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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Guerrilla Games says it treated PlayStation 4 as an active development target, not an afterthought to the PS5 version. The studio developed and tested both editions simultaneously, while reserving higher-fidelity characters, environments and vegetation for PS5. That explains the design approach—but it is not independent proof of the PS4 version’s frame rate, resolution or stability.
What Guerrilla said about developing for PS4
Horizon Forbidden West launched on both PS4 and PS5 on February 18, 2022. Guerrilla’s technical director, Michiel van der Leeuw, said the team knew about PS5 early enough to plan how the newer console could stand out without leaving PS4 players behind. “We knew it was going to be tricky making something that would make the PlayStation 5 shine, but also be really rewarding for people who have PlayStation 4,” he told Engadget.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $29.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Horizon Forbidden West (PS4) | $32.30 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Horizon Forbidden West [Korean Edition] for PS4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WTheW8jnL._SL160_.jpg)
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Horizon Forbidden West [Korean Edition] for PS4 | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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PlayStation Horizon Forbidden West Aloy 6" Deluxe Figure | $24.18 | Buy on Amazon |
Guerrilla character art director Bastien Ramisse said the studio developed and tested the PS4 and PS5 versions at the same time, with the goal of making the experience immersive on both platforms. The studio’s account points to a production choice: PS4 support remained part of the work throughout development rather than being treated solely as a later conversion. PlayStation.Blog’s interview with Ramisse describes that approach.
How the PS4 and PS5 versions differ
Guerrilla described the PS5 edition as using higher-fidelity models and assets, including for characters, environments and vegetation. Van der Leeuw said the PS4 models would differ but retain the same general atmosphere. In other words, the stated distinction is greater visual fidelity on PS5, not a different overall artistic identity on PS4.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Feature | PS4 | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Visual assets | Different models, with the same general atmosphere, according to technical director Michiel van der Leeuw in Engadget’s interview. | Higher-fidelity characters, environments and vegetation, according to Guerrilla’s comments in PlayStation.Blog. |
| Performance and display features | Not specified in the cited developer comments or current product listing. | PlayStation’s US product page lists 4K/HDR visuals and a Performance Mode targeting 60fps. |
| Controller features | Not specified in the cited developer comments or current product listing. | PlayStation’s US product page lists haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. |
The PS5 features in the table are listed on PlayStation’s US product page; they should not be read as PS4 specifications. The cited material does not establish a PS4 frame-rate target or resolution.
How Guerrilla kept PS4 in the testing process
Van der Leeuw said pandemic restrictions changed how the team reached testers. Guerrilla used PlayStation Now streaming to send early builds to PS4 playtesters remotely. That gave the studio a way to keep gathering feedback from people using PS4 during a period when in-person testing was constrained. The account documents a testing method, not a performance measurement. Engadget’s interview covers the process.
Rank #2
- 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.
What the available evidence does—and does not—show about performance
PlayStation.Blog published PS4 and PS4 Pro gameplay footage in January 2022 and said Guerrilla aimed to provide the best experience on each platform. That footage is an official gameplay reveal, not a controlled technical test or a benchmark of base-PS4 performance. Engadget also disclosed when its interview was published that it had not yet tested the PS4 version. The gameplay post and the interview therefore support what Guerrilla intended and how it worked—not an independently verified claim about frame rate, resolution or stability.
For the official platform and edition listings, PlayStation currently shows Standard Editions for both PS4 and PS5 on its US product page. Guerrilla’s original announcement likewise named both consoles and gave the February 18, 2022 release date: Horizon Forbidden West arrives on 18 February, 2022.
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Rank #4
- DELUXE 6 INCH ALOY FIGURE: Aloy comes to life with over 250 unique finishes and textures to bring this hero figure from the world of Horizon Forbidden West right into your hands
- 42 POINTS OF ARTICULATION: Pose Aloy dynamically with articulated fiery red hair, joints and more to recreate action scenes from the PS5 games
- 15 ACCESSORIES: Aloy is battle-ready with 6 face plates, 6 hand sets, and her hunting essentials—bow, spear, arrow, and quiver—to face the wild machines. Customize her entire arsenal
- DELUXE DISPLAY BOX: Showcase Aloy and additional PlayStation action figures (sold separately) like from The Last of Us and God of War in this fold open design, an official licensed product of PlayStation
- TOYS & GAMES FOR ALL: Presented by Spin Master, the creators of kids toys for boys & toys for girls who love collectibles, toy figures & playsets. Ideal holiday gift, or birthday gifts for all ages
Rank #3
- 100% Official, Genuine Product. This is Korean Version released in Korea. Region Free title so you can play it on your system.
- Let's learn Korean while enjoying the masterpiece game. Korean Edition supports Korean subtitles.
- 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.
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.
