Days Gone, developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has grown into one of the most appreciated open-world survival games in recent years. While it originally launched on the PlayStation 4, the game received significant improvements when played on the PlayStation 5, offering a smoother and more immersive experience.
In this article, we explore how Days Gone performs on PS4 versus PS5, and why the newer hardware elevates this already compelling title.
The Core Experience Remains Strong
At its heart, Days Gone tells the story of Deacon St. John, a drifter navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombie-like creatures known as Freakers. The game blends emotional storytelling, survival mechanics, and intense combat with a vast open-world setting.
Regardless of the platform, the core gameplay remains unchanged—players explore, scavenge, craft, and survive against both human enemies and massive hordes. However, the way this experience feels can differ significantly between PS4 and PS5.
Performance Comparison: Smoothness Matters
The most noticeable difference between the two versions lies in performance:
PS4 Version
- Runs at 30 frames per second (FPS)
- Occasional frame drops during large horde encounters
- Longer loading times
- Slightly less stable performance in dense environments
PS5 Version
- Runs at a smooth 60 FPS
- Significantly improved stability, even during chaotic scenes
- Faster loading times thanks to SSD
- Overall more responsive controls
The jump from 30 FPS to 60 FPS is transformative. Combat feels more fluid, aiming becomes more precise, and traversal—especially while riding the bike—feels noticeably smoother.
Visual Enhancements and Resolution
While Days Gone doesn’t receive a full remake on PS5, it benefits from enhanced visuals:
On PS4
- Dynamic 1080p resolution (base PS4)
- Good but sometimes inconsistent texture quality
- Basic lighting and environmental detail
On PS5
- Up to 4K resolution (via patch/support)
- Sharper textures and improved clarity
- Better draw distances and more stable image quality
The world of Oregon looks more vibrant and detailed on PS5. Forests feel denser, lighting appears more natural, and weather effects—like rain and fog—add to the atmosphere.
Loading Times and Immersion
One of the biggest technical upgrades on PS5 is loading speed. On PS4, players often encounter noticeable wait times when starting the game or fast traveling.
On PS5, these loading screens are drastically reduced. This keeps players immersed in the game world, allowing for seamless exploration and quicker transitions between missions.
Horde Battles: Where PS5 Truly Shines
Horde battles are a defining feature of Days Gone. Facing hundreds of Freakers at once is both thrilling and terrifying.
- On PS4, these encounters can feel intense but sometimes suffer from frame drops.
- On PS5, the same battles run smoothly, maintaining consistent performance even with massive enemy counts.
This improvement not only enhances gameplay but also allows players to fully appreciate the scale and design of these encounters.
DualSense and Gameplay Feel
Although Days Gone was not originally built for PS5, playing it on the newer console still feels better due to improved responsiveness and controller precision. While it doesn’t fully utilize advanced DualSense features like adaptive triggers, the overall control experience benefits from reduced input lag.
Which Version Should You Play?
If you have access to a PlayStation 5, there is little reason to play the PS4 version. The improvements in performance, resolution, and loading times make a substantial difference.
However, the PS4 version remains a solid experience for those without access to next-gen hardware. The story, gameplay, and world design are just as engaging—it simply lacks the technical polish of the PS5 version.
Final Verdict
Days Gone is a game that has aged remarkably well, and the PS5 version showcases its full potential. With smoother gameplay, enhanced visuals, and faster loading times, it transforms an already strong title into a more refined and enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re revisiting the journey of Deacon St. John or experiencing it for the first time, playing Days Gone on PS5 is undoubtedly the best way to explore its hauntingly beautiful world.