Do I Need to Repurchase RDR2 for PlayStation 5?
The short answer is no, you do not need to repurchase Red Dead Redemption 2 if you already own it on PlayStation 4. The PlayStation 5 fully supports PS4 backwards compatibility, meaning your discs and digital purchases carry over. But there are some key specifics around gameplay enhancements, save transfers, and more that I‘ll break down as an avid gamer and content creator:
Backwards Compatibility Explained
According to Sony, the PS5 has a 99% backwards compatibility rate with PS4 games – both physical discs and digital downloads. This lets you build on your existing game library. So inserting the RDR2 PS4 disc into your PS5 will install and run it just fine. No need for another purchase!
PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan has stated that this backwards compatibility will enable "intergenerational play" so PS4 and PS5 owners can game online together:
“Whether you’re playing on PS4 or PS5 you’re playing together. The community stays connected. Your friends list stays connected. That just keeps making consoles better.”
This confirms your PS4 copy of RDR2 will work perfectly on the new console. But what about visual upgrades? Let‘s explore that next…
No Official PS5 Upgrade Patch…Yet
As an avid gamer myself following all the latest industry news, I‘ve yet to see Rockstar announce plans for an official RDR2 tune-up patch. This would enhance graphics, performance, loading times, etc tailored for PS5 hardware.
As of this writing, no official PS5 upgrade has been confirmed. RDR2 utilizes backwards compatibility to run on PS5, however some small optimizations still occur thanks to the power boost:
| Performance Metric | PS4 | PS5 via Backwards Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p-4K | Same |
| Framerate | 30 FPS | Same |
| Texture Detail | High | Same |
| Load Times | 1-2 minutes | 20-30 seconds |
You‘ll notice I called out significantly faster load times for the PS5 version. This can be attributed to the custom SSD which greatly reduces game bootup and fast travel delays. Outside of this perk though, the core graphics and performance remain unchanged from PS4.
But again – an official patch could certainly land at a later date to kick things up a notch! As wccftech.com mentions, several leaks and rumors point to Rockstar prepping a "remaster" patch for late 2022. I‘ll actively update if we receive any official word!
For now, consider it a nice bonus to replay this stellar open world game with some load boosts courtesy of your new console. Onwards to discussing save game transfers…
Carrying Over Your Save Games and Progress
This is arguably the most crucial piece – will 100+ hours of gameplay on PS4 carry to next-gen? Thankfully yes!
Sony has made the transition process simple if you want to continue an existing Red Dead Redemption 2 playthrough on PS5:
- Upload your PS4 save data to PlayStation cloud storage. This preserves your full progression.
- Download that cloud save to your PlayStation 5 console and load up RDR2!
Following those two steps allows you to directly transfer over missions, progression, stats and more as if you never left the PS4!
You can alternatively use a LAN cable to connect your PS4 and PS5 directly. Then select all game data to migrate. But the cloud route makes it a cinch no matter where your old console may be stored away.
This hands-off save transfer gives peace of mind for veteran cowboys and cowgirls towards putting hundreds more hours in!
Comparing PS4 Pro vs. PS5 Experience
As a gaming industry analyst, I think it‘s interesting to compare PS4 Pro against the latest console too.
The PS4 Pro released in 2016 with enhanced hardware to enable 4K gaming and improved graphics over the base model. Because RDR2 was developed for Pro support, the upgrades are already solid:
- Upscaled true 4K resolution
- Enriched color depth and image clarity
- Greater draw distances for terrain
- Native 4K display support for added sharpness
This means if you‘ve played on a PS4 Pro previously, the visual jump to next-gen will be less noticable. However where I think you‘ll still appreciate PS5 is those radically faster load sequences discussed earlier.
Seeing loading cut from 60-90 seconds down to 20-30 seconds thanks to the SSD keeps the action moving! Also expect buttery smooth gameplay as PS5 can reach peak frame rates more consistently.
So in summary – coming from a PS4 Pro won‘t blow your mind graphically. But the performance elevations validate upgrading to maintain a stellar Wild West experience!
The Verdict – Enjoy Your PS4 Copy on PS5!
I hope this detailed breakdown answers all your questions around playing existing copies of Red Dead Redemption 2 on PlayStation 5!
- As both a passionate gamer and industry analyst, I‘m thrilled to confirm PS4 backwards compatibility means you do NOT need to repurchase titles for next-gen.
- While no official PS5 upgrade patch has landed yet, you‘ll still benefit from much faster load times even via backwards compatibility.
- And you can conveniently transfer previous save data via cloud or USB connections to continue your journey just as you left off.
Rockstar may grace us with a true PS5 remaster down the road. But for now just bask in your stunning PS4 copy with some nice performance perks automatically enabled! Ride on cowboys and girls. 🤠
Let me know if this helped explain whether or not you need another RDR2 purchase for PlayStation 5. I‘m happy to answer any other questions!
