Buzz
The PlayStation 5's debut game selection includes numerous titles that are also accessible on the PlayStation 4. These PS5 editions boast superior graphics and gameplay, with some developers offering free upgrades to the enhanced PS5 versions. This raises two key questions: Is your PS4 save data transferable to PS5 games? And can you engage in cross-play for your preferred multiplayer titles?
The response to both queries is a definitive, “it varies.” First, let’s address the cross-save concern.
Games Supporting Cross-Save on PlayStation 5
Regrettably, only a select few cross-generation PS5 games allow the transfer of PS4 save data to the PS5 version. This feature is entirely dependent on the developers. Frustratingly, numerous games offering free PS5 upgrades do not support the migration of save files.
This doesn’t imply that your PS4 saves are entirely incompatible with the PS5. Most PS4 games are playable on the PS5, and your save data will transfer seamlessly. This limitation only arises when upgrading from the PS4 version of a game to its PS5 counterpart—adding an unnecessary layer of confusion.
Take Yakuza: Like a Dragon as an example, as it will have both PS4 and PS5 versions, both playable on the PS5. Sega will permit PS4 players to upgrade to the PS5 version upon its release next year, but PS4 save files won’t carry over to the PS5 version. However, you can play the PS4 version on your PS5 and continue your progress—though this is a less-than-ideal workaround for a needlessly complex issue.
To simplify, here’s a list of cross-gen games that currently allow the transfer of PS4 saves to the PS5:
Borderlands 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Warzone
Dead by Daylight
FIFA 21 (Only Ultimate Team, Volta Football data)
For Honor
Fortnite
Madden NFL 21 (MUT, Franchise, and Yard data)
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Avengers
NBA 2K21 (Only MyTeam data)
No Man’s Sky
Sackboy: A Big Adventure (after post-launch patch)
Additional games might join this list in the future, but currently, if a title isn’t included, you’ll need to either begin anew with the PS5 version or continue playing your PS4 copy on the PS5 to retain your progress.
Cross-Play Enabled Games on PlayStation 5
Fortunately, the cross-play scenario on the PS5 is far less complicated than cross-saving. Below is a list of PS5 games that currently support cross-platform play with users on other systems:
Apex Legends
Borderlands 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Warzone
Dead by Daylight
DIRT 5
Fortnite
Mortal Kombat 11
No Man’s Sky
Overcooked: All You Can Eat
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
This list focuses exclusively on PS5-specific games. As previously noted, most PS4 games are compatible with the PS5, but Sony has indicated that certain multiplayer modes and online features, such as cross-play, may not function correctly on the PS5. Specific details will remain unclear until more users test their PS4 games on the PS5. Additionally, cross-play compatibility doesn’t guarantee the transfer of progression. For details on which games support PS4 save imports, refer to the cross-save list above.
