Using Discord on PlayStation 5 is about to get a lot easier

By Carli Velocci June 13, 2024

A Discord popup on a PS5 home screen. Says Direct Voice Chats at the top with some users listed below it. — Sony Interactive Entertainment

Communicating while in a Helldivers 2 party with friends will soon be easier than ever, as PlayStation announced Thursday that it’ll be rolling out built-in Discord voice chat to PlayStation 5 consoles.

While Discord voice chat has been available on the PS5 since last year, you needed to use an outside app on your mobile device or computer to access it. With the latest update, all you’ll need to do is go to the Discord tab on the console after linking your PlayStation and Discord accounts together, then choose the server, channel, or DM you want to join. So no more looking for your phone to start chatting.

The feature will be rolling out over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, those located in the Americas are last on the list. PlayStation is starting with Japan and other Asian countries, then Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, and finally, the American continents. No official dates have been set, yet, but once it’s available, make sure you install the latest update.

PlayStation also announced that it’ll be rolling out PlayStation Network profile sharing, allowing users to share their info with a link or QR code through the PS App or a console.

Sony and Discord’s partnership has been gradual. The original announcement was in 2021, with Sony making a minority investment in the company. This was after acquisition talks between Discord and Xbox ended, although Discord integration with the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One was added later. Notably, players have been able to use integrated console Discord voice chat since 2022.

Over time, Discord has become the de facto video game chat app. That was the case on PC and mobile, but since being added to Xbox and PlayStation, it’s more ubiquitous than ever. Now it just needs to be added to Nintendo Switch and it’ll be everywhere.

Topics

Contributor, Games

Carli is a technology, culture, and games editor and journalist. They were the Gaming Lead and Copy Chief at Windows Central…

Gaming

New report claims the PlayStation VR2 is in serious trouble

A side view of the PlayStation VR2, which sits on a wood table.

There have been a lot of signs that Sony hasn't been investing a lot of resources into VR, specifically its PlayStation VR2 headset, and according to a new report, the situation might be worse than previously believed.

In an Android Central article published Thursday, sources said that Sony was slashing budgets related to VR and that there would be "very few opportunities for VR game development" in the future. Another source mentioned that there were only two PSVR2 games in development at the company.

Gaming

3 new PlayStation Plus games to check out this weekend (June 21-23)

Pagan Min attacks a soldier in Far Cry 4.

It's the middle of the month, so that means Sony just dropped a batch of new titles into the game catalog for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra. While these additions aren't as high profile as some earlier months of the year, this group of new PS Plus games still has some winners that stand out as the cream of the crop. There are three games in particular that are worth hopping into this weekend.

First is a game from Capcom that will allow you to better understand the jump from Monster Hunter: World to Monster Hunter Wilds. Then, we have a classic Ubisoft open-world game that can get you primed for the release of Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows later in 2024. Finally, there's a PlayStation VR2 game about kayaking that offers a relaxing virtual experience for those looking for an excuse to put on the VR headset.
Monster Hunter Rise

Gaming

How long is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?

A furnace golem looms in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Elden Ring's first and only expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, brings a heap of new content to From Software's highly acclaimed open-world RPG. Not only is there an entirely new map to find and uncover, but players also receive a fresh story, tons of additional weapons and spells to use, and a variety of all-new bosses to take down along the way as they make their way to the end of the journey. It's quite a lot to explore, so it's understandable if you're curious about how long it'll take to see all of this new content. Your mileage will vary, naturally, but we've got estimates below regarding how long it'll take to beat Shadow of the Erdtree.
How long is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?
It goes without saying that, due to the inherent difficulty of Elden Ring, your skill level within the game will play a significant role in the amount of hours you'll spend completing Shadow of the Erdtree. The average player just seeking to see the main story of this new expansion can expect to spend between 20 to 30 hours reaching its conclusion.

Those looking to take in everything Shadow of the Erdtree has to offer, however, will spend a lot more time with the DLC as they navigate the new map, checking every nook and cranny for new gear, spells, and well-hidden secrets. If that sounds up your alley, you can count on up to 50 hours of exploration and combat in the Land of Shadow.