I have a very fond connection to this game. Like many people, I had heard about the plague of issues this game had upon launch, so I decided to skip it. During a period where I couldn’t get my teeth stuck into any game at all, I happened to have randomly commented on nerd icon and starring actor, Sam Witwer’s Twitter account. I never expected the man to respond to me. Deacon St John, Darth Maul and Starkiller had gave me a small rundown and what to expect. I am a huge fan of Witwer’s work and this was such a cool interaction, I was honestly blown away. A memory I have never forgotten. He highlighted the game as a slow burn, which set my expectations. I gave the game a chance, I purchased it immediately and it was one of the best gaming experiences I had in 2020.
Now onto the remaster.
I’m absolutely stoked to dive back into this post-apocalyptic Oregon wasteland, and let me tell you, this remaster is like finding a stash of much needed supplies in a NERO checkpoint, mostly awesome, with a few quirks that’ll make you grumble. It’s been six years since Days Gone first roared onto the PS4, and despite its rocky launch, it’s clawed its way into cult classic status. This remaster? It’s a love letter to fans like me who’ve been praying to the gaming gods for a sequel, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a damn fine ride. So, let’s break down why this return to the Oregon Wilderness has me so happy and why I’m still dreaming of Days Gone 2.
First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate that Days Gone is back? The game has a gargantuan cult following. When Sony announced this remaster during their February 2025 State of Play, I nearly flipped my coffee table. The original game got a bad rap in 2019, critics called it buggy, derivative, and paced like a snail. (Thanks for the rundown Sam). But us fans? We saw the diamond in the rough. Deacon’s story, that gorgeous open world, and those heart-pounding horde battles? The fact that Bend Studio and Sony are giving it a fresh coat of paint feels like a second chance at life, and I’m here for it. Every time I boot up and hear that motorcycle growl, I’m reminded why I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into this game. And yeah, I’m still holding a candle for a sequel, because that cliffhanger ending deserves resolution. If this remaster sells like hotcakes, maybe Sony will finally greenlight Days Gone 2. A drifter can dream, right?
Now, let’s talk about what’s new, because Days Gone Remastered isn’t just a upscale job, it’s got some upgrades that make it the definitive way to play. Running on the PS5, this bad boy takes full advantage of next-gen tech. The visuals are sharper, with improved lighting, denser foliage, and a night sky so pretty I sometimes stop to stargaze while Freakers are sniffing my boots. You’ve got two modes: Performance (1440p at 60 FPS) and Quality (4K at 30 FPS). I’m a Performance guy, 60 FPS makes slicing through hordes feel buttery smooth, and trust me, you’ll want that when 300 Freakers are chasing your sorry ass. PS5 Pro owners get an extra boost with 1584p upscaled to 4K, but even on a base PS5, it’s a looker. The DualSense controller is the real MVP here, though. Haptic feedback on the motorcycle rumble feel alive, and adaptive triggers give your weapons some weight. Riding Deek’s bike over muddy terrain versus road? You feel the difference. It’s immersive as hell.
The new game modes are where this remaster really revs its engine. The star of the show is Horde Assault, a brand-new arcade mode that’s like a Freaker-killing fever dream. You pick from a roster of characters (not just Deacon!), drop into one of four maps, and fight endless waves of zombies, plus some pesky human enemies and evolved Freakers. It’s chaotic, addictive, and perfect for when you just want to mow down baddies without the story’s slow burn. You can equip “injectors” to tweak the challenge—like making health kits less effective for bonus points or boosting your stamina for an easier run. Unlocking cosmetics and new characters keeps you grinding, and I’ve already lost hours chasing high scores. Bend Studio claims it adds 10 hours of gameplay, and I believe it, this mode is a blast.
Beyond Horde Assault, you’ve got Permadeath and Speedrun modes. Permadeath is exactly as brutal as it sounds: one death, and you’re back to square one. I tried it, got cocky, and a Breaker yeeted me into next week. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it makes every encounter tense as hell. Speedrun mode slaps a timer on the campaign, pausing during cutscenes for fairness, and it’s a godsend for the speedrunning community. There’s also a game speed adjustment (25%, 50%, or 75%) for accessibility, which is great for newcomers or folks who want a chill vibe. Auto-complete QTEs are now available on all difficulties, and the expanded accessibility options, like high-contrast mode and UI narration, make this the most inclusive Days Gone yet. Oh, and all the original post-launch content, like Challenge Mode and New Game+, is included, so you’re getting the full package.
But let’s be real—this ain’t a flawless ride. Days Gone Remastered still has bugs and glitches. NPC dialogue sometimes cuts out or gets whisper-quiet, and I’ve had mission chatter vanish entirely. One time. There’s also a weird lighting glitch where my flashlight just… stopped working. And don’t get me started on the loading screens—they’re faster than the PS4 version (30 seconds versus a minute), but still longer than modern games. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they’re a reminder that this remaster isn’t a full overhaul. Bend Studio patched the original’s worst offenders, but new issues have crept in, and I’m hoping for quick fixes.
So, why 8.5/10? Because Days Gone Remastered takes a game I already loved and makes it better in almost every way. The new modes, especially Horde Assault, add tons of replay value, and the PS5’s tech, DualSense, 60 FPS, faster loads, elevates the vibe. The world still feels alive, the hordes are still terrifying, and Sam Witwer’s performance as Deacon is still top-notch. Sure, the bugs and glitches are a bummer, but the core experience is a thrill ride. This remaster proves Days Gone was always great, and it’s a middle finger to the haters who wrote it off. If you’re new to the game, this is the best way to jump in. If you’re a returning drifter, the $10 upgrade is a no-brainer.
As I cruise through Oregon, blasting Freakers and dreaming of a sequel. I want to know what happens after that ending. I want Days Gone 2. If this remaster sells well, maybe Sony will see the light. Until then, I’ll keep riding, surviving, and hoping. Days Gone Remastered is a hell of a comeback, and I’m damn glad to be back in the saddle. Now, excuse me while I go burn a nest and pray for a sequel.
