Getting Warzone on PS5 is free and only takes a few minutes of setup plus a large download. Call of Duty: Warzone is Activision's free-to-play battle royale, and on PlayStation 5 you install it straight from the PlayStation Store at no cost. This guide walks you through every step — getting your console ready, finding the game, downloading it, and signing in so you can drop into your first match.
Because Warzone is a big title, the most important thing to sort out before you begin is free storage and a stable internet connection. Once those are ready, the install itself is simple. Below is a quick checklist, then the full step-by-step process.
What you need before you start
- A PS5 console — either the Disc or Digital edition works.
- Free storage — Warzone is large, so aim to keep roughly 100 GB of free space available.
- A PlayStation Network (PSN) account — signed in on your console; a free account is fine.
- A stable internet connection — wired Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi for the big download.
- An Activision account (recommended) — free to create and used to save your progress.
How to download Warzone on PS5
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Step 1: Get your PS5 ready
Warzone is completely free to play on PS5, so you don't need to buy anything — you only need a PlayStation Network account signed in on the console. Before downloading, check that you have enough free storage, because the game and its updates take up a lot of space. A wired connection or a strong Wi-Fi signal will make the large download finish noticeably faster.
Make sure you have free storage, a PSN account, and a stable connection. -
Step 2: Open the PlayStation Store
From the PS5 home screen, head to the function row and open the PlayStation Store icon. This is the official storefront for all PS5 games, and it's where you'll find Warzone. Everything you download here installs directly to your console.
Launch the PlayStation Store from the PS5 home row. -
Step 3: Search for "Call of Duty: Warzone"
Use the search bar at the top of the store and type Call of Duty: Warzone. In the results, pick the official Activision listing. It should clearly be marked as Free. Avoid any unrelated bundles or paid items if you only want the free battle royale.
Search the store and select the official, free Activision listing. -
Step 4: Select the game and press Download
Open the Warzone store page and press Download. Since the game is free to play, you won't be charged — the install begins automatically and continues in the background. Keep your PS5 powered on (or in rest mode with downloads allowed) until it finishes. You can check progress in the downloads/notifications area at any time.
Press Download — Warzone is free, so installation starts right away. -
Step 5: Launch Warzone and sign in
Once the install completes, find Warzone in your Game Library or on the home screen and start it. On first launch you'll be asked to create or sign in to a free Activision account — this is recommended because it saves your progress, unlocks, and lets you carry that across platforms. Accept the terms, finish the short setup, and you're ready to drop in.
Launch the game, link your Activision ID, and jump into a match.
Tips for a smoother install
- Free up space first. If your drive is nearly full, delete games you no longer play before downloading, or add an extra storage drive made for PS5.
- Use rest mode wisely. Set your PS5 to keep downloads running in rest mode so the install can continue overnight.
- Wired beats wireless. An Ethernet cable usually gives a faster, more reliable download than Wi-Fi.
- Let updates finish. After the base install, Warzone may apply additional updates — wait for those before trying to play.
- Link one Activision account. Using the same account everywhere keeps your unlocks and Battle Pass progress together.
Troubleshooting
I can't find Warzone in the store
Double-check your search spelling and make sure you're browsing the PS5 PlayStation Store. Look specifically for the listing published by Activision and marked as free.
The download is stuck or very slow
Pause and resume the download, switch to a wired connection if possible, and confirm other devices aren't hogging your bandwidth. Restarting the console can also clear a stalled download.
It says there isn't enough storage
Warzone needs a large amount of free space. Delete unused games or add compatible extra storage, then start the download again.
Frequently asked questions
Is Warzone free on PS5?
Yes. Call of Duty: Warzone is free to play on PS5. You download it from the PlayStation Store at no cost and only need a PlayStation Network account.
How much storage does Warzone take on PS5?
Warzone is a large game and its size changes with updates, so it's best to keep roughly 100 GB of free space available to be safe before installing.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Warzone on PS5?
Warzone's free-to-play modes generally do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription, though Sony's online policies can change, so check the current requirements in the store.
Do I need an Activision account?
It's strongly recommended. A free Activision account saves your progress and unlocks and lets you carry them across platforms when you sign in with the same account.
Can I play Warzone on PS5 with friends on other consoles?
Yes. Warzone supports cross-play, so you can squad up with friends on other platforms as long as everyone is signed in.
Final thoughts
Getting Warzone on PS5 comes down to a few easy steps: ready your console and storage, open the PlayStation Store, search for Call of Duty: Warzone, press Download, then launch and link a free Activision account. The download is the slowest part, so start it early and let it run in the background. For the latest details and any platform requirements, see the official Call of Duty: Warzone website.
