Horizon Zero Dawn Is Leaving PlayStation Plus on May 21, 2024

Those subscribed to PlayStation Plus will be displeased to know that one of PlayStation’s best first-party titles, Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, is leaving the subscription service on May 21, 2024. 

Horizon Zero Dawn is included in the Game Catalog for Extra and Premium/Deluxe subscribers. Unlike the free titles that are offered to all subscribers, games in the Game Catalog can come and go depending on the deal Sony has played for those who own the game. Some leave after a year while others stay longer. For Horion Zero Dawn, one would expect this would be available for longer considering the developer Guerilla Games is under the PlayStation Studios banner,  but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. 

Screenshot taken on the PS5 on May 2, 2024.

Why is Horizon Zero Dawn leaving PlayStation Plus?

It seems confusing but points towards the possibility that Sony might be gearing up for some sort of news for the series.

The last time a first-party title was removed from PlayStation Plus was just last year. In 2023, PS Plus subscribers lost access to Insomniac Games’ Marvel Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition. Many, including myself, were confused by the decision as this was done before the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. But soon after, a native PS5 version of Mavel’s Spider-Man Game of the Year edition was released for Sony’s latest console platform, so we might see a similar play here for Horizon Zero Down as there are rumors that a remastered or remake of the first game is in development and might just be announced soon. 

But that’s just one possibility as the remaster of The Last of Us wasn’t removed from PlayStation Plus’ Classic Catalog before the release of The Last of Us Part 1 for the PS5, a remake of the original game.

Whatever the reason, those who have not played Horizon Zero Dawn have until May 21 to play the first game. Horizon Forbidden West, the game’s sequel, is still available in the service for Extra and Premium/Deluxe subscribers.