Horizon Forbidden West Free on PS5? PS Plus Access Explained
No, Horizon Forbidden West is not free on PS5 through PS Plus Extra or Premium as of 2025. It is included in the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers, but you must maintain an active subscription to keep playing it, and it can be removed from the catalog at any time. The game is also not part of the entry-level PS Plus Essential tier.
What PS Plus Tiers Include Horizon Forbidden West
Sony restructured PlayStation Plus in June 2022 into three tiers. The game is available in the two higher tiers, not the cheapest one.
- PS Plus Essential – the baseline tier. Includes online multiplayer, monthly free games, and cloud storage. Does not include the game catalog, so Horizon Forbidden West is not available here.
- PS Plus Extra – adds the Game Catalog, a rotating library of PS4 and PS5 games. Horizon Forbidden West is part of this catalog.
- PS Plus Premium – includes everything in Extra, plus classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming. Horizon Forbidden West is also available here, but you don’t need Premium specifically for it.
If you already have Extra or Premium, you can download and play the PS4 or PS5 version at no extra cost beyond your subscription. If you only have Essential, you’d need to upgrade or buy the game separately.
How the PS Plus Game Catalog Works
Unlike the monthly free games you keep while subscribed, the Game Catalog works like a Netflix-style library. Games are added and removed on a schedule, usually monthly. When a game leaves the catalog, you can no longer play it unless you purchase it or it returns later.
Horizon Forbidden West was added to the catalog on February 21, 2023, roughly a year after its original release. As of this writing, it remains in the catalog, but Sony has not guaranteed it will stay forever. If you’re mid-playthrough and it gets removed, your save data remains intact, but you’d need to buy the game to continue.
PS5 vs PS4 Version – Which Do You Get?
With PS Plus Extra or Premium, you can download either the PS4 or PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West. They are separate downloads, and both are included. The PS5 version takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, faster loading times, and improved visuals. The PS4 version runs at a lower resolution and has longer load times.
If you have a PS5, you should download the PS5 version. If you have a PS4, you’re limited to the PS4 version. Your save data does not transfer between the two versions automatically, so pick one and stick with it.
Do You Need PS Plus to Play Horizon Forbidden West?
No. The game is a single-player, offline experience. You can buy it physically or digitally and play it without any PS Plus subscription. PS Plus is only required for online multiplayer in games that support it, and Horizon Forbidden West has no online multiplayer component.
The only reason you’d need PS Plus is if you want to play it “for free� through the Extra/Premium catalog, or if you want to use cloud saves (which require PS Plus on PS5). Otherwise, a standard purchase works fine.
Cost Comparison: Subscription vs Buying the Game
Deciding whether to subscribe or buy depends on how long you plan to play and what else you want from the service.
- PS Plus Extra – costs more than Essential but gives you access to hundreds of games. If you only want Horizon Forbidden West, you’d need to keep the subscription active for as long as you want to play it.
- Buying the game – a one-time cost. You own it permanently, can replay it anytime, and don’t need a subscription. The game is often discounted during sales, sometimes to around $30–$40.
- PS Plus Premium – only worth it if you also want classic games and trials. For Horizon alone, Extra is enough.
If you’re a heavy gamer who plays many catalog titles, Extra is likely worth it. If you only want this one game, buying it outright is usually cheaper in the long run.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
“I have PS Plus, why can’t I download it?� – Check which tier you have. Essential doesn’t include it. Also, make sure you’re looking in the Game Catalog, not the monthly games section.
“It says ‘purchase’ instead of ‘download’.� – This means your subscription doesn’t include the game, or you’re not signed in with the account that has Extra/Premium. Also, if the game left the catalog, it will show a price.
“Can I play it after my subscription lapses?� – No. Once your PS Plus Extra/Premium subscription ends, you lose access to all catalog games, including Horizon Forbidden West. Your save files stay on your console and in cloud storage, so if you resubscribe or buy the game later, you can continue.
“Is the Burning Shores DLC included?� – No. The PS Plus catalog includes the base game only. The Burning Shores expansion (PS5 exclusive) is a separate purchase, even if you have Extra or Premium.
Alternatives to Getting the Game
If you don’t want to subscribe, you have a few other options:
- Buy a physical disc – often cheaper than digital, and you can resell it after finishing.
- Buy digital on the PlayStation Store – wait for a sale; it regularly drops to around half price.
- Rent it – some game rental services still exist, but they’re less common now.
- Play the predecessor first – Horizon Zero Dawn is also in the PS Plus catalog and is a great starting point if you haven’t played it.
If you already have Extra/Premium, just download it and play. If you don’t, weigh the subscription cost against the game’s sale price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horizon Forbidden West on PS Plus Essential?
No. PS Plus Essential only includes monthly free games, not the Game Catalog. Horizon Forbidden West is only available in Extra and Premium tiers.
Can I keep Horizon Forbidden West forever if I have PS Plus Extra?
No. You keep it only while your subscription is active and while the game remains in the catalog. If Sony removes it, you lose access unless you buy it.
Does Horizon Forbidden West require PS Plus to play?
No. It’s a single-player game with no online features. You can play it without any PS Plus subscription if you buy it.
Is the Burning Shores DLC included with PS Plus?
No. The PS Plus catalog includes only the base game. Burning Shores must be purchased separately, and it’s only for PS5.
Can I transfer my PS4 save to the PS5 version?
No. The PS4 and PS5 versions have separate save files. You cannot transfer saves between them, so choose one version and stick with it.
What happens if Horizon Forbidden West leaves the PS Plus catalog?
You’ll no longer be able to play it unless you buy it. Your save data stays on your console, so you can continue from where you left off if you purchase the game later.
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