If you are purchasing, or already own, the PS4 disc version of Horizon Forbidden West, you can get the PS5 digital version at no extra cost. To upgrade to the digital PS5 version, you will need a PS5 console with a disc drive. PS4 game discs can‘t be used with the PlayStation®5 Digital Edition.
Can you upgrade Horizon Forbidden West from PS4 to PS5 for free?
Yes, you can upgrade Horizon Forbidden West from the PS4 version to the PS5 version for free. When the game first launched, there was some confusion around the upgrade path, but Sony clarified that any player who purchases the PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West can upgrade to the PS5 version at no additional cost.
The free upgrade from PS4 to PS5 applies whether you purchased a physical disc copy or a digital version. However, to take advantage of the free upgrade with a disc copy, you will need a PS5 model that has a disc drive.
Does Horizon Forbidden West still have a free upgrade?
Yes, the free PS4 to PS5 upgrade for Horizon Forbidden West is still available. When pre-orders first went live, Sony had indicated that the free upgrade would only apply to the Digital Deluxe, Collector‘s, and Regalla editions of the game.
After backlash from players, Sony reversed course and announced that all PlayStation 4 editions, including the Standard Edition, would qualify for the free upgrade. This policy still remains in effect, so you can purchase the PS4 Standard Edition and upgrade to the PS5 version at no additional cost.
How do I claim my free upgrade on Horizon Forbidden West?
Claiming your free Horizon Forbidden West upgrade from PS4 to PS5 is an easy process:
Sign in to your PlayStation Network account on your PS5 console.
Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS5 and navigate to the Horizon Forbidden West hub page.
Select the "PS5 Upgrade Offer" and review the upgrade details.
Click "Download" to download the PS5 version of the game.
Once the download is complete, you can launch and play the PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West.
Your save data should automatically transfer between versions via the cloud save system. You do not need to insert the PS4 game disc to validate the upgrade – the upgrade is attached to your PSN account.
Does Horizon Forbidden West PS4 have a free PS5 upgrade on Reddit?
Yes, there are many Reddit threads discussing and confirming that the PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West does include the option for a free upgrade to the PS5 version:
In the PS4 subreddit, a user asked about the free upgrade and received confirmation from others that it is still available.
In the Horizon subreddit, multiple Redditors discussed taking advantage of the free PS4 to PS5 upgrade after purchasing the PS4 version.
Several Reddit threads in the PS5 subreddit also reiterate that the Horizon Forbidden West free upgrade offer is legitimate and working for players.
Overall, the consensus on Reddit aligns with Sony‘s official policy – all PS4 editions of Horizon Forbidden West, physical or digital, allow for a free upgrade to the PS5 version when playing on a PS5 console.
How do free PS5 upgrades work?
For games that offer free PS4 to PS5 upgrades, the upgrade process works as follows:
If you have not installed the PS4 version yet, download the PS5 version of the game instead of the PS4 version to immediately get the upgraded experience.
If you already have the PS4 version installed, look for the PS5 upgrade offer on the game‘s PlayStation Store hub or product page.
Select the upgrade offer button and complete any steps to confirm the upgrade.
The PlayStation Store will handle the rest – downloading the PS5 version and transferring your save files.
Once the upgrade download completes, you can simply launch and play the PS5 version of the game.
Some key points about free PS5 upgrades:
You need an internet connection to download the upgrade.
Disc-owners still need the PS4 disc inserted to validate the upgrade.
Upgrades are attached to your PSN account rather than the disc itself.
Save files and progress should carry over automatically via the cloud storage system.
How to upgrade Horizon Forbidden West PS4 version to the PS5 version
Follow these steps to upgrade from the Horizon Forbidden West PS4 version to the PS5 enhanced version:
Sign in to PlayStationTMNetwork on your PS5 console.
Find Horizon Forbidden West in the PlayStation Store, or search for it, and go to the Game Hub page for the PS5 version.
Select the "PS5 Upgrade Offer" on the Game Hub and review the upgrade details.
Click "Download" to download the PS5 version to your console.
Once the download completes, you can launch and play Horizon Forbidden West on PS5.
The save data from your PS4 gameplay should automatically transfer over to the PS5 version thanks to the cloud storage syncing. You do not need to have the PS4 game disc inserted to play the PS5 version after upgrading.
What is the difference between PS4 and PS5 versions of Forbidden West?
There are a few notable differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West:
Resolution: PS5 offers 4K resolution while PS4 is locked to 1080p.
Framerate: PS5 offers a smoother 60 FPS while PS4 runs at 30 FPS.
Loading: Faster loading times on PS5 due to the SSD and I/O throughput advantages.
Graphics: Higher quality textures, improved lighting, enhanced shadows and other visual effects on PS5.
Haptics: PS5 DualSense controller adds adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for improved immersion.
While both versions offer the same core gameplay experience, the PS5 edition provides significant technical advantages with its 4K resolution, higher framerate, shorter load times, and DualSense features. However, the PS4 version still looks great if you don‘t have a PS5 yet.
How much does it cost to upgrade Forbidden West from PS4 to PS5?
The upgrade from the Horizon Forbidden West PS4 version to the PS5 version is completely free. When the game first launched, Sony had announced that the free upgrade would only apply to special editions.
However, after receiving criticism from players, they reversed this policy. Now, all PS4 editions of Horizon Forbidden West, including the Standard Edition, qualify for the free upgrade to PS5.
So you can purchase the PS4 Standard Edition for $59.99 and upgrade to the PS5 version at no extra cost. This makes it the most affordable way to get the PS5 experience, rather than paying $69.99 upfront for the PS5 version.
Why is Horizon Forbidden West still so expensive on PS5?
Horizon Forbidden West is priced at $69.99 for the native PS5 version, which is $10 more expensive than the $59.99 PS4 version that can be upgraded for free. There are a few factors behind the pricing:
Sony has raised the standard price for its first-party PS5 games to $69.99, $10 higher than the $59.99 PS4 price point. This pricing affects other exclusives like Gran Turismo 7 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart too.
The higher PS5 price accounts for certain production costs associated with top-tier games built exclusively for new hardware.
Sony likely wants to incentivize the PS5 edition for players who already own the console.
Having the PS4 version priced lower with a free upgrade path caters to PS4 owners awaiting their PS5.
While the $70 PS5 pricing has been controversial, it reflects Sony‘s shift in first-party pricing in the PS5 generation. The free upgrade from PS4 provides a nice alternative though.
Are next-gen upgrades free for other games?
The availability of free next-gen upgrades varies on a per-game basis:
Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla: Free PS4 to PS5 upgrade available.
Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War: Free PS4 to PS5 upgrade available.
Cyberpunk 2077: Free PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S upgrades.
Destiny 2: Free PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S upgrades with cross-progression.
Far Cry 6: Free PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S upgrades.
FIFA 22: Dual entitlement included for free PS4 to PS5 upgrade.
Fortnite: Free next-gen upgrade with shared progression across platforms.
No Man‘s Sky: Free PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S upgrades available.
Many third-party publishers are providing free next-gen upgrades as a goodwill gesture to players. However, it is ultimately up to each game‘s publisher to decide on upgrade pricing.
Can you upgrade PS4 games to PS5 for free?
Some PS4 games support free upgrades to enhanced PS5 versions, while others require a paid upgrade purchase or have no upgrade path at all. Here are the different scenarios:
Free upgrades – Select PS4 games can be upgraded to the PS5 version at no extra cost via the PlayStation Store (requires internet connection). Sony‘s 1st party games now generally offer this.
Paid upgrades – Certain PS4 games require you to pay to upgrade to the PS5 enhanced version, usually $10-$20 based on the title.
No upgrade available – Many PS4 games currently do not have a PS5 upgrade option and play via backward compatibility instead.
Whether a PS4 title has a free upgrade, paid upgrade, or no upgrade option for PS5 depends on the publisher‘s policies. Some provide free upgrades as goodwill for players while others monetize the next-gen versions. Check each game‘s product page to see the specifics.
How much does it cost to upgrade a game from PS4 to PS5?
For games that do not offer a free PS4 to PS5 upgrade, the pricing for paid upgrades averages around $10-$20 but can vary:
- Marvel‘s Spider-Man Remastered: $19.99
- Borderlands 3 PS5 Upgrade: $10
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 Upgrade: $10
- Dead by Daylight PS5 Upgrade: $9.99
- Metro Exodus PS5 Upgrade: $10
However, plenty of other games like Horizon Forbidden West provide completely free upgrades from PS4 to PS5. And some titles have no upgrade path at all. So upgrade pricing is handled on a case-by-case basis by each game publisher.
Should I buy the PS4 or PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West?
If given the choice, you should buy the PS4 version of Horizon Forbidden West rather than the PS5 version. Here‘s why:
The PS4 version costs $10 less at $59.99 compared to $69.99 for the PS5 version.
You can still upgrade to the PS5 version for free, essentially getting you the PS5 experience at the PS4 price.
Owning the PS4 version also provides flexibility to play the game on both PS4 and PS5 (with separate save files) if you own both consoles.
The PS4 version ensures you can play the game on PS4 first if you are still waiting to find a PS5 in stock.
Unless you only plan to play the game on PS5, the PS4 edition combined with the free next-gen upgrade makes the most financial and practical sense for the majority of players.
Is the PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West worth it?
While the PS4 version is the better value, the PS5 edition of Horizon Forbidden West does provide some nice enhancements and improvements that make it the definitive version of the game if you already own the console.
Advantages of the PS5 version:
Visuals upgraded to 4K resolution at impressive graphical settings.
Doubling of framerate from 30 FPS to 60 FPS for much smoother performance.
Faster loading times thanks to the PS5 SSD and decompression hardware.
Enhanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers via the DualSense controller.
So the PS5 version is worth it specifically for the big boosts to visual fidelity, framerate, loading times, and immersive controller features. But for most, the cheaper PS4 version with the free upgrade is the smarter buy.
Does the PS5 version of Forbidden West work on PS4?
No, the Horizon Forbidden West PS5 version is exclusive to PS5 consoles and cannot be played on a PS4 system. Sony publishes two different versions of the game:
Horizon Forbidden West (PS4 version) – Only playable on PS4 consoles.
Horizon Forbidden West (PS5 version) – Only playable on PS5 consoles.
While PS4 owners can upgrade to the PS5 version for free, this upgrade process will not make the PS5 version playable or compatible with a PS4 system. You must own a PS5 console in order to play the PS5 edition of Horizon Forbidden West.
When can I upgrade Horizon Forbidden West from PS4 to PS5?
You can upgrade Horizon Forbidden West from PS4 to PS5 at any time. The ability to get the PS5 version for free is tied to your PlayStation Network account and ownership of the PS4 version. Here are the requirements:
Own a PS4 copy of Horizon Forbidden West (physical disc or digital)
Have access to a PS5 console
Have a PSN account
Internet connection to download the PS5 upgrade
As soon as you fulfill those requirements, you can claim the PS5 upgrade on the PlayStation Store and download the enhanced version. Your save progress will carry over too. So you can essentially upgrade anytime you get a PS5 after buying the PS4 version.
Is the PS5 upgrade worth it for Horizon Forbidden West?
Upgrading Horizon Forbidden West from the PS4 version to the PS5 version is highly recommended and well worth it, especially if you are invested in getting the best experience:
Benefits of the upgrade:
Visual leap to native 4K resolution
Performance doubled from 30 FPS to 60 FPS
Much faster loading times
Improved lighting, textures, physics and visual effects
Enhanced immersion from DualSense controller features
Since the upgrade is completely free, there is no reason not to enjoy these benefits if you own both PS4 and PS5 consoles. The upgrade process is quick and painless too. So you might as well play the best version of Horizon Forbidden West possible via the upgrade.
Do PS4 games look better on PS5?
PS4 games will run smoother and benefit from faster loading times when played on a PS5 console thanks to the more powerful hardware. However, the visuals and resolution itself will remain the same as the PS4 version unless the game has received a dedicated PS5 upgrade patch.
For example, a PS4 game locked to 1080p resolution will still render at 1080p on PS5 unless the developer provides an update to enable 4K resolution. Some PS4 games have received updates to increase resolution, textures, or framerates on PS5.
So PS4 game visuals can look better on PS5 if the developer provides a patch to take advantage of the hardware. But without a specific next-gen upgrade, PS4 games appear largely identical on PS5, albeit with performance improvements.
What happens when you upgrade PS4 games to PS5?
Here‘s what you can expect when taking advantage of the PS4 to PS5 free upgrade path on select games like Horizon Forbidden West:
You‘ll download the full PS5 version of the game, not just a patch. This averages 40-60 GB.
Your saved games and progress will carry over automatically via the cloud save system.
You no longer need the PS4 game disc to play the PS5 version (disc owners).
You‘ll experience a jump in visuals, framerates, loading times, and other enhancements depending on the game.
You can still go back and play the PS4 version on that console if you wish by downloading it.
Trophies will be separate between the PS4 and PS5 versions as they are counted as different applications.
So upgrades provide a next-gen boost while retaining your existing saves and allowing cross-generation play. Disc users don‘t need the disc after upgrading either.
Do upgrades carry over to New Game Plus in Horizon Forbidden West?
Yes, all of your weapon upgrades, outfits, skills, inventory and character progress will carry over into New Game Plus mode in Horizon Forbidden West.
The only exception is any initial upgrades applied to the starting Hunter Bow are reset so that you can re-experience upgrading it through the early quests again. But all other gear, collectibles and skills remain in New Game Plus.
This makes starting New Game Plus very advantageous, as you‘ll retain all your purchases, artifacts, Datapoints, bonuses from the first playthrough. You can jump right back into the action highly powered up while still allowing the core progression to unfold again.
What is the max level cap in Horizon Forbidden West?
The max level cap that you can reach in Horizon Forbidden West is level 50.
Gaining XP by completing quests, killing machines, and other actions will build up Aloy‘s overall level over the course of the game. Once you hit level 50, any remaining XP earned will no longer contribute to levelling up.
However, your power does not plateau at the level cap. You can continue boosting Aloy by acquiring better equipment and skills. So you can still optimize your build through the playthrough and in New Game Plus beyond hitting the max level.
