Update (5/9/2021) – After much backlash online from fans and media, PlayStation amended what it said earlier. Players who buy any version of Horizon: Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free.

Also, PlayStation first-party exclusive cross-gen titles that are newly releasing on PS4 and PS5 will offer a US$10 digital upgrade option from PS4 to PS5. This includes God of War: Ragnarok and Gran Turismo 7, as well as future titles. In other words, Horizon: Forbidden West will be the last free PS4 to PS5 upgrade offer for a first-party PlayStation game.

Original story

This may not bode well for PlayStation fans who want their usual free PS4 to PS5 free upgrade for Aloy’s next robot dinosaur-murdering odyssey.

According to the official Horizon: Forbidden West support page (via Nibellion), users cannot upgrade their PS4 copy of Horizon: Forbidden West to a PS5 copy of the game. The FAQ also states that players are able to play the PS4 version on the PS5. If you have the Digital Deluxe, Collector’s and Regalla Editions of the game, you can have dual entitlement for the game.

“For players looking to have access to both the PS4 & PS5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West, please purchase the Digital Deluxe, Collector’s, or Regalla Editions. Dual entitlement does not apply to the standard and Special Editions.”

Speaking of which, here’s the ultimate Regalla Edition. It’s probably worth mentioning since it features a lovely steelbook display case, a mini art book, and a Tremortusk and Aloy statue worth displaying on your table. Looks pretty sweet, if you ask us!

Additionally, the game features an in-universe board game called Strike; denizens of Horizon play with carved wooden and metal pieces in the shapes of machines. Aloy can challenge many different NPCs to a Strike match.

The FAQ bit could be a typo on their part, but with some game companies offering free upgrades of older games to newer next-gen versions, this decision seems baffling.

Horizon: Forbidden West will be out next February 2022.