Sony has officially refreshed its subscription offerings for the spring, and the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for April 2026 is headlined by a significant return of one of its most acclaimed first-party titles. The centerpiece of the update is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which is set to join the service on April 21, providing subscribers with a high-fidelity entry point into the world of Aloy.
The addition of the remastered title is particularly noteworthy given its history with the service. Horizon Zero Dawn was a staple of the subscription back catalog for years before Sony removed it in 2024 to make way for the PS5 remastered version according to reports from Kotaku. This move temporarily left physical used copies and a $10 upgrade fee as the most affordable paths to the game.
Beyond the blockbuster return of Horizon, the April update introduces a diverse range of titles across different subscription tiers, spanning sports management, open-world racing, and niche indie experiences. The rollout is split between the high-tier catalog updates and the monthly “Essential” claims, ensuring that players across all membership levels have new content to explore.
For those looking to dive into the latest additions, the rollout begins on April 21 for the Extra and Premium tiers, even as the Essential monthly games are available for a limited window starting from April 7 through May 4 as detailed by Video Games Chronicle.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: What’s New and How to Access
The arrival of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog represents more than just a port of the original PS4 experience. This version leverages the power of the PlayStation 5 console to deliver breathtaking visuals with 4K and HDR support via the official PlayStation store.
Beyond the technical fidelity, the Remastered edition includes several quality-of-life and content improvements. The open world has been enhanced with more NPCs to make the environment feel more lived-in and detailed. These visual overhauls are described as bordering on artistic reinterpretations of the original sci-fi epic.
Subscribers to the Extra and Premium tiers will be able to access the game starting April 21. For those who prefer to own the game outright, We see currently listed at a discounted price of $20.99, down from its original $49.99, with the offer ending on April 23, 2026, at 06:59 AM UTC according to the PlayStation store.
Additional Content and Bundles
The Remastered package is comprehensive, including The Frozen Wilds expansion. It likewise features several gear sets and packs to enhance the gameplay experience, such as:
- Carja Storm Ranger Outfit & Bow
- Banuk Trailblazer Outfit & Bow
- Banuk Traveler Pack
- Nora Keeper Pack
- Carja Trader Pack
- Digital art book
The Full April 2026 Lineup Across Tiers
While Horizon is the primary draw, the April update is “tjokvol” (packed) with other titles. Sony has structured the releases to cater to different tastes, from simulation enthusiasts to fans of retro gaming.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium
Starting April 21, the Extra and Premium tiers will receive three major additions. Along with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, players can access The Crew Motorfest and Football Manager 26 Console as confirmed by PlayStation.
Further additions to the catalog include a variety of other titles:
- Warriors: Abyss (PS5, PS4)
- Squirrel with a Gun (PS5)
- The Casting of Frank Stone (PS5)
- Monster Train (PS5)
- Wild Arms 4 (PS5, PS4) — This title is exclusive to the Premium tier, bringing back the 2006 PS2 classic known for its science fantasy setting and hex grid battle system according to the PlayStation Blog.
PlayStation Plus Essential
The basic tier, PlayStation Plus Essential, follows a different model where players claim a set of games each month. For April, the available titles are:
- Lords of the Fallen
- Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
- Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream
These games are available to claim from April 7 until May 4. Once claimed, subscribers can preserve playing them as long as they maintain an active subscription per Video Games Chronicle.
Key Takeaways for Subscribers
| Tier | Key Games Added | Availability Date |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, SAO Fractured Daydream | April 7 – May 4 |
| Extra / Premium | Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, The Crew Motorfest, Football Manager 26 | April 21 |
| Premium Only | Wild Arms 4 | April 21 |
What In other words for the Horizon Franchise
The return of Horizon Zero Dawn to the subscription service is a strategic move by Sony, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for new players before they move on to the sequel. Horizon Forbidden West currently remains off the PS Plus service according to reports.
By placing the Remastered version on the service, Sony is pushing the adoption of the PS5’s capabilities, emphasizing the 4K visuals and improved NPC density that distinguish this version from the original PS4 release. For long-time fans, it offers a way to experience the story again with modern technical standards without needing to purchase the game at full retail price.
The next major update for the PlayStation Plus catalog will typically follow in May, though Sony often announces these changes via the PlayStation Blog or during special events like a State of Play.
Do you reckon the return of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered makes the Extra tier a must-have this month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this update with your fellow gamers.