Horizon Forbidden West joins the October 2026 PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on October 20 for PS5 and PS4. Sony lists it for the Extra and Premium tiers, making the acclaimed open-world adventure playable through an active subscription rather than requiring a separate purchase while it remains in the catalog.
What Sony added
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced on October 14, 2026 that Horizon Forbidden West is part of October’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup. The complete lineup is scheduled to become available on October 20, unless Sony specifies a different date for an individual title. The announcement labels the game a PlayStation Plus re-release.
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The catalog listing covers both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Sony associates the Game Catalog with the Extra and Premium tiers, so Essential subscribers should not assume the game is included in their plan. Catalog availability can differ by region and can change over time; check the PlayStation Store listing for your account on release day.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat kind of game is Horizon Forbidden West?
You play as Aloy in a post-apocalyptic frontier beyond the setting of Horizon Zero Dawn. The campaign sends her across distant lands to investigate threats to the planet, uncover the legacy of the ancient world, meet new tribes and build alliances. Exploration is central: settlements, ruins, wilderness and machine territory connect a large narrative journey rather than a sequence of isolated levels.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West in its entirety, including bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion:
- Brave an expansive open world – discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier – explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers – engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries – uncover the secret behind Earth’s imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past… one that will change Aloy forever.
Machines make combat more than a standard shooter
The world is populated by large mechanical animals with different behaviors, attack patterns and vulnerabilities. Aloy can use ranged weapons, traps and close-quarters attacks while targeting machine components. That combination lets encounters play as deliberate hunts, improvised ambushes or direct battles, depending on the machine and the terrain.
Traversal expands the open world
Movement is not limited to running between map markers. Aloy’s tools let her reach elevated areas, cross difficult terrain and approach locations from different angles. The result is an exploration loop built around spotting a destination, finding a route and deciding whether the next challenge is a fight, a puzzle or an optional discovery.
Rank #2
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
Why it is called one of the best-looking open-world games
The “best-looking” wording is editorial, not a measurable award or a published performance statistic. Digital Trends has described Horizon Forbidden West as one of the most beautiful open-world games on PS5. Its visual reputation comes from the combination of detailed machine designs, dense natural environments, large vistas, lighting and cinematic presentation rather than from one official benchmark.
Presentation still depends on the console version, display and selected graphics mode. The PS5 release can use newer hardware features and higher-fidelity options than the PS4 version, while the PS4 edition remains a supported way to play the same broad adventure on older hardware. Sony’s catalog announcement confirms platform availability but does not establish a universal frame-rate, resolution or loading-time comparison.
Rank #3
- EARTH IS OURS NO MORE
- Experience the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn with stunning new visuals and upgraded features
- In a far future where colossal machines roam and rule the Earth, pockets of humanity survive in unique tribes amon the lush, overgrown ruins of our long-lost civilization
- Take up bow and spear as Aloy, a youn machine hunter and outcast of her tribe, as she discovers her origins, the truth of this mysterious world, and her own destiny to save it from impending doom.
- On her journey, Aloy will come across unique tribes, lively settlements, and compelling characters and companions.
PS4 and PS5 availability at a glance
| Item | PS5 | PS4 |
|---|---|---|
| Included in October 2026 catalog listing | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled catalog date | October 20, 2026 | October 20, 2026 |
| Game format | Open-world action adventure | Open-world action adventure |
| Visual presentation | Benefits from PS5 hardware and its available display modes | Uses the PS4 version’s hardware limits |
| Subscription access | PlayStation Plus Game Catalog access associated with Extra and Premium; regional and time limits apply | |
Is it free with PlayStation Plus?
It is included at no additional game charge for eligible Extra or Premium members while Sony keeps it in the Game Catalog. “Included” is not the same as permanent ownership: access depends on an active qualifying subscription and the title’s continued catalog availability. If the game leaves the catalog, you would need to buy it or regain access through another eligible license.
Subscription access versus owning a copy
Catalog access is convenient if you already subscribe, want to start immediately and prefer not to store another disc. It also makes it easier to sample a long game before deciding whether to keep it. Buying a physical or digital copy may suit players who want an enduring license independent of catalog rotation, collect discs or plan to return to the game after ending a subscription. The practical choice is therefore less about image quality than about how long you expect to play and whether permanent ownership matters.
Rank #4
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
What to do on October 20
- Confirm that your PlayStation account has an Extra or Premium subscription.
- Open the PlayStation Store or the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on your PS5 or PS4.
- Search for Horizon Forbidden West and verify that the listing shows the October 2026 catalog inclusion for your region.
- Select the catalog download option, choose the PS5 or PS4 version available to your console, and start the installation.
- If the game is not shown, check the listing again later, confirm your account region and review Sony’s regional catalog details before purchasing it separately.
What this announcement does not establish
- Sony has not supplied a sales total, player count or performance benchmark in the announcement.
- The October 20 date is the stated lineup date, but regional storefront timing can differ.
- Catalog membership is time-sensitive; inclusion today does not guarantee permanent access.
- The headline’s “best-looking” description is a critical judgment, not an official ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Horizon Forbidden West arrive on PlayStation Plus?
Sony says it will be available in the October 2026 Game Catalog lineup from October 20, 2026, subject to regional storefront differences.
Can I play Horizon Forbidden West on PS4?
Yes. Sony’s October lineup lists the game for both PS4 and PS5.
Best Value
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
Which PlayStation Plus plans include it?
Sony associates the Game Catalog listing with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. Essential is not listed for this catalog access.
Will I keep the game if I cancel PlayStation Plus?
No. Catalog access requires an active qualifying subscription and ends if the title leaves the catalog or your subscription no longer qualifies.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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