Downloading games can take hours, especially if you have a slow internet connection. This isn't ideal when the future is increasingly becoming digital and we want to jump into our games as quickly as possible. Luckily, we can pre-install games that we have preordered on PlayStation 4 so we can start playing as soon as the game unlocks after its release. Here's how to do just that.

The Guide

  1. First, scroll to your Library from the home screen.

PS4 Home screen library

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Navigate to the Purchased section.

PS4 library purchased screen

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Select the preordered game that you want to pre-install.

At this point, you'll see a page with a countdown timer. If the game supports pre-installation, it should automatically do so within about 48 hours before the game is set to launch.

How to enable automatic downloads

  1. From the home screen, go to Settings.

PS4 home screen settings

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Scroll down to System.

PS4 settings system screen

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Select Automatic Downloads.

PS4 systems auto download

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Make sure that Application Update Files is checked.

PS4 Automatic download update screenshot

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

Even after your game is pre-installed, you won't be able to play it early. You still need to wait until the game unlocks on its release date. If you would like to do this process manually instead of having the game automatically download when available, follow the first set of steps again about two days before the game's launch if it's a title that supports pre-installation.

If you're looking for a game to pre-order, here are some ideas.

Long wait is over

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The Last of Us Part II

It all ends here
Ellie's harrowing journey looks to take her on the bloody path of revenge, but against what we're not sure of yet. Whatever the situation, Joel is there to have her back.

Finally coming

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Welcome to Midgar
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the first part of the classic game, retold in bigger fashion than ever before. Stunning graphics and a new combat system bring life to the adventures of Cloud, Tifa, and others in a way never seen before.

Rip and tear

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Doom Eternal

They are the rage, you are worse
Doom Eternal brings everything players loved about the Doom 2016 game with even more executions, more demons, a longer campaign, and more brutal combat.