Can I Play My God of War PS4 Disc on a PS5 Console?

As a passionate gamer and content creator, I often get asked whether PS4 discs can be played on the latest PS5 console. Specifically for epic games like God of War – do your existing PS4 discs still work when you upgrade to PlayStation 5?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. Keep reading as I dive into the backwards compatibility details and optimal ways to experience God of War on PS5.

Backwards Compatibility Allows PS4 Discs to Work

Sony designed the PS5 hardware with backwards compatibility in mind. This means the vast majority of PS4 games can be played directly on the newer PS5 console.

• When you insert a PS4 game disc into a PS5, the console will install and launch that game just like on the older PS4 system.
• Your save data will transfer over seamlessly through the cloud or external drive transfer.

According to Sony‘s latest backwards compatibility testing, over 99% of PS4 games function on PS5 with no issues. This includes major first-party exclusives like God of War.

My Own Experience With Discs and Backwards Compatibility

I still own many iconic PS4 exclusives on disc myself, like Spiderman, The Last of Us Part II, and the PS4 version of God of War. All still play perfectly on my newer PS5 console.

The discs do require occasional verification checks, even for digital content you may upgrade to later. But other than that minor annoyance, you can rely on discs working for years on both console generations.

Enhanced Visuals and Smoother Gameplay With "Game Boost"

The PS5 doesn‘t just play PS4 games – many titles actually look and play better on the newer console too!

All thanks to a special "Game Boost" mode that harnesses the PS5‘s more powerful hardware, like its SSD and advanced GPU. The improvements can include:

• Higher Framerates: Silky smooth 60 FPS unlocked for games initially locked at 30 FPS on PS4. Crucial for responsive gameplay.
• Higher Resolution Graphics: Up to native 4K resolution for crisper images full of detail (dependent on your TV).
• Faster Load Times: PS5‘s SSD allows near instant game boot and level loads.

God of War Specifically Receives Significant Enhancements on PS5

The original God of War PS4 release has been specifically enhanced by Sony‘s Santa Monica Studio to leverage the PS5 hardware.

Playing on PS5 system gives you:

• Target 60 FPS Framerate
• Dynamic 4K Resolution
• Improved Visual Effects (better shadows, etc.)

So the PS4 God of War disc plays better on PS5 out of the box. Keep reading to learn about dedicated PS5 upgrade options too.

Upgrading to the PS5 Version of Games Like God of War

Many flagship PS4 titles that release PS5-specific versions allow owners of the last-gen physical disc to upgrade. This gives you substantial visual, performance, and technical improvements tailored for the newest hardware.

God of War in particular has a paid next-gen upgrade path for PS4 disc owners:

• Insert your PS4 God of War disc into the PS5 console
• Navigate to the game hub
• Purchase and download the PS5 digital upgrade for only $10

So for under $15 total investment ($10 upgrade + your existing PS4 disc purchase), you can experience God of War remarkably re-tooled for next-generation. Leveraging ray tracing, 3D audio, DualSense tech and buttery frame rates that truly enhance the Norse epic gameplay.

Ultimately, Don‘t Worry About Your Disc Working on PS5

To conclude with the initial question at hand – yes your God of War PS4 disc will work on PS5. For all intents and purposes, you can keep enjoying physical PS4 media with backwards compatibility.

And game-changing PS5 exclusives looming like Ragnarok prove next-gen upgrades only expand, never limit, your options for jaw-dropping adventures.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about playing last-gen discs on PS5! I‘m here to help fellow gamers unlock the most value from their console gaming libraries.