The random PS5 upgrade for Darksiders: Warmastered Edition, which in itself is a PS4 remaster of a PS3 game, is now available. It’s packing a few enhancements and updates, but what current owners of the PS4 version might be surprised to learn is they have to pay to access the new PS5 version.
That is despite the fact the Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S upgrade available on Microsoft consoles is free of charge.
Current PS4 owners have to pay $10 to upgrade to the new PS5 version, providing them access to “native 4K rendering”, a Photo Mode, and support for the PS5 DualSense controller features.
The difference in upgrade options between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S appears to stem from how the dated action title is staying priced on PS4. According to a press release, the PS4 version of Darksiders is remaining at $20, while today’s new PS5 version is $30. On Xbox, the Xbox One version is going up in price to $30 to match the Xbox Series X|S edition.
Therefore, the thinking is that if the PS4 version doesn’t increase in price and a free upgrade is offered, then it’s simply cheaper to grab the PS5 edition. Anyone wanting to buy the game as a new customer today pays the same price.
However, the ones losing out are the current PS4 owners looking to upgrade.
Because they already own the game, they have to pay the $10 to access the PS4 to PS5 upgrade path. The Xbox version of this upgrade path is free.
I’ve reached out to THQ Nordic to see if it can offer further explanation on the situation, but here’s exactly how it puts it initially in the press release:
Owners of the PlayStation 4 version of Darksiders Warmastered Edition can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for 9.99€ / 9.99$. Players who own the Xbox One version will receive the upgrade to the Xbox Series X|S version free of charge.
With the launch on current-gen consoles, the Xbox Series X|S version will be available for 29.99€ / 29.99$, while the Xbox One version price will increase from 19.99€ / $19.99$ to 29.99€ / 29.99$.
The PlayStation 4 version will remain available for 19.99€ / 19.99$, while the PlayStation 5 version launches at 29.99€ / 29.99$.
The good news is you’re not exactly missing out on all that much if you don’t bother paying for the new PS5 version. While the first Darksiders title was a quality one at the time, it’s looking and playing rather dated in 2026. You get 4K visuals and 60 frames-per-second on PS5, but the gameplay will still feel old.
Maybe skip this one and simply wait for Darksiders 4 instead. You’ll save yourself $10 in the process.
