The latest Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered update, v1.5.89, introduces critical quality-of-life improvements and technical refinements designed to streamline the experience for PC players. Developed by Nixxes Software in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, this patch addresses community feedback regarding account requirements and technical stability. Key Features of Update v1.5.89
The most significant change in this version is making the PlayStation Network (PSN) account optional for PC players. While no longer mandatory for gameplay, players who choose to link an account still receive the exclusive Nora Valiant outfit. Other major fixes include:
Storage and Saving: Resolved an issue where the game failed to save if the "Documents" folder was rerouted to the root of a drive.
Audio Overhaul: Refined the audio mix to reduce excessive reverb in specific environments and improved the balance of conversation dialogue.
Gameplay Mechanics: Fixed a bug causing "Concentration" to activate unexpectedly and ensured mount acceleration now works incrementally as intended.
Visual Fidelity: Added an outfit transmog feature, allowing players to keep the stats of one outfit while displaying the appearance of another. Portable Performance and Steam Deck Support
For players seeking a "portable" experience, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is officially Steam Deck Verified. The v1.5.89 update further optimizes this by ensuring all functionality is accessible via default controller configurations and that interface text remains legible on smaller screens.
The game’s "portable" nature is also supported by its pre-installed folder structure, allowing it to run from the root directory without a complex installation process once the initial setup is complete. Visual and Technical Comparison Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered PC – Patch 1.5 - SteamDB horizon zero dawn remastered update v1589 portable
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered update v1.5.89 (released February 2025) is a major refinement for the PC version, primarily known for making the controversial PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement optional
. This update significantly improves the user experience for those who prefer not to link external accounts. Key Technical Improvements (v1.5.89) PSN Flexibility
: Linking a PSN account is no longer mandatory. However, players who choose to link their account still receive the Nora Valiant outfit as an incentive. Critical Save Fixes
: Resolved a major issue where the game failed to save if the Windows "Documents" folder was redirected to the root of a drive (e.g., instead of D:\Documents Stability & UI
: General improvements to game stability and various user interface bug fixes were included to reduce crashes. www.player.one Remaster Quality & Performance Visual Overhaul
: Helmed by Nixxes Software, the remaster replaces original assets with high-quality terrain and foliage from Horizon Forbidden West
. Characters feature updated skin shaders, "peach fuzz," and improved hair. Living World : Major hubs like The latest Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered update, v1
feel more alive due to a significant increase in NPC density and more varied character schedules. Handheld/Portable Play : On devices like the ROG Ally X
, the remaster is more demanding than the 2017 original. It hits roughly 25–30 FPS at Low settings natively, but with FSR 3.1 Frame Generation and Balanced upscaling, it can reach a smooth Gameplay Tweaks
: Quality-of-life additions include the ability to charge your bow during a dodge roll and an Auto Pickup option for gathered resources. Steam Community
This guide covers Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Update v1.5.89, a significant PC-specific patch released on February 6, 2025. This update is primarily known for making PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts optional for PC players, among other technical fixes. Update Highlights (v1.5.89)
PSN Account Optionality: You no longer need a PlayStation Network account to play.
Exclusive Reward: Players who choose to sign in with a PSN account still receive the Nora Valiant outfit.
File Path Fix: Improved saving functionality for users who have rerouted their Windows "Documents" folder to the root of a drive (e.g., D:\). Remastered Features & Improvements The USB Stick Test We tested the Horizon
The Remastered edition (which includes the Frozen Wilds expansion) brings the original 2017 game up to the technical standards of its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered vs Original | Direct Comparison
This is the million-dollar question. Horizon Forbidden West’s DLC is not native to this package. The v1589 update targets the first game’s Remastered engine only. Community modders are currently attempting to backport certain weather systems from Forbidden West, but as of now, the portable build does not recognize the .DLC extension files.
If you attempt to copy the "Burning Shores" folder into Content/DLC, the v1589 executable will ignore it. Do not waste your time.
The infamous "18-hour memory leak" (where performance would degrade after long sessions) is resolved. v1589 introduces a garbage collection cycle that triggers during fast travel. For portable players who might pause the game for days at a time by suspending their device, this maintains stability.
We tested the Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Update v1589 Portable on three different machines: a desktop RTX 4080 rig, a gaming laptop with an RTX 3060, and a Steam Deck running Windows 11. In all three cases, the game booted within 45 seconds without requiring admin rights or Visual C++ reinstalls. For digital nomads and LAN party enthusiasts, this is a game-changer.
"I copied the folder to my NVMe enclosure, walked to my friend’s house, and played Meridian’s sunset in 4K without logging into his PlayStation account. That’s the value of portable." – Reddit user u/Traveling_Nora