Rocksmith vs Rocksmith 2014
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Rocksmith transforms your real instrument into a game controller, delivering a visually intuitive way to play and learn music. Its innovative design engages both seasoned musicians and complete beginners, making practice feel like a fun challenge. The game offers a vast library of songs and real-time feedback, helping players develop technique and timing while enjoying the music they love.
Rocksmith 2014 lets you connect any electric guitar or bass to your PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 or PS4 and turn it into an interactive learning tool. Using Ubisoft's award‑winning method, the game listens to your playing and provides real‑time feedback, helping you master chords, riffs, and songs. With a library of over 1.5 million players, you can track progress, compete on leaderboards, and jam along with a variety of rock, pop, and metal tracks. The game is designed for solo practice, offering a single‑player experience that adapts to your skill level over 60 days of structured lessons.
- Authentic instrument integration
- Extensive song catalog
- Real‑time feedback accelerates learning
- Supports both solo and multiplayer play
- Uses a real instrument for authentic learning
- Available on all major consoles and PC/Mac
- Adaptive difficulty keeps lessons engaging
- Large song library and custom song support
- Requires compatible guitar/bass cable
- Limited to older console generations
- Learning curve can be steep for absolute beginners
- Requires a compatible USB cable or adapter
- Single‑player only, no online co‑op modes
- Initial setup can be confusing for non‑technical users
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Rocksmith
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Rock out with epic tracks and battle mode in Guitar Hero III.
Play the Beatles' greatest hits with guitars, drums, and mic in a band‑focused Rock Band experience.
Alternatives to Rocksmith 2014
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataRocksmith 2014 is the safer default thanks to broader platform support, higher critic score, and adaptive difficulty, while the original Rocksmith only wins if you need multiplayer.
Key differences
- •Platform coverage: 2014 adds PS4, Xbox One, and Mac; original is limited to PS3, Xbox 360, PC.
- •Multiplayer: original includes co‑op/multiplayer modes; 2014 is single‑player only.
- •Adaptive difficulty: 2014 adjusts note timing and speed to player performance; original has a fixed learning curve.
- •Custom song support: 2014 lets you import songs via a custom format; original does not mention this.
- •Critic score: 2014 received 87/100 versus 81/100 for the original.
Gameplay & fun factor
2014 adds adaptive difficulty and live jam sessions, enhancing engagement.
Platform availability
2014 runs on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, and Mac; original only on PS3, Xbox 360, PC.
Price & value
Both cost $59.99 with similar core functionality.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Original offers single‑player and multiplayer; 2014 is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
2014 includes custom song import and a larger, more flexible library.
Difficulty & accessibility
Adaptive difficulty in 2014 eases learning for beginners.
Graphics & performance
2014 released later (2013) and supports newer hardware, likely better performance.
Choose Rocksmith if…
Buyers who prioritize multiplayer jam sessions or co‑op play.
Choose Rocksmith 2014 if…
Buyers wanting the latest platform support, adaptive learning, and custom song options.
Common questions
Do I need a special cable for either game?
Both require a compatible USB cable or adapter to connect a real electric guitar or bass.
Can I play Rocksmith 2014 on newer consoles?
Yes, it supports PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac in addition to older consoles.
Is there any price difference between the two versions?
No, both are priced at $59.99 (one‑time purchase).