PS4 to PS5 Horizon Save Transfer Guide

Transitioning your Horizon Forbidden West gameplay from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 allows you to continue Aloy’s epic journey with enhanced graphics and performance. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on transferring save data, upgrading the game version, and ensuring your trophies and progress carry over seamlessly. Whether you’re using a USB drive or PlayStation Plus cloud storage, these steps ensure minimal downtime and maximum compatibility.

Understanding Save Compatibility Between Generations

Horizon Forbidden West supports cross-generation save transfers, meaning your PS4 progress directly imports into the PS5 edition. This feature preserves your story completion, skill trees, weapons, and outfits without starting over. Sony designed this backward compatibility to encourage upgrades, especially since the PS5 version offers 4K resolution, faster load times, and DualSense haptic feedback.

Key benefits include automatic trophy autopopping if you’ve earned them on PS4, allowing you to platinum the PS5 version quickly. However, success depends on proper save management and having the necessary licenses or hardware.

Prerequisites for a Smooth Transfer

Before starting, verify these essentials:

• Ownership of Horizon Forbidden West on PS4 (digital or disc).
• PS5 console with sufficient storage space.
• Active PlayStation Network account (for cloud saves).
• USB drive formatted for PS4/PS5 (FAT32 or exFAT, at least 1GB free).
• PS Plus subscription if using cloud storage (Essential tier or higher).

Ensure your PS4 save is recent and manually saved, as autosaves may not always transfer reliably. Back up multiple slots to avoid data loss.

Method 1: Transferring Saves via USB Drive

The USB method is ideal for offline users or those without PS Plus. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require internet.

1. Export from PS4: On your PS4, navigate to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage. Select Horizon Forbidden West, choose Copy to USB Storage Device, and pick your save file.
2. Import to PS5: Insert the USB into your PS5. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4). Select USB Drive > Copy to Console Storage, then select the Horizon save.
3. Launch PS5 Game: Start Horizon Forbidden West PS5 version. At the title screen or pause menu, select “Import Game from PlayStation 4.” Choose your transferred save, and it will load automatically.

This process typically takes under 5 minutes. Test by checking your inventory and quest progress post-import.

Method 2: Using PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage

Cloud storage shines for multi-console households or remote transfers, syncing saves across devices.

1. Upload from PS4: Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage. Select Horizon Forbidden West and upload your desired save.
2. Download to PS5: On PS5, Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage > Download to Console Storage. Locate and download the save.
3. Import in Game: Open the PS5 version and use the import option as in the USB method.

Cloud saves sync in real-time, but always verify upload completion to prevent corruption.

Upgrading to the PS5 Version for Free

If you own the PS4 digital version, claim the free PS5 upgrade pack. Disc owners can also access it but must insert the disc to play.

Post-upgrade, delete the PS4 version to free space—the import prompt persists even after deletion.

Trophy Autopopping and Platinum Strategies

Importing a completed PS4 save triggers all earned trophies on PS5 instantly, including the platinum. This “autopop” saves hours of grinding.

• Ensure final trophies unlocked on PS4 before transfer.
• PS4 platinum imports fully to PS5.
• New Game+ progress also carries over.

Pro tip: Manually save after key unlocks on PS4 to guarantee detection.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Transfers aren’t always flawless. Here’s how to fix prevalent problems:

• Save Not Detected: Restart console, re-copy/download save, ensure PS4 version was played locally first.
• Missing Progress: Import multiple saves; overwrite if prompted.
• Cloud Sync Errors: Check PS Plus status, clear cache (Settings > Storage > Saved Data).
• Upgrade Not Appearing: Search PS Store directly or use PS App.
• Trophies Not Popping: Verify save is post-platinum; relaunch game.

If issues persist, rebuild PS5 database (safe mode) or contact PlayStation Support.

Advanced Tips for Multi-Save Management

Maintain organization with these practices:

• Label USB saves with dates.
• Sync cloud weekly.
• Use PS5’s multiple user profiles for separate playthroughs.
• For Burning Shores DLC, ensure base game save is compatible.

Consider external HDDs for bulk backups, formatted correctly for PS5 extended storage.

Comparing Transfer Methods

Choose based on your setup—USB for reliability, cloud for convenience.

Future-Proofing Your Saves

With rumors of PC ports and PS6 on the horizon, regular backups are crucial. Enable auto-uploads in settings and test imports monthly. This ensures your 100+ hour journey remains intact across platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This guide equips you to migrate your Horizon Forbidden West adventure effortlessly, unlocking the full PS5 potential.