Horizon Forbidden West is $10 cheaper on PS4, still PS5 compatible

People who buy Horizon Forbidden West According to Jim Ryan, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO in September, PlayStation 4 users will receive a complimentary upgrade to the PlayStation 5 game. It appears the PS4 game version is the best option to purchase it since it costs only $10 less than the PS5 one.

One big caveat, of course, is that we only have the CEO’s words to go on. Meanwhile, the descriptions of the two versions of the game on Sony’s own storefront are a bit confusing. Sony will offer a PS4 edition of Horizon Forbidden WestThe one for PS5 is listed at $69.99, and the $59.99 version. They are both compatible with each other, as the listings for PS5 and $59.99 respectively.

By pre-ordering the PS4 version — available by scrolling down to the pre-order boxes lower on the page — you’ll be able to access the PS5 upgrade, per Ryan’s promise last year. As The Verge points out, the listing on Sony’s website mentions that version working only on PS4, but a bullet point above the box implies that it works on the new console, too. This could mean that the PS4 version of the game will work on PS5 consoles in backward compatibility mode — i.e., not the PS5-upgraded and -optimized experience. It also includes information regarding Horizon Forbidden West’s FAQ page, which still says that “dual entitlement does not apply to the Standard and Special Editions,” where the phrase “dual entitlement” refers to buyers being able to access both the PS4 and PS5 versions. We’ve reached out to Sony for clarification.

Another curious issue: You’ll have to buy the digital version of this game on the Sony website or through the PlayStation app; it isn’t visible on the PS5’s own digital storefront, according to The Verge.

Sony’s whole approach to its upgrade paths for Horizon Forbidden WestIt has proven confusing. Sony revealed that there would be no way to upgrade from PS4 or PS5 in September. However, the company stated that these upgrades were always free. Days later, Sony reversed its decision and said that players could still upgrade free of charge. Future games, though — including March’s Gran Turismo 7 — will still have the $10 upgrade fee.