why can't I use an update file that's not from the same place I got the game files?
Is there a way to remove the playstation bloatware apps?
are there games that can be played online without psn?
Games are region specific. Most titles have at least three main regions, US, EU and JP. Each region has its own title ID. For example, the EU version might be something like 0001 while the US version is 0002. Because of that, updates and DLC have to match the exact same region as the base game or they will not install.
There are tools that can remarry or repackage updates and DLC to work with a different region, but honestly it is best practice to just download the correct update that matches your game’s region from the start. I will DM you a site that keeps the correct versions together so you do not run into issues.
To remove PlayStation apps, just highlight the app on the home screen, press the Options button on your controller, and choose Delete.
As for online play without PSN, yes some projects exist. For example, Los Santos Online for Grand Theft Auto V works on specific versions, usually EU or US copies with update 1.53 or 1.56. Once you have the right version installed, you just follow the setup instructions from their site.
I believe Minecraft Bedrock Edition can connect to certain private servers as well, but I am not completely sure.
Other than that, most games require PSN for official online play. The only alternative would be LAN based play using something like Hamachi and bridging your PS4 connection through a PC, similar to how people used to do it back in the Halo CE days. That only works for games that support LAN in the first place.
