular country because of publisher, platform, licensing, or regional PSN policies.
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Before purchasing, check the local Steam or Epic listing. Sony’s PlayStation PC support page directs players to Steam and Epic for PC purchases and warns that account-linking requirements vary by title. Optional PSN should not be interpreted as a guarantee of worldwide availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A practical checklist before buying
- Confirm that the exact game is one of Sony’s four named titles if avoiding PSN is essential.
- Check the Steam or Epic listing available in your country.
- Decide whether you need only the single-player campaign or also multiplayer and online modes.
- Check whether trophies, the PlayStation overlay, social features, or bonus items matter to you.
- Read the game’s current support page for any title-specific account requirement.
Do not assume the policy provides cross-buy, cross-save, or automatic transfer between PlayStation and PC. Those are separate platform features.
Why did Sony make PSN optional?
Sony’s announcement emphasizes giving players a choice and offering additional benefits to people who use a PlayStation Network account. The change also came after wider controversy over mandatory account linking and regional availability, but Sony’s announcement does not establish that review bombing, sales data, Steam pressure, or legal concerns were the sole cause.
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
The reliable conclusion is narrower: Sony made PSN optional for four specifically named PC games. Its broader PC sign-in guidance continues to explain that account requirements can differ between games.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Sony’s PSN change is a selective relaxation, not a universal policy for PlayStation PC games. You can skip PSN for the core PC experience in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered; trophies, social tools, overlays, and title-specific rewards may require linking an account. Treat Helldivers 2 and Ghost of Tsushima separately, especially when multiplayer is involved.
Quick Recap
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