When Days Gone Remastered was revealed during February’s State of Play, fans got their first glimpse at how Bend Studio is reviving its open-world survival game for PlayStation 5. Now, with launch just around the corner on April 25, via a PlayStation Blog post, PlayStation has shared a closer look at what’s new—including Speedrun and Permadeath modes, bigger hordes, and upgrades made possible by PS5 hardware.
If it’s been a while since you last rode through Oregon’s freaker-infested highways, this remaster sounds like a wild way to return.
PS5 Upgrades and Visual Enhancements
Bend Studio isn’t just polishing Days Gone—they’ve made real upgrades to take advantage of the PlayStation 5. You’ll notice improved lighting, better shadows, deeper fog, and more natural skies and moonlight. Nighttime scenes now look darker and more atmospheric, which fits the game’s setting well.
One feature that benefits from these visual tweaks is Photo Mode. You’ll get more lighting tools to play with and the ability to instantly switch between day and night. Whether you’re riding through the forest or staring down a massive horde, the remaster lets you capture the moment in more detail than ever.
While visuals are a big part of the update, the PS5 hardware also allows for bigger hordes, faster loading, and smoother gameplay overall. The team says it’s the most complete version of Days Gone, and it looks like they’re backing that up with both visual and performance improvements.
New Gameplay Modes Shake Things Up
The remaster isn’t just about better visuals—Days Gone Remastered also adds three new modes to change how you experience the game. First up is Horde Assault, a survival arcade mode built around giant freaker hordes. According to Bend Studio, you’ll face up to 800 enemies on-screen at once. The mode throws you into open regions, gives you a maxed-out bike, and lets you take on huge threats right away.
Horde Assault isn’t just recycled content. Freakers now attack from new directions in new locations, and human enemies mix in with evolved freaker types like breakers and screamers. It’s a fast-paced, chaotic spin on the core gameplay loop.
Next is Speedrun Mode, which adds a live timer to your run and tracks your completion time per difficulty. You can play it on any setting, and once you’re done, the game generates a stat breakdown you can share. It’s a mode designed for newcomers and veterans looking to test their routing skills.
Then there’s Permadeath Mode, a high-stakes option for survival fans. You can either start over from the beginning of the game or just from the start of the current act, depending on your setting. Either way, if Deacon dies, that save is gone. It’s brutal—but for those chasing the ultimate challenge, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Days Gone’s harsh world.
Survival Tips and Community Influence
Permadeath mode didn’t come out of nowhere—it was something fans had been asking for since the original release. Bend Studio said they’d seen players already pushing the limits with self-imposed challenges, like boot knife-only runs or no-damage playthroughs. The remaster gives those gamers an official mode to test their survival skills.
Creative and Product Lead Kevin McAllister shared some advice for those planning to take on permadeath. First, pick Tucker’s camp early in the story to unlock stronger weapons faster. Then, always stay stocked on supplies. Ambush camps and bears aren’t any friendlier in this version, and running into a horde without ammo means starting over.
Interestingly, he also joked that trees might be your biggest threat. A mistimed turn on your bike could end a run faster than any freaker. Being methodical is key—plan your route, clear camps carefully, and think ahead before triggering story missions.
While the new modes raise the stakes, they also reflect what the community has wanted. Whether you’re trying to survive a permadeath run or shave seconds off a speedrun, Days Gone Remastered seems built to give returning fans new ways to play.
Remastered, Reloaded, and Ready to Ride
Days Gone Remastered launches April 25 exclusively on PlayStation 5. If you already own the original PS4 version, you’ll be able to upgrade to the remaster for $10 USD. Though, that won’t apply to PS Plus copies. For newcomers, the remaster will be available digitally at full price.
Bend Studio says this version represents the best way to experience Deacon’s story. The combination of PS5 upgrades and new content gives returning fans a reason to revisit Oregon. And, also gives newcomers multiple ways to approach the game. You can stick to the story, try out Horde Assault for quick action, test your skills with Speedrun Mode, or risk it all with Permadeath.
Even if you’ve already cleared the old sawmill horde before, this remaster offers enough tweaks and additions to make it feel fresh again. It’s not a full reimagining, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a more complete version of Days Gone, built with both newcomers and veterans in mind.
Will you be jumping back into Deacon’s story or testing your luck in Permadeath mode? Let us know which mode you’re most excited to try.
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