Horizon Zero Dawn review

Horizon Zero Dawn is the most distinctive open world here and a good pick for players who want something less grim than the top three. Sony calls it a multi-award-winning action role-playing game set in a far future where colossal machines rule the Earth and humanity survives in tribes among the ruins of an old civilization. You play Aloy, an outcast machine hunter, taking up bow and spear to learn her origins and save her world. Sony now sells a Remastered edition for PS5, released October 31, 2024, and owners of the PS4 game can upgrade to it, though PS4 disc owners must keep the disc in a PS5 with a disc drive. A used PS4 disc lists at $17.99 at DKOldies. It is single-player only, and the store page now leads with the PS5 version rather than the PS4 original. For a sci-fi action RPG at a low price, it is still a strong buy.

Who it is for

Players who want an open-world action RPG with a sci-fi mystery and a gentler rating.

Price

Used PS4 disc from $17.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $17.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Aloy, a young machine hunter and outcast of her tribe
• A far future where colossal machines roam the Earth
• Bow and spear combat against machines
• The Frozen Wilds expansion sold separately or in complete editions
• PS4 disc owners can upgrade to the PS5 Remastered version

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Fighting giant machines with a bow is unlike anything else on this list
• Strength: Milder content descriptors than most picks here
• Strength: PS4 disc owners can pay to upgrade to the PS5 Remastered edition
• Weakness: The PS5 upgrade needs the PS4 disc inserted each time on a PS5 with a disc drive
• Weakness: The store now promotes the PS5 Remastered edition over the PS4 game
• Weakness: Single-player only

Key facts

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Genre: Action role-playing game
• Players: 1
• Expansion: The Frozen Wilds
• PS5 upgrade: Remastered edition, released October 31, 2024

Where it ranks

Horizon Zero Dawn is No. 7 in our Best PS4 Games verdict.