Is Deathloop on PS4? The Truth Behind Arkane’s Time-Looping Thriller
The short, sharp, and direct answer is no, Deathloop is not available on the PlayStation 4. While the game has garnered significant attention and praise for its innovative gameplay and stylish art design, it was initially designed as a PlayStation 5 exclusive and released on PC. This exclusivity, though initially puzzling given Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda (Deathloop’s publisher), was the result of a pre-existing agreement between Bethesda and Sony. Let’s delve into the history, platform availability, and frequently asked questions surrounding Deathloop to provide a comprehensive understanding of where you can (and can’t) play this unique title.
Understanding Deathloop’s Platform Availability
Deathloop’s journey through different platforms has been a somewhat winding road. Originally launched as a PlayStation 5 and PC exclusive in September 2021, it later expanded to Xbox Series X/S in September 2022. This shift came after the timed exclusivity agreement with Sony expired. Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda made the Xbox release almost inevitable, bringing the game to a wider audience and bolstering the Xbox Game Pass library.
However, the PS4 has never been a platform for Deathloop. This is primarily due to the game’s design being tailored for the next-generation hardware of the PS5 and the relatively powerful PCs that could handle its graphical demands and complex gameplay mechanics. The speed of the PS5’s SSD, in particular, was likely crucial for facilitating the game’s seamless time-looping and fast-paced action.
Finding Similar Experiences on PS4
While you can’t experience the specific time-bending narrative and unique multiplayer mechanics of Deathloop on PS4, there are several titles that offer comparable elements to scratch that same itch.
- Dishonored: Also developed by Arkane Studios, Dishonored offers a similar blend of stealth, supernatural powers, and open-ended level design.
- Prey: Another Arkane title, Prey features a compelling story, atmospheric environments, and a wide range of weapons and abilities.
- Titanfall 2: Its fast-paced movement, satisfying gunplay, and clever level design.
- Bioshock: The Collection: If you love interesting stories and awesome abilities, then this is for you.
Deathloop FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
To provide a deeper understanding of Deathloop and its various aspects, here are some frequently asked questions:
Is Deathloop playable on PC?
Yes, Deathloop is available on PC through platforms such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store. All PC players are required to have either a Steam, Bethesda.net, Xbox or Epic Games Store account as well as a broadband internet connection for activation and installation.
Is Deathloop on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Deathloop is available on Xbox Game Pass for both Xbox Series X/S consoles and PC.
How did Deathloop become a PS5 exclusive?
The stylish FPS is a timed exclusive for the PS5, and the deals to make that happen were already in place when the Microsoft acquisition of Zenimax transpired. Deathloop follows Arkane’s other immersive sim games – Dishonored and its sequel, and Prey.
Is Deathloop crossplay compatible?
Yes, DEATHLOOP offers Cross Play between platforms for invasions and Crossplay Friend invasions is possible between Steam and Epic Game Store (if the EGS user is invading), as well as Xbox and Microsoft Store PC only.
Is Deathloop harder than Returnal?
They are however, very different games. Returnal is harder, Deathloop is very lightweight and you can have more “fun” with it, if that makes sense.
How long does it take to beat Deathloop?
When focusing on the main objectives, Deathloop is about 16½ Hours in length. If you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 34½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.
What is Deathloop’s rating?
DEATHLOOP is rated by PEGI at 18 and above, and by the ESRB at a mature 17+. This one contains a lot of shooting, and a good deal of up close one on one melee assassinations. In addition, there’s a huge amount of language in the title, drugs references and a whole lot more.
Who is the main character in Deathloop?
Colt Vahn aka “The Captain”, is the main protagonist from the 2021 action adventure first-person shooter video game, Deathloop. He was voiced by Jason Kelley.
Was Deathloop designed for next-gen consoles?
Deathloop was one of the first big next-gen exclusives, using the power of the PS5 and PC to tell an ambitious time loop story that was almost universally acclaimed.
Will Deathloop receive any DLC or sequels?
One of the people involved with the original Deathloop title suggests that a new game or a DLC could be cooking at Arkane Studios. Arkane Studios may be working on a Deathloop follow-up of some sort, according to sources.
What are some of the game’s key features?
Deathloop’s core gameplay revolves around a time loop mechanic. The player, as Colt, is trapped on an island and must eliminate eight key targets within a single loop to break free. Failure to do so results in the loop resetting, forcing the player to start over.
How does Deathloop’s multiplayer work?
DEATHLOOP offers Cross Play between platforms for invasions and Crossplay Friend invasions is possible between Steam and Epic Game Store (if the EGS user is invading), as well as Xbox and Microsoft Store PC only.
What is Deathloop’s storyline about?
Colt Vahn aka “The Captain”, is the main protagonist from the 2021 action adventure first-person shooter video game, Deathloop. He was voiced by Jason Kelley.
Is Deathloop cross-generation play between PS5 and PS4 possible?
As Deathloop is not available on PS4, cross-generation play between PS5 and PS4 is not possible.
What kind of hardware do I need to play Deathloop on PC?
Deathloop is not a super demanding game to run, but can look absolutely fantastic on high-end gaming PCs.
Conclusion: Deathloop and the Future of Gaming Platforms
While Deathloop remains unavailable on the PlayStation 4, its journey highlights the evolving landscape of gaming exclusives and platform availability. The game’s timed exclusivity deal, followed by its eventual release on Xbox, demonstrates how business deals and acquisitions can significantly impact where players can access certain titles.
For those looking to explore the intricacies of game design, learning, and societal impact, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and research. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about the intersection of gaming and education.
Although PS4 owners might miss out on Deathloop’s unique time-looping adventure, the numerous other excellent games available on the platform provide plenty of alternatives. And who knows, perhaps one day, technical advancements might make a PS4 port feasible. Until then, Deathloop remains a testament to the power of next-generation hardware and the complexities of the modern gaming industry.