It’s been a wild ride for Days Gone. A game that was plagued with a somewhat buggy launch and lukewarm reception, the open-world zombie survival game dubbed “The Last of Us if you bought it on Wish” has actually grown over the years into something fans can proudly champion. Now, with the PS5 remaster, Days Gone has had a chance to redeem itself with updated visuals, frame rate improvements, and some exciting new content. But does this remaster do enough to secure its legacy, or is it simply a fresh coat of paint on an old ride?
From Rocky Launch to Redemption
When Days Gone was first released in 2019, it had its fair share of issues, from awkward glitches to stability problems. Bend Studio, however, didn’t walk away from the fight. Over the years, they patched bugs, ironed out crashes, and added bonus content to keep players engaged. The post-launch updates introduced fan-favorite features like New Game+, additional difficulty levels, and even a challenge mode with time trials, combat puzzles, and quirky mini-games inspired by classics like Crazy Taxi.
With Days Gone Remastered, all those updates come bundled together in a polished package for the PS5 and PS5 Pro. For fans who stuck by it, this definitive edition feels like both a closure and a celebration of what Bend Studio ultimately achieved. It’s so nice to see a result like this that reminds me of a lesser version of the way Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky were bettered over time, who doesn’t love a redemption arc?
What Sets the PS5 Remaster Apart
The PS5 remaster doesn’t entirely reinvent the wheel, but it does bring some notable upgrades to an already improved game. Players can now choose between Performance Mode and Quality Mode on the base PS5, with each offering different optimisation options. Performance Mode targets a smooth 60 FPS at 1440p, while Quality Mode delivers a more cinematic 4K resolution at 30 FPS.
For PS5 Pro users, there’s a third Enhanced Mode that maintains the push towards 4K while targeting 60 FPS. And while these technical improvements may not astound players familiar with the game’s evolution over the years, anyone jumping from a base PS4 model will notice a significant visual and performance leap.
The character models and the Pacific Northwest setting have also never looked better, with detailed foliage and rugged terrain stealing the spotlight.
A Taste of Next-Gen with DualSense
For PS5 players, the DualSense controller is where Days Gone Remastered feels decidedly current-gen. The Haptic Feedback elevates the experience, mimicking the sensation of motorbike vibrations as you zip across bumpy terrain. From shifting gears to plowing through zombie guts, every spin of the wheels feels more immersive.
Environmental effects like rain are also brought to life through subtle vibrations on the controller, adding tension and atmosphere when trekking through the mud with hordes on your heels.
Adaptive Triggers get some love too, adding weight and resistance when aiming and firing weapons. This controller has been the stand-out of the current generation of systems and the integration here is a very welcome experience..
New Content with Horde Assault
Bend Studio didn’t just stop at polishing up the original content. The remaster comes with a brand-new mode called Horde Assault, which takes the game’s trademark zombie horde battles and cranks them up to eleven.
This mode challenges you to survive against massive waves of enemies across large open maps reimagined from the game’s world. You’ll start with basic equipment and scavenge for better weapons, craft useful gear, and unlock perks as you fight to survive and rack up high scores.
The depth doesn’t stop there. Horde Assault offers replayability through ranked medals (bronze, silver, and gold), and its unlockable rewards give you added incentive to keep coming back. And with up to 800 zombies swarming you in a single map, the adrenaline spikes are worth the price of admission alone.
The Campaign We Remember
If you’ve already played Days Gone, you’ll be glad to know the core campaign remains intact. The opening hours still feel like a slow burn, and protagonist Deacon St. John’s muttered monologues can still feel a little cringeworthy. But stick with it, and the second half of the game reminds you why the title has such a devoted fanbase.
The gameplay loop of battling hordes, scavenging for resources, maintaining your motorbike, and progressing through the story only gets better as the narrative finds its stride. Those who’ve taken the time to see the game through know that perseverance pays off in Deacon’s unforgiving post-apocalyptic world.
Final Verdict
Days Gone Remastered isn’t a revolutionary overhaul, but it never needed to be. Bend Studio had already polished it up to a competent PS4 game and has added to it to create a version that shines on PS5 family of consoles, delivering sharper visuals, improved frame rates, and the immersive benefits of DualSense integration.
The real treat for returning fans is Horde Assault, a chaotic love letter to the series’ robust horde mechanics. New players, meanwhile, will find themselves with the most complete version of Days Gone yet, free of the frustrations that plagued its original launch.
