Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is easiest to recommend to newcomers who want the complete game with updated visuals, and to PC players who will use its newer display and upscaling features. For PS5 owners of the original, the upgrade is a more selective choice: the original already runs at 60fps on PS5, so the remaster’s appeal is its visual overhaul, not access to a previously unavailable frame rate. Your platform, eligible edition and local price determine whether that overhaul is worth paying for.
What the reviews say
The reviews point to a remaster that can be both technically impressive and an optional purchase. Meristation’s October 30, 2024 review described it in its headline as “una versión tan innecesaria como impresionante” (“a version as unnecessary as it is impressive”). The review argued that the original had aged well and already had a 60fps PS5 patch, while praising the remaster’s technical presentation. Read Meristation’s review.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered PS5 | $30.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered | $29.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $41.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) | $42.50 | Buy on Amazon |
Digital Foundry’s October 23, 2024 technical review directly examines whether the PS5 upgrade is worthwhile, comparing it with the original’s existing PS5 60fps version. Its focus includes performance modes, environmental detail, water, visual effects, lighting, characters and audio; it is a technical comparison rather than a general story review. Read Digital Foundry’s analysis.
PC Gamer’s November 10, 2025 PC feature recommends the remaster and praises the overhaul. It reported that 83% of Steam reviews were Very Positive at that time; that is a dated snapshot, not a current rating. Read PC Gamer’s feature.
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#1 Best Overall
- EARTH IS OURS NO MORE
- Experience the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn with stunning new visuals and upgraded features
- In a far future where colossal machines roam and rule the Earth, pockets of humanity survive in unique tribes amon the lush, overgrown ruins of our long-lost civilization
- Take up bow and spear as Aloy, a youn machine hunter and outcast of her tribe, as she discovers her origins, the truth of this mysterious world, and her own destiny to save it from impending doom.
- On her journey, Aloy will come across unique tribes, lively settlements, and compelling characters and companions.
What changes in the remaster?
PlayStation’s product page lists three PS5 graphics-mode targets. These describe intended output and frame rate, not a guarantee of identical performance in every scene.
| PS5 mode | Listed target |
|---|---|
| Quality | 4K at 30fps |
| Performance | 4K at 60fps |
| Balanced | 4K at 40fps |
The remaster also revises presentation across areas such as environmental detail, water, lighting, visual effects and characters, which Digital Foundry examines in its technical review. That is the central reason to consider the upgrade if you already own the original: a more polished presentation, rather than a new story or a first chance to play at 60fps on PS5.
Rank #2
- Explore hidden depths - Journey through a world filled with strange artefacts and crumbling ruins
- The Machines - The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is inhabited by Machines of all shapes and sizes. Terrifyingly alien yet strikingly familiar, these mysterious automatons combine mechanical strength with organic features and an animalistic ferocity
- Begin your hunt - Fuse primitive gear with advanced technology to craft devices that turn predators to prey
- Prepare for the hunt - Merchants will offer Aloy a wide range of goods, varying from resources to craft items, as well as new gear. Trade in your metal shards and resources for special weapons and outfits to protect you from the dangers you'll encounter
- Cutting edge open-world technology - Explore a vibrant landscape rich with the beauty of nature. Travel through stunningly detailed forests, imposing mountains and the atmospheric ruins of a bygone civilization, all brought together in a world that is alive with changing weather systems and a full day/night cycle
It includes the The Frozen Wilds expansion. PlayStation also describes an optional accessibility feature that uses sound and haptic feedback to signal interactable objects, including pickups previously indicated only visually. See PlayStation’s product page for its feature list.
Is it worth it for you?
If you are new to Horizon Zero Dawn
It is the straightforward choice if you want to play the game on PS5 or PC: you get the remastered presentation and The Frozen Wilds together. The reviews support the quality of the technical overhaul, but whether to buy now depends on the price in your region; check the relevant storefront before purchasing rather than relying on launch pricing.
Rank #3
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
If you own the original on PS5
Treat it as an optional visual upgrade. The original already had a PS5 60fps patch, so the remaster makes most sense if you care about the updated presentation, want the included expansion in this edition, or value the optional sound-and-haptic interaction cues. If the original’s look and performance satisfy you, there is no need to upgrade just to reach 60fps.
If you play on PC
The PC version offers ultrawide and super-ultrawide support, DLSS 3, FSR 3.1, XeSS, a PlayStation overlay and trophy support, according to PlayStation. A PSN account is required. A wired DualSense connection is required for the full feature set; players who do not need those controller features can weigh the remaster on its visuals and display/upscaling support instead. PlayStation links to the Steam and Epic Games Store versions from its official product page.
Rank #4
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past… one that will change Aloy forever.
- Fast-travel across the map and get back into the game almost instantly with the PlayStation 5 console's ultra-high-speed SSD and fast load times.
Can you upgrade an existing copy?
PlayStation’s September 25, 2024 announcement offered eligible owners of specified versions a digital upgrade. The announced price was $9.99 in the United States at launch; local prices vary, and that historical figure does not establish today’s checkout price. PlayStation Plus redemptions were excluded. Read PlayStation.Blog’s announcement.
| Your existing copy | Upgrade path or condition |
|---|---|
| Horizon Zero Dawn for PS4 or PC | Eligible for the announced digital upgrade, subject to region and storefront availability. |
| Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition for PS4, PS5 or PC | Eligible for the announced digital upgrade, subject to region and storefront availability. |
| PS4 disc copy | Requires a PS5 with a disc drive; keep the disc inserted to play the remaster. |
| Copy redeemed through PlayStation Plus | Not eligible for the announced upgrade. |
The $9.99 amount is the U.S. launch price PlayStation announced in 2024, not a verified current price in every region. Check the PlayStation Store or PC storefront for the price and eligibility shown for your account before buying.
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PlayStation lists the remaster’s release date as October 31, 2024, on PS5 and PC. It is a single-player game, includes The Frozen Wilds, and supports old saves, according to the official product information. On PS5, the published graphics-mode targets are 4K/30fps in Quality, 4K/60fps in Performance and 4K/40fps in Balanced; actual performance can vary by scene.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
