A PlayStation 5 version of last year’s best darts-throwing game is out today in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which makes that door look prettier (and provides some other snazzy enhancements too, I suppose). Thing is, upgrading from the PS4 to the PS5 version isn’t exactly a no-brainer.
If you already own a digital version of Final Fantasy VII Remake, you might see Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade—and its deluxe edition—listed as “unavailable” in the PlayStation Store. Huh?
The specific version you’re looking for (there are five listings on the store right now) is “FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE upgrade for PS4 version owners,” which is both extremely loud and also a mouthful. Honestly, just punch in “upgrade” on the storefront and the verison you’re looking for should pop up somewhere near the top. If you own a digital copy of the game, it should be listed at zero bucks. Download away.
Crucially, upgrading to Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade does not grant free access to the bonus chapter starring Yuffie. That’s available piecemeal for $20. You’ll see it listed as “unavailable” in the PlayStation store until you go through with the upgrade.
As with all cross-gen games, it’s all too easy to boot up—or even accidentally download—the PS4 version while trying to play the PS5 one. Keep an eye out for a “PS4” written out in lightweight font next to the game’s title. If you see that, click on the three-dot menu below the tile and switch to PS5. You know you’re playing a PS5 game if no platform is written out next to the title.
You do not need to have the PS4 version installed on your PS5 to claim Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Also of note: As our colleagues at Kotaku Australia point out, if you claimed Final Fantasy VII Remake via PS Plus, you won’t be eligible to upgrade for free.
What if I own Final Fantasy VII Remake on disc?
Don’t worry. You can still nab the free upgrade. You’ll just A) need a PS5 model with a disc drive (obviously) and B) will have to pop the disc in every time you want to play.
A complex upgrade path isn’t the only wave to rock today’s release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Instead of a seamless save data transfer process—like you’d find with a next-gen upgrade on Xbox Series X/S, thanks to that platform’s “Smart Delivery” feature—you first have to upload your save files one at a time from the PS4 version. Then, you have to repeat the process in reverse from the PS5 version.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is exclusive to PS5 for “at least” six months.