According to reports, a Horizon Zero Dawn PS5 remaster is in the works. Sony is planning a revamped version of the critically acclaimed PS4 title, centred on young hunter Aloy, according to MP1ST. The game, which is only five years old and had a sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, released earlier this year, will receive several improvements on PS5, including improved lighting, redesigned textures, and improved animations. Furthermore, the report mentions that a Horizon online multiplayer game for both the PS5 and PC is in the works.
VGC confirmed the report through their own sources, claiming that the new Horizon Zero Dawn PS5 version will include accessibility features and quality-of-life improvements. Different graphic modes will also be included, similar to how most PS5 entries have graphical, performance, and uncapped performance modes — the latter of which makes use of the variable refresh rate VRR.
Expect little in terms of gameplay, as the addition of underwater exploration and a glider from Horizon Forbidden West would jeopardise the storyline. But who can say? As a New Game+ reward, Sony could surprise us with those items.
While Horizon Zero Dawn received a performance patch that allowed it to run at a stable 60 frames per second on the PS4, it has yet to receive a native 4K update on the PS5. This isn’t the first time the RPG has been re-released; it was ported to PC in 2020, with improved draw distances, widescreen support, and uncapped framerates, though the assets from the PS4 version were reused.
In terms of assets, MP1ST claims that the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster will “bring it closer to Forbidden West,” complete with improved new character models, textures, and animations. This, like The Last of Us Part 1’s “remake,” may be difficult to sell to those who already own the original PS4 version. As previously stated, the game is only five years old, so convincing PS5 owners to pay Rs. 4,999 / $70 — a standard price point for new PS5 releases — will be difficult.
Even Marvel’s Spider-Man, which received a PS5 remaster just two years after its original PS4 release, did not merit an overhaul. In light of upcoming games in the franchise, the version featured a younger character model for Peter Parker, voiced by Yuri Lowenthal.
The report also mentions a Horizon multiplayer game for the PS5 and PC. Details are scarce, but VGC claims that a co-op mode was initially planned for the game, but was scrapped in order for the developers to focus on “other areas of the title.” Some leaked concept art from 2014 depicts players battling massive mechanical beasts simultaneously. Customization will reportedly be based on the franchise’s established tribes — but take this with a grain of salt.
There is currently no set release date or official word from developer Guerrilla Games, but based on actor Lance Reddick’s now-deleted tweet, this appears credible. In both Horizon games, the John Wick star reprised his role as Sylens.
