Is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Worth Playing in 2026?

It’s April 2026. If you’re like us, you probably spent the last year dodging spoilers for Crimson Desert or trying to figure out why a squirrel with a gun is the most relatable character of the decade. But suddenly, there she is: Aloy, staring at you with her weird and messy (supposed to be raw and rugged) hair.

Sony’s 2024 decision to remaster a game that already looked better than most of the places we've been to for vacations was met with a collective, "Wait, why?" But two years down the line, with the gaming community puppy-eyeing the PS5 Pro and RTX 50-series GPUs,  the situation changes quite a bit.

Strap in, because we’re going to look at why this remaster is the glow-up we didn't know we needed, and why it might be the only way to survive the wait for Horizon 3.

1. The Visual Audit : More than Fresh Paint

In 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn was a big deal for the PS4. In 2026, the Remaster is basically Guerilla Games flexing their way into the current gen consoles.

If you’re lucky enough to own a PS5 Pro, you’re experiencing PSSR 2.0 (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution). The PSSR 2.0 has got rid of the aliasing or stochastic noise (visual version of radio static) that caused the finer details to 'flicker'. Now, you get a rock-solid 4K at 60FPS that makes the original look like it was filmed with a 90s camera.

But it’s not just about the resolution. The remaster added 10 hours of re-recorded motion capture (yes). If you remember the original, lip movements felt like....Henry's Superman moustache CGI (stuff of nightmares). Now, thanks to modern tech, Aloy actually looks like she has a soul. The Beta Network’s review said that while the lip-syncing can still get a bit 'funky' at times, the emotional weight of the story finally lands because characters don't have the dead-eyed stare.

2. PC Players : The RTX 5060 Reality Check

If you’re a PC purist, 2026 has been… expensive, to say the least. But there’s good news. If you’ve managed to grab an RTX 5060, the performance tests are in. According to VoltBenchmarks, an RTX 5060 paired with a Ryzen 5 7600X can push Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered to a smooth 60 FPS on Ultra settings with DLAA enabled.

Nixxes (a studio owned by Sony) has spent the last two years patching this thing into perfection. The 'Medusa Hair' glitches and the random crashes during the Meridian gate sequence? Gone. Patch 1.05 and beyond added features like Outfit Transmog (helps you keep the strong armour stats with the appearance of your choice) and fixed the audio reverb issues that made the snowy peaks sound like a public bathroom.

3. The Handheld Heartbreak : Steam Deck vs. The World

We need to have a talk about the Steam Deck.

While we love the Deck OLED, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a greedy beast. If you check out the recent threads on r/SteamDeck, you'll find the consensus is more black than white. Redditors have pointed out that while the Original Complete Edition runs like a dream on handhelds, the Remaster struggles to maintain a stable 30 FPS.

In 2026, if you’re a handheld gamer, our advice is simple: Stick to the original. The Remaster was built for the 'Big Screen' experience - 4K HDR, high foliage density, and 3D audio. Playing it on a 7-inch screen is like watching Interstellar on a Motorola Razr, makes no goddamn sense.

4. The Open World Fatigue and How to Beat It

To be honest, the 'Ubisoft-style' map markers in Horizon can feel like a grocery list written by a psychopath.

To enjoy HZD in 2026, you have to play it differently. Stop looking at the map. The Beta Network humorously called the repetition 'Horizon Zero Enjoyment,' and it's actually true, if you play it like a completionist.

We'd recommend you to focus on strategic combat instead. This game isn't a button masher, it’s a tactical hunter. The game's machine AI still holds up as some of the best in the business. Stripping a Thunderjaw of its Disc Launcher and using it against him is a feeling that never gets old. Treat the game like Monster Hunter (but with a better story), and the fatigue will go poof!

5. The PS Plus Secret is Out

If you’re looking at the price tag in April 2026, there’s a massive plot twist. By April 21, 2026, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will officially join the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogue. If you’re a subscriber, it’s a must-download. If you aren't, the $9.99 upgrade fee remains the best deal in gaming. For the price of two lattes, you get a visual upgrade that is an absolute treat to the eyes.

OrbeatX Verdict

Is it worth it in 2026? Yes, but with a few conditions.

• The 'Yes' : If you have a PS5 Pro, a high-end PC, or you’re a PS Plus Extra subscriber. It is, visually and mechanically, a 10/10 experience that sets the bar for what a remaster should be.
• The 'No' : If you only play on Steam Deck or if you literally just finished the original last week. Give your brain a break, those Glinthawks aren't going anywhere.

Pro Tip : If you’re playing on PC, we'd suggest turning off 'Double Tap to Dodge' immediately. Unless you enjoy watching Aloy throw herself off cliffs during intense dialogue, just… don’t do it.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the best way to experience one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever told. It’s got robot dinosaurs, a protagonist who actually has a personality (now), and some of the best foliage graphics that modern tech has to offer in 2026.

So go on, hunt some machines, and for the love of the All-Mother, don't forget to pack some Fire Arrows.