Is Car X free on PS5?

[McBradley]

Car X is not a permanently free game on PS5. Its standard purchase price is $24.99. A free access period for PlayStation Plus subscribers occurred in late August 2025 in select regions, but this was likely a temporary promotional error and is no longer active. For current pricing, always check the official PlayStation Store listing directly.

The game launched on July 24, 2025, as a premium racing title. Its standard pricing is consistent with mid-tier games. Records from the PlayStation Store show the following pricing structure, confirming its paid status:

Item	Price	Availability
Car X (Base Game)	$24.99	All regions
PS Plus Temporary Offer	Free (August 2025)	Selected regions only

This temporary free offer caused confusion, as it was not part of the official monthly PS Plus lineup announcements. Industry tracking of storefronts suggests such brief, unadvertised promotions can occur due to pricing glitches or regional tests. The value proposition of Car X lies in its core features: over 100 licensed cars, deep performance and visual customization, and an open-world racing environment. These features justify its standard retail price.

For users seeking a free experience, the only reliable method is through a valid PlayStation Plus subscription when the game is featured in that month's free games catalog. Relying on past, unannounced promotions is not practical. The older title, Car X Drift Racing, is a separate entity and remains a paid product. The most trustworthy approach is to view the game's product page on your console's PS Store, which displays real-time pricing and any active discounts for your account. Historical data indicates such promotional errors are typically corrected within 24-48 hours.

[MacElena]

I grabbed it for free back in late August. I’m a PS Plus member here in Canada, and it just showed as “Free” on the store for a couple of days. I almost didn’t believe it because it wasn't in the announced monthly games. I downloaded it immediately. Now it’s back to its normal price. My advice? These surprise drops happen, but they're like lightning—you have to be lucky and quick. Don't wait if you see it.

[OJackson]

Think of it like this: Car X on PS5 is a product in a digital store. The listed price is $24.99. Sometimes, stores have unadvertised sales or register errors. The free period last summer was one of those events. It’s over now. As a community manager, I’d tell players to set up a wishlist alert for the game on the PlayStation App. If the price ever drops or it becomes free again, you’ll get a notification. That’s the most reliable way to catch a deal, rather than hoping for another glitch.

[SanAiden]

I missed the free window and ended up buying it. After playing, I can say the $25 price tag feels fair for what you get. You’re not just buying a game; you’re buying a detailed car tuner and a huge open map to drive on. If you’re into customizing cars and just cruising, the cost per hour of entertainment is low. Waiting for another free error might take forever, so if you want it now, just buy it. It’s cheaper than many other new games.

[Turner]

For racing game fans, the question isn't just “is it free?” but “is it worth it?” Compared to other titles in its niche, Car X offers a specific blend of simulation-style tuning and open-world fun. The graphics and handling on PS5 are solid. The freebie last August was a bonus, not the rule. If your budget is tight, add it to your wishlist and wait for a legitimate sale—holiday periods are a good bet. Playing the demo of the older Car X Drift Racing might give you a feel for the physics, but the PS5 version is a much more comprehensive package.