Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PS5 delivers a complete visual makeover compared to the original PS4 release, bringing assets, lighting, volumetric effects, and conversation animations up to par with Horizon Forbidden West. On PS5, three graphics modes are available (30fps Quality, 40fps Balanced, and 60fps Performance), all of which strictly adhere to their framerate targets. Performance mode is the recommended choice, providing a clean ~1800p presentation at a locked 60fps. PS5 Pro support is built-in and automatically active on the new console.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 5 Pro
PS5 Pro support is confirmed to be integrated out of the box, activating automatically on PS5 Pro systems. Specific frame-rate and resolution breakdowns for PS5 Pro hardware were not detailed in this review.
Developer Nixxes confirmed built-in PS5 Pro support is automatically enabled on the hardware.
Performance Mode
PS5 ProTargets an average resolution of 1800p with clean anti-aliasing.
Balanced Mode (40fps)
PS5 ProOffers a middle ground in resolution and visual fidelity between Quality and Performance modes.
Quality Mode
PS5 ProAims for native 4K using dynamic resolution scaling.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 5
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered achieves exemplary performance stability on PS5. Visuals are vastly improved via new terrain systems, re-baked lighting, and updated character models. Performance mode is the standout recommendation, running at a virtually flawless 60fps at an average resolution of 1800p.
Built-in support automatically activates when played on PS5 Pro hardware.
Quality Mode
PS5Aims for native 4K using dynamic resolution scaling.
Balanced Mode (40fps)
PS5Offers a middle ground in resolution and visual fidelity between Quality and Performance modes.
Performance Mode
PS5Targets an average resolution of 1800p with clean anti-aliasing.
Graphics modes on PlayStation 4
Horizon Zero Dawn delivers a solid technical showcase on standard PS4 hardware, holding a reliable 30fps target across its open world. Highlights include rich foliage, advanced lighting, and real-time cloud rendering, though water effects and facial animation lip-syncing lag behind the overall graphical standard.
Standard Mode
PS4Features physically-based rendering, real-time cloud simulation, and detailed character models, offset by weak water rendering and inconsistent lip sync.
PS5 vs PS5 Pro
Side-by-side comparison of graphics modes, resolution and technical features.
Guerrilla Games delivered a major visual upgrade on PS5 Pro using their proprietary custom reconstruction algorithm instead of PSSR. The Performance Pro mode elevates image quality to near-native 4K levels while locking at 60fps, eliminating previous checkerboard artifacts and foliage shimmering.
| Metric | PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 79Good | 79Good |
| Recommended mode | Performance Mode | Performance Mode |
| Modes available | 3 | 3 |
| Peak target FPS | 60 | 60 |
| PSSR | No | No |
| Ray tracing | No | No |
| VRR | Yes | Yes |
| 120 Hz support | No | No |
| PS5 Pro Enhanced | Yes | Yes |
- Performance Score
- 79Good
- Recommended mode
- Performance Mode
- Modes available
- 3
- Peak target FPS
- 60
- PSSR
- No
- Ray tracing
- No
- VRR
- Yes
- 120 Hz support
- No
- PS5 Pro Enhanced
- Yes
- Performance Score
- 79Good
- Recommended mode
- Performance Mode
- Modes available
- 3
- Peak target FPS
- 60
- PSSR
- No
- Ray tracing
- No
- VRR
- Yes
- 120 Hz support
- No
- PS5 Pro Enhanced
- Yes
Known issues
Water rendering quality is noticeably lacking compared to the rest of the game's high-quality visual presentation.
Lip sync issues are noticeable when conversing with non-essential NPCs.
Video analysis
Independent technical videos referenced in our analysis.
The remaster creates a stunning immersive experience that showcases the best of the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 pros capabilities.
Opting out of PSSR, Guerrilla Games has outfitted Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered with its own upscaling solution.
The best upscaling on consoles? Horizon Forbidden West/Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster PS5 Pro Review. Digital Foundry
Go to channel Digital Foundry · Exclusive: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - PS5 DF Tech Review - Is The Upgrade Worthwhile? Digital Foundry•508K ...
There is no significant difference between the pro and the base PlayStation 5 version.
The first ever PlayStation 4 Pro frame-rate test. We take a look at the performance in this early build of Horizon Zero Dawn, as Sony's new ...
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Frequently asked
Answers built from the verified data on this page.
What frame rate does Horizon Zero Dawn run at on PS5 Pro?
On PS5 Pro, Horizon Zero Dawn offers 3 graphics modes: Performance Mode targets 60 FPS at 1800p; Balanced Mode (40fps) targets 40 FPS; Quality Mode targets 30 FPS at 4K.
What frame rate does Horizon Zero Dawn run at on PS5?
On PS5, Horizon Zero Dawn offers 3 graphics modes: Quality Mode targets 30 FPS at 4K; Balanced Mode (40fps) targets 40 FPS; Performance Mode targets 60 FPS at 1800p.
Is Horizon Zero Dawn worth playing on PS5 Pro?
Guerrilla Games delivered a major visual upgrade on PS5 Pro using their proprietary custom reconstruction algorithm instead of PSSR. The Performance Pro mode elevates image quality to near-native 4K levels while locking at 60fps, eliminating previous checkerboard artifacts and foliage shimmering.
What is the PSFoundry Performance Score of Horizon Zero Dawn?
Horizon Zero Dawn scores 79/100 on PS5 Pro. The Performance Score measures technical performance only — frame rate, image quality, graphics modes, visual features, responsiveness, loading and stability — not how good the game is.
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