Free demos have made a comeback on PlayStation 5, and this month three new ones can be downloaded without a PlayStation Plus subscription. Here is a quick guide to finding them, and what each one offers.
How to find free demos on PS5
- Open the PlayStation Store from the home screen.
- Search for the game by name, or browse the Free to Play / Demos section.
- On the game’s page, look for the Demo or Download trial option, rather than the purchase button.
- Download it like any other game. Progress in some demos carries over if you later buy the full version.
This month’s three demos
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok. Cygames’ action RPG gets an expanded edition on 9 July for PS4 and PS5. The demo includes a slice of the story, four types of multiplayer mission with cross-play, and a tutorial. Rewards earned in the demo carry over to the full game.
High On Life 2. The sequel to Squanch Games’ comedy shooter, with talking guns, odd alien worlds and a new skateboard for getting around. The demo covers the first two missions — enough to know whether the humour is for you.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – Prologue. Square Enix’s latest HD-2D game, mixing pixel-art characters with detailed 3D settings. The prologue introduces Elliot and his companion Faie and sets up the story.
Why demos are worth it
- Try before you buy. With new releases often priced at €70–80, a demo can save an expensive mistake.
- Check performance. A demo shows how a game runs on your console and TV.
- Carry-over rewards. Some demos, like Granblue Fantasy’s, give items you can use in the full game.
- No commitment. Demos can be deleted at any time to free up space.
Demos were once a standard part of console gaming before largely disappearing in the last generation, so their return is good news for players who like to know what they are buying.
