If you’re making the jump to PlayStation 5, you’ll be happy to know that many of your favorite PS4 games can be upgraded for free. Does not matter whether you own a physical disc or a digital copy; several titles offer PS4 games with a free PS5 upgrade. Therefore giving you improved visuals, faster load times, and smoother performance. Here’s everything you need to know.
How PS4 to PS5 Upgrades Work
- Digital Upgrades: If you own a digital PS4 game, you can simply log in to your PS5, go to the PlayStation Store, and download the PS5 version at no extra cost.
- Disc Upgrades: If you have a physical PS4 disc, you’ll need to insert it into a PS5 with a disc drive to verify ownership. The PS5 version will then be available as a digital download, but you’ll still need the disc to play.
- No Backwards Compatibility for PS5 Discs: Unlike Xbox Smart Delivery, PS5 discs won’t work on PS4, so if you buy a PS5 disc, you can’t downgrade it to a PS4 version.
Best PS4 Games with Free PS5 Upgrade
1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft’s Viking epic runs at 4K 60 FPS on PS5, with improved shadows, lighting, and near-instant loading times. If you own the PS4 version, the upgrade is completely free.
2. Borderlands 3
Gearbox’s chaotic looter-shooter gets a 4K 60 FPS boost on PS5, along with 4-player split-screen—a feature not available on PS4.
3. Cyberpunk 2077
Despite its rocky launch, CD Projekt Red offers a free PS5 upgrade for Cyberpunk 2077. The next-gen version includes ray tracing, faster loading, and improved stability.
4. Destiny 2
Bungie’s live-service shooter gets a 4K 60 FPS upgrade on PS5, with faster load times and enhanced visuals—all for free if you already own the PS4 version.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Insomniac’s web-slinging sequel offers ray tracing, 60 FPS mode, and near-instant loading on PS5. The upgrade is free if you own the PS4 version.
6. Horizon Forbidden West
Sony confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West will have a free PS5 upgrade.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Even though it’s one of the oldest games on this list, CD Projekt Red is offering a free PS5 upgrade with improved visuals and faster performance.
8. Watch Dogs: Legion
Ubisoft’s futuristic open-world game gets a free PS5 upgrade, taking advantage of ray tracing and smoother frame rates.
9. Dirt 5
One of the few racers supporting 120 FPS on PS5, Dirt 5 offers a free upgrade for PS4 owners who want a smoother, more responsive experience.
10. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
This charming platformer gets a free PS5 upgrade with improved visuals and DualSense haptic feedback support.
11. Dead by Daylight
The asymmetrical horror game gets a much-needed performance boost on PS5 with improved frame rates and visuals.
12. Doom Eternal
Bethesda’s demon-slaying FPS runs at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates on PS5, with the upgrade being completely free.
13. Far Cry 6
Ubisoft’s tropical revolution shooter offers a free next-gen upgrade with enhanced visuals and faster loading times.
14. FIFA 21 & Madden NFL 21
Both EA Sports titles offer free upgrades, but you must claim them before FIFA 22/Madden 22 launch respectively.
15. Hitman 3
Digital PS4 copies upgrade for free, but disc owners get no upgrade path, which is a rare exception.
16. Immortals Fenyx Rising
Ubisoft’s mythology-inspired adventure gets a free PS5 version with improved visuals and performance.
17. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
This indie gem offers a free upgrade from PS4 to PS5.
18. Maneater
The shark RPG benefits greatly from PS5’s power, with smoother gameplay and better textures.
19. Marvel’s Avengers
Despite its struggles, the superhero title gets visual enhancements and near-instant loading on PS5.
20. Rainbow Six Siege
Supports up to 120 FPS on PS5, truly a game-changer for competitive players.
21. The Elder Scrolls Online
Bethesda’s MMO gets native PS5 support with improved performance and visuals.
22. WRC 9
The rally sim runs at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 with a free upgrade path.
23. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Free upgrade available, but note: save files don’t transfer between PS4 and PS5 versions.
24. Dying Light 2
Techland’s zombie sequel offered a free PS5 upgrade at launch.
25. Gotham Knights
WB Games confirmed free next-gen upgrades for this Batman-less adventure.
26. Control
Only the Control: Ultimate Edition gets a free upgrade; standard PS4 owners must repurchase.
MUST READ: Best 120 FPS PS5 Games for Ultra-Smooth Gameplay
Final Thoughts
If you’re upgrading to PS5, taking advantage of PS4 games with free PS5 upgrade is a great way to upgrade your existing library. Games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and many titles offer better resolution, faster load times, and smoother gameplay at no extra cost.
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