Those lucky enough to have already gotten their hands on aPlayStation 5may have access toolder games without realizing it. However, unlike Xbox Series X|S' Smart Delivery,there isn't an automatic system for these upgrades on PS5. Instead, these differ between games.
Most PlayStation 4 gameswith PS5 upgrades require a download from the PlayStation Store from each title's game hub. After that, make sure to choose the PlayStation 5 version from the three circle menu in your library. While most are free, there are some exceptions. Here's a list of every PS4 game with a PS5 upgrade.
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A Plague Tale: Innocence
A next-gen edition ofThe Last of Us-influencedadventure was releasedon July 6. It added 4K resolution, visual enhancements,and 60 frames per second gameplay. PS4 owners got a free upgrade to the next-gen version, which can be found in the game's hub on the PlayStation Store. This was one of PlayStation Plus' free games in July 2021,and so long as they remain subscribed, those who claimed the title will be eligible for the upgrade.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
The latest in the long running Assassin's Creed series heads back to an early point in the series' chronology. PS4players have had access to a free upgrade since the next-gen console launch, which can be found through their library of the game hub. The upgrade includes 4K resolution, visual enhancements and 60fps gameplay. Valhalla has been hailed as one of the best next-gen launch games, and thisupgrade gives PS5 owners a showcase for their new console.
Atelier Ryza 2:Lost Legends of the Secret Fairy
Both thephysicaland digital versions of JRPGAtelier Ryza 2get a free upgrade.Physical owners can upgrade from the game's PlayStation store page;digital owners can choose to download the PS5 version for free from the store. Since a physical release for PS5 was canceled, buying the PS4 version and upgrading it is the only way for those who prefer physical games to get the PS5 edition.
Balan Wonderworld
The much-maligned platformer from Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka also has a free next-gen upgrade. It's a commendably hassle-free experience when purchased digitally. Customers get the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game as part of the same bundle, and the PS5 version downloads automatically on next-gen hardware.
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Borderlands 3
The latestinstallment in the looter shooter franchise includes a free upgrade for PS4 owners, allowing them to play the PS5 version of Borderlands 3. Thisoffers the expected visual and performance enhancements of 4K resolution and 60fpsgameplay on next-gen hardware. It also unlocks a feature that's something of a throwback: four-player split-screen co-op.
Bugsnax
Bugsnax was one of the PS5's most intriguing launch titles. It was also the first PS5 game available for PS+. PS4 owners can still upgrade the game for free following an update that launched in March. This allows players totransfer their saves to the PS5 version, making for a seamless transition to next-gen.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
The latest Call of Duty game features multiple options to upgradea PS4 copy tothe PS5 one, which includes outstanding use of theDualSense controller. Anyone who owns the standard PS4 edition can play it on PS5 via backwards compatibility or upgrade to next gen version for $10. Those who don't ownBlack Ops Cold Waryet can purchase the Cross-Gen Bundle for $69.99, which includes the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game. There's also an Ultimate Edition that costs $89.99, which includes both versions of the game and multiple pieces of DLC.
Control
Controlis already in many gamer's librariesthanks to subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Humble Choice. PS+ subscribersgot the best deal in Februarywhen Control Ultimate Edition was one of the service's free games. Ultimate Edition is the version thatgets a free upgrade. As long as their subscription remains active, they'll have access to the next-gen upgrade, although they won't be able to transfer their saves between console generations. However, those who own the base version of Control do not get an upgrade, though the game itself is backwards compatible.
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Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Crash Bandicoot made his debut in some of the original PlayStation's best platfomers, so it makes perfect sense that he'd make his comeback on Sony's latest console. Nostalgic Crash fans and newcomers alike can play It's About Timewith a PS4 free upgrade that adds4K resolution, 60 fpsand adaptive trigger support. Players buying digitally get the Totally Tubular skin pack for extra '90s nostalgia.
CrossCode
Though it's far from a showcase of cutting-edge next-gen tech, the throwback indie action-RPG CrossCodeisstill worth playing for its SNES-era and MMO-inspired world. It also has a free next-gen upgrade and is getting an expansion this summer, making now a great time to jump in.
Dead By Daylight
With a mixture of original characters and iconic franchises, including characters from Resident Evil,Dead By Daylightis a horror fan's dream multiplayer game. PS4 owners who have alreadyput time into leveling up their characters' Bloodwebs can upgrade to next-gen for free, as can PS+ subscribers who claimed the game back in August 2018. Access the game from the PlayStation Store, download the PS5 version, and you can enjoy crossovers between characters like Ash from Evil Dead and Freddy Krueger at 60 fps.
Destiny 2
As a free to play game, it doesn't cost anything to download Destiny 2 on PS5. PS4 Destiny 2 owners do get a free upgrade, but the mostimportant thing for seasoned players will be the ability to transferGuardians and loot to the new system. Luckily, Bungie supports cross-saves between the PC, Xbox, and PlayStation ecosystems, with cross-play in the works.Destiny 2 remains the same basic experience on next-gen, but it does feature 60 and limited 120 fps performance on PS5.
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DIRT 5
PlayStation 4 owners of off-road racer DIRT 5get a free upgrade to the PS5 version. It's yet another game that can be upgraded from its PlayStation Store page. Its next-genfeaturesinclude 4K resolution, 120fps gameplay and faster loading times. DualSense features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggersadd a PS5-specific wrinkle to the game.
DOOMEternal
Doom Eternal owners on PS4 get a freePS5 upgradefor its disc and digital editions. It gets the graphical upgrades of its Xbox counterpart, with slightly lower resolution in Performance Mode, as well as DualSense functionality.However, saves do not transfer between the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
One of the most critically-acclaimed games of the year so far, the definitive edition of Disco Elysium brings the CRPG to consoles for the first time with additional content. Purchasing the game digitally givesplayers access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions.From there, all you have to do is download the version native to your console. The disc version also upgrades, with players needing to insert the disc to download thePS5 version from the store. Next-gen features include 4K visuals, 60fps boost and optimized sound.
Elder Scrolls Onlineowners on last-gen get a free upgrade toThe Elder Scrolls Online: ConsoleEnhanced.This is designed to take advantage of the new hardware's visual upgrades like 60fps gameplay and fully unlocked high-resolution textures. Like most free upgrades, it's downloaded from the game's hub on the PS Store.
FIFA 21
FIFA 21offers a free upgrade for PS4 owners with one important caveat -- it's only good until the next game in the series is released. Because EA Sports game releases are annual, PS4 FIFA players have until October 1 to claim their free upgrade. It's unlikely too many people were planning to upgrade FIFA 21until after FIFA 22 is released, but it's worth keeping in mind for any late adopters who want the improved visuals and performance of the PS5 version.
Unlike most PS4 games, it's possible to get a free upgrade of physical FIFA 21 copy for the digital PS5. Players who want to take advantage of this rare opportunity need to contact EA support and validate their purchase with their account information.After doing so, they'llreceive a code for the digital version.
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Final Fantasy VII Remake
As one of the last big PlayStation 4 exclusives released before the PS5, Final Fantasy VII Remakeis in many gamers' collections. The good news is that anyone who purchased the game gets a free upgrade. That unfortunately doesn't include the PlayStation 5 exclusive, Yuffie-focused DLC Intergrade, which has to be purchased separately. PS4owners have it better than players who only have access to the game through PlayStation Plus. Those players will need to purchase FFVII Intergradeto play the PS5 version of the game. The Yuffie DLC is bundled with that version, so they'll get the complete Remake story so far.
Greedfall
The PlayStation 4 version of Greedfall comes with a free upgrade toGreedfall: Gold Edition. That includes all of the graphical bells and whistles associated with the PS5 and improved loading time. It also hasnewcontent in the form of The De Vespe Conspiracy expansion. This game was one that had itspotential hindered by older hardware, so it's exciting to see it get a full next-gen upgrade. Like Final Fantasy VII Remake,PS+ users don't enjoy free access to the upgraded version of Greedfall.
Guilty Gear Strive
The firstin a new era of fighting games,Guilty Gear Strive supports cross-play between thePS4 and PS5. Players who want to make the jump to next gen will get a free upgrade, which offers improved resolution and load times. Beyond the game itself, any DLC purchased will also be available in the next-gen version. The only fighting game staple that won't make the jump between the console generations is fight sticks, which aren't backwards compatible on the PlayStation 5 at the moment.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 offers players access to the entiretrilogy's levels. They can play through the entire series on PS5 with the free upgrade. It's available forthe disc and digital versions of the game and gets the usual visual upgrades of 4K resolution, 60 fpsand decreased load times. Developer IO Interactive takes advantage of next-gen hardware to render 300 NPCs on screenas part of the game's crowds, who are a big part of its stealth play mechanics.
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Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals Fenyx Rising'scombination of Greek mythology and open-world gameplay has carved a niche for itself in a crowded genre. Keeping pace with the rest of Ubisoft's open-world games, PS4 owners get a free upgrade that offers 4K resolution and 60fps gameplay.
Just Dance 2021
Buying digitally usually gives potential PS5 owners a free upgrade, but Just Dance 2021 is a rare exception. Its PS5 version is exclusive to those who own a physical copy, meaning those who have it digitally will need to repurchase it to play it on the new console.
Madden NFL 21
Like FIFA, Madden 21'sfree upgrade has a time limit ending when Madden 22 releases on August 19. Not all save data will transfer with the upgrade, as onlyMadden Ultimate Team, Franchise, and The Yard progress transfers to next-gen.
Maneater
The only open-world shark game on the market at the moment,Maneateroffers PS4 owners the chance to continue their feeding frenzy with a free upgrade. Physical copies upgrade in the same way they do for other games, with the disc remaining in the PS5 after the upgrade has downloaded. The digital version offers both the PS4 and PS5 versions in the same bundle, making it easier to upgrade.
Marvel's Avengers
Spider-Man's exclusivityto the PlayStation version of Marvel's Avengers likely influenced some players to choose the PS4 version of the game over Xbox or PC. While fans wait for the webslinger to join the game, there's free DLC featuring both Hawkeyes to play through and a Black Panther episode on the way. Marvel's Avengers offers a free PS5 upgrade for both physical and digital owners with visual improvements.
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Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Miles Morales' first solo video game adventure comes with a free PS5 upgrade. Thestandalone expansiontoMarvel's Spider-Mancan be upgraded on either PS5 model at no cost. It offers thestandard choice between performance and graphical fidelity, as well as a third option that balances smooth framerates with some of the PS5's advanced lighting effects. It also features incredibly fast load times and enhanced DualSense controls. While Miles Morales' upgrade is free, upgrading its predecessorcost $20.This applies all of the PS5 improvements to the 2018's game starring Peter Parker. Unlike Miles Morales, there's no PS4 version of Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered.
Metro Exodus
Both versions ofMetro Exodus gets a free upgrade to the PS5'sCompleteEdition, which adds previously PC-exclusive visual enhancements to the game. Ray-tracing, 60 fpsand 4K resolution are all part of the package. The PS5 version adds DualSense controls to the mix, as well asall the game's DLC.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Mortal Kombat 11Ultimatecollects most of the game's DLC, including its Kombat Packs that feature guest stars like Rambo and RoboCop. The digital and disc versions of Ultimate get free upgrades to the PS5. Its enhancements includeDynamic 4K resolution, quicker load times, and cross-gen and cross-play multiplayer. With DLC support for the game finished, this is truly the Ultimate version of the game.
Mortal Shell
Indie Souls-like Mortal Shellgot a visual upgrade when it releasedon next-gen consoles. PS4 owners of the original version get a free upgrade to the Enhanced Edition. Its visuals enhancements include 4K resolution, 60 fps and smoother textures. This souped up version of the game gives Souls-like fans who've had their fill of Demon's Souls and Nioh 2 another game to play in the challenging genre.
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NBA 2K21
NBA 2K21'snext-gen edition does not have a free upgrade, and the only way to avoid double dipping between the PS4 and PS5 versionsis to purchase the Mamba Forever Edition. The Kobe Bryant tribute comes with both versionsof the game for $99.99, though itdoes go on sale sometimes for half of that.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2: Complete Editioncollects all of the game's DLC into one next-gen package.PS4Nioh 2owners get a free upgrade for both the physical and digital editions. Beyond collecting all of the game's content, its next-gen upgrades include 120 FPS gameplay.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky got a substantialupdatefor next-gen consoles. Beyond improved graphics, it also features improvements to everything from multiplayer to base building. ThePS5 version offers afree upgrade, which is great way for lapsed fans to jump back intothe game's constantly evolving and improving world.
Oddworld Soulstorm
PlayStation Plus subscribers were able toclaim a PS5 download of Oddworld Soulstorm when it launched in April. However, those whopurchasedit on PS4 also get a free upgrade, which applies to both the digital version and the physical editionthat dropped in July.
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Outriders
Square Enix's entry into theloot shooter genre, Outriders, endured a tumultuous launch due to uncooperative servers.However, the game is stable now, and PS4 owners who want to upgrade the grind to next-gen can do so for free.
Overcooked: All You Can Eat Edition
All You Can Eat is a remaster of both Overcooked games. Beyond souped up visuals, it also offers cross-play multiplayer, including an opportunity to play levels from the first Overcooked online. It's a free upgrade for PS4 owners on disc and digital.
Override 2: Super Mech League
Both the base version of Override 2 and its special edition, Ultraman Deluxe Edition,get free PS5 upgrades. Fans of the arena fighter are covered no matter which version they pick up on last-gen.
The Pathless
Buying The Pathless on PS4 entitles the owner to a free copy of the game on PS5. In a rare move, it works the other way, too -- buying the game on PS5 gives you a free copy on last-gen.
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Owners of the PS4 theme park sim get free PS5 upgrades for the disc and digital versions. Saves transfer from the Workshop instead of the system's storage, so make sure to upload your park before you upgrade.
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Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
The crossover between two iconic puzzle games Puyo Puyo and Tetris also has a free upgrade to PS5.This works for both the disc and digital versions.
Resident Evil Village
One of 2021's best games, Resident Evil Village,gets a free upgrade on disc and digital. It gets the standard 60fps in performance mode and ray tracing withouta trade off. Load times are significantly quicker on next-gen. It also has DualSense integration to make the experience even more immersive than it was on PS4.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
PS5 launch game Sackboy: A Big Adventureoffered a free upgrade from day one. The game's upgrades go beyond visuals and DualSense functionality. It features Tempest 3D Audio Tech and faster loading times than its PS4 counterpart.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered
The Saints Row remaster moved up another generation when it released on PS5 in May. Owners of the game on PS4 get a free upgrade, which offers dynamic 4K and 60fps performance mode.
Shakedown Hawaii
After being ported to the Wii and Wii U, 16-bit open world action gameShakedown Hawaii made its way to the PS5. Appropriately for a game on multiple generations of platforms, it has an inclusive upgrade plan. Owners of the game onPS4,PS3 and even Vita get a free copy of the game on Sony's newest console.
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The Shantae Series
All five games in the Shantae series of platformers on PS4 get free upgrades toPS5. That includes both the physical editions released by Limited Run Games and the digital copies already on the PlayStation 4. The original Shantae's physical and digital re-release will also get a free upgrade. Theywill also have a native release on PS5.
Star Wars: Squadrons
In spite of an announcement to the contrary, Star Wars: Squadronsgot a free upgrade in November 2020. The PS5 version didn't equal the Xbox Series X|S's 120fps mode, but itdoes have a 60fps mode and the improved lighting, graphics and load times.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Jedi: Fallen Order'sfree PS5 update gets all of the usual upgrades, including 60fps performance mode. Like FIFA 21, physical ownerscan get a code for a digital copy of the PS5 version by going to EA's website, choosing PS5 as a platform and choosing the "Codes and promotions" category. You can then choose to replace your disc copy with a code, which you'll get after providing proof of purchase.
Subnautica/Subnautica: Below Zero
Both Subnautica and its sequel, Below Zero, have free upgrades to their PS5 versions.This applies to the physical and digital versions of both games, though only Below Zero hasDualSense functionality.
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Tennis World Tour 2
Tennis World Tour 2will be a freePS+ game in August, though that won't be eligible for a free upgrade. Thoseare only available to players who buy the game's Annual Pass,which entitles purchasers to certain DLC, in this case tennis pros and courts. The Annual Pass can be purchased separately or as part of the Ace Edition.
Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Ubisoft's shooter MMO The Division 2 received a free next-gen upgrade in the spring. The PS5 version doesn't have as many graphics upgrades as the Xbox Series X|S version, but it does run the best, at a consistent 60 fps.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
PS4 owners of Rainbow SixSiege get a free PS5 upgrade for disc and digital copies of the game. PS4 owners who want to upgrade later -- presumably before Rainbow Six Extraction is released in 2022 -- can buy the Deluxe Edition which includes both versions of the game. It also comes with all of the Operatorsfrom the first two years of the game, in addition to 16 extra Operators.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2
Owners of the basic physical and digital versions ofTony Hawk's remaster on PS4 don't get a free upgrade. They have to pay $10 to get the PlayStation 5's visual and performance enhancements. Owners of digital deluxe copies of the game on PS4 do get a free upgrade. There's also a digitalCross-Gen Deluxe Bundlethat includes both games and some DLC.
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Watch Dogs Legion
As withits other open-world games, Ubisoft is offering free upgrades to PS4 owners of Watch Dogs: Legion.Digital and disc owners cantake advantage of the offer. Legion doesn't run at 30 fps, but it does have ray tracing and 4K resolution.
WRC 9
PS5 launch title WRCgives rally racing fans a more realistic alternative to the higher-profile DIRT 5. It initially had a staggered release around the world, but everyone is able to download the free update from the PS Store at this point. It receives visual and DualSense upgrades on PS5.
Wreckfest
The PS5 version of Wreckfest was available forPS+ subscribers in April.Otherwise, those who purchased it for PS4 will need to pay $10 to upgrade it -- despite the upgrade being free on Xbox. Beyond its visual and DualSense upgrades, the upgrade also offers an expanded 24 player multiplayer lobby.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza'sfirst foray into the turn-based JRPG genre has had a free PS5 upgrade since March. After some technical difficulties, it's good to go, with an upgrade to 60fps and 4K resolution.However, it does lack the ability to transfer save files between versions.
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