Critics rated the PC version of H1Z1: Battle Royale slightly higher than the separately reviewed PS4 version: Metacritic lists 70/100 from eight PC reviews and 66/100 from ten PS4 reviews in its 2018 review sets. Both aggregates are “Mixed or Average.” The reviews praised brisk, accessible battle-royale action, while questioning the game’s variety and distinctiveness.
H1Z1: Battle Royale critic scores by platform
Metacritic’s 2018 review records show two distinct platform aggregates, not one score for every version of the game. The pages were checked on October 8, 2026; the scores reflect the 2018 critic reviews.
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| Platform | Metacritic score | Critic reviews | Review breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 70/100, Mixed or Average | 8 | 2 positive, 6 mixed, 0 negative |
| PlayStation 4 | 66/100, Mixed or Average | 10 | 3 positive, 6 mixed, 1 negative |
The four-point difference is a description of these separate review sets; it does not establish why critics scored the versions differently or that one platform is categorically better to play.
What PC critics thought
PC reviews generally recognized a competent foundation of scavenging, shooting, and survival. Game Informer described “a solid foundation of scavenging, shooting, and surviving” in its March 7, 2018 review. Critics also valued the quick pace and accessible firefights, but many found the core battle-royale mode short on variety and identity beside more distinctive competitors.
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Auto Royale stood out
Auto Royale was a notable point of difference in the PC coverage. Rather than relying only on the standard battle-royale loop, the mode made vehicles central to the action. IGN’s March 10, 2018 review called it “the more interesting thing about H1Z1” and highlighted its innovative approach. That praise did not erase broader reservations about the game’s limited variety.
How PS4 reviews differed
PS4 critics assessed a console adaptation with its own trade-offs, rather than simply repeating the PC verdict. Some welcomed a streamlined version, quick matches, and squad play. Others described the experience as unfinished or visually underwhelming, and criticized its thin content and restricted tactical choices. These were mixed judgments, not a universal consensus.
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GameSpot awarded the PS4 version 7/10 in a review published August 18, 2018, summarizing it as “a simple, streamlined experience with the thrills of the genre’s high-stakes combat.” TheSixthAxis, reviewing it on August 15, 2018, said “it does what it does really well.” Those positive assessments sit alongside other critics’ concerns about polish and content.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the scores can—and cannot—tell you
The Metacritic figures summarize critic reception around the versions’ 2018 releases. They are useful for comparing the tone of those review sets, but they are not a current assessment of online play, server reliability, matchmaking, or player population. The available critic records do not establish those present-day conditions.
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For purchase context, the official US PlayStation Store listing describes H1Z1: Battle Royale as a free PS4 online shooter from Daybreak Games, with optional Crowns and emote add-ons; it also says the game is playable on PS5 with possible feature limitations. Store details and availability can change, and the listing does not establish current server health. On Steam, the PC game is listed as Z1 Battle Royale, free to play, and displays a Metacritic score of 70.
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