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- Best overall: Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5)
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)
- Best premium: Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5)
- Best for PC players: Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC)
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition bundles the base game and Burning Shores expansion for a story-driven, single-player adventure.
- ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition combines the base game and its major expansion for challenging action RPG combat.
- Choose Horizon for cinematic exploration and guided quests; choose ELDEN RING for demanding battles, open-ended builds and co-op.
- PS5 and PC editions offer the most complete versions of both games, while PS4 and Xbox editions suit players already on those platforms.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition and ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition are the two strongest Black Friday 2026 picks for players choosing between cinematic action and demanding fantasy RPG combat. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across 7 editions to make the choice easier.
Choose Horizon Forbidden West for a guided, story-led journey through a lush science-fiction world. Choose ELDEN RING for tough boss fights, flexible character builds and a vast dark-fantasy setting. Here's the bottom line: the best game is the one that matches how you want to spend your play time.
How We Picked
- Compared included content so each edition's base game and expansion are clear before you choose.
- Checked platform availability and noted where a version is best suited to PS5, PS4, PC or Xbox.
- Prioritized gameplay fit: cinematic storytelling and exploration versus open-ended builds and punishing combat.
- Reviewed published specifications, critical reviews and owner feedback rather than relying on detailed claims.
- Considered long-term value through campaign scope, replay options, multiplayer and expansion content.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Included content | Player count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5) | Cinematic PS5 adventure | PS5 | Base game + Burning Shores | 1 player |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4) | PS4 players seeking the base game | PS4 | Base game | 1 player |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC) | PC players seeking the full story | PC | Base game + Burning Shores | 1 player |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5) | Challenging PS5 action RPG | PS5 | Base game + expansion | 1 offline; up to 4 online |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS4) | PS4 players seeking both adventures | PS4 | Base game + expansion | 1 offline; up to 4 online |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (Xbox Series X|S) | Xbox players seeking both adventures | Xbox Series X|S | Base game + expansion | 1 offline; up to 4 online |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC) | PC players seeking flexible controls | PC | Base game + expansion | 1 offline; up to 4 online |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5) is the best overall pick for story-focused PS5 players, with 2 major adventures in one package: the base game and Burning Shores.
Best for: PS5 players who want a cinematic story and both adventures
- Platform
- PS5
- Included adventures
- 2: base game and Burning Shores
- Players
- 1
- Performance mode target
- Up to 60 frames per second
- Includes the Burning Shores expansion
- Detailed world and strong character performances
- Offers a 60 frames-per-second performance mode
- Single-player only
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5) is a strong pick for players who want a polished, story-led adventure and its Burning Shores expansion together. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5)'s 60 frames-per-second performance mode supports responsive combat.
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#2
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4) is the best budget-platform fit for PS4 players who want the core adventure, with 1 complete single-player campaign focused on exploration and machine combat.
Best for: PS4 owners who want the base campaign
- Platform
- PS4
- Included games
- 1
- Players
- 1
- Frame-rate target
- Up to 30 frames per second
- Runs on the PS4 console family
- Delivers the complete base-game story
- Features varied machine encounters
- Burning Shores is not included
- Does not offer the PS5 version's performance modes
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West (PS4) suits players who want the main campaign on PS4 without changing consoles. The single-player adventure includes machine battles, exploration and a substantial story, but the Burning Shores expansion is separate.
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#3
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC) is the best choice for PC players seeking the full story, with 2 included adventures and adjustable graphics options for compatible systems.
Best for: PC players who want both Horizon adventures
- Platform
- PC
- Included adventures
- 2: base game and Burning Shores
- Players
- 1
- Display support
- Ultrawide and 4K options
- Includes Burning Shores
- Graphics and control options suit varied PC setups
- Supports ultrawide displays and 4K output
- Performance depends on PC hardware
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC) delivers both the base adventure and Burning Shores in one edition. Adjustable graphics options, ultrawide support and 4K output make it a flexible fit for a capable gaming PC.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5)
The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5) is the best pick for PS5 players who want demanding fantasy combat, with 2 included experiences: the base game and its expansion.
Best for: PS5 players who enjoy tough bosses and build variety
- Platform
- PS5
- Included experiences
- 2: base game and expansion
- Players
- 1 offline; up to 4 online
- Combat focus
- Melee, magic and ranged builds
- Combines the base game and major expansion
- Supports many character builds
- Online play adds co-op and competitive options
- Boss difficulty demands patience
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5) gives players the base game and expansion together. The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS5)'s demanding battles, flexible builds and online multiplayer suit players who enjoy learning enemy patterns and exploring at their own pace.
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#5
Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS4)
The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS4) is the best complete-package option for PS4 players, with 2 linked experiences built around exploration, character builds and boss fights.
Best for: PS4 players who want the base game and expansion
- Platform
- PS4
- Included experiences
- 2: base game and expansion
- Players
- 1 offline; up to 4 online
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Includes the base game and expansion
- Supports online multiplayer
- Offers deep character customization
- Combat is intentionally challenging
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PS4) is a complete choice for PS4 players who want both adventures on their current console. Expect demanding combat, a broad selection of builds and online multiplayer for up to 4 players.
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#6
Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is the best Xbox pick for players after a sprawling action RPG, with 2 included experiences and online play for up to 4 players.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want both adventures
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Included experiences
- 2: base game and expansion
- Players
- 1 offline; up to 4 online
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Packages the base game and expansion
- Supports online co-op and competitive play
- Encourages replay through varied builds
- Difficulty is a poor fit for players seeking relaxed combat
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (Xbox Series X|S) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (Xbox Series X|S) brings both experiences to Xbox players in one package. The action RPG rewards careful exploration and supports online sessions for up to 4 players.
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#7
Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC)
The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC) is the best PC pick for players who want control and graphics flexibility, with 2 included experiences and support for keyboard, mouse and controller input.
Best for: PC players who want flexible controls and settings
- Platform
- PC
- Included experiences
- 2: base game and expansion
- Players
- 1 offline; up to 4 online
- Input options
- Keyboard, mouse and controller
- Includes both the base game and expansion
- Supports multiple input methods
- Offers extensive character-build options
- PC performance depends on hardware and settings
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (PC) combines the base game and expansion with flexible input choices. Players can use keyboard and mouse or a controller, then tailor settings to their hardware.
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Which game is better for story and exploration?
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition suits players who want a character-led story, clear quests and guided exploration. Aloy’s journey mixes cinematic scenes, side quests and encounters with machines that reward scanning and tactical weapon choices.
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition offers less direction. Hidden routes, enemies and lore reward players who enjoy choosing their own path.
Choose Horizon for a focused narrative or ELDEN RING for open-ended discovery.
Which game has the more challenging combat?
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition centers on timing, stamina and learning enemy patterns. Bosses demand persistence, while weapons, spells and equipment support varied builds. Online co-op offers another way to face difficult fights.
Horizon Forbidden West uses tactical combat built around machine parts, traps and elemental weaknesses. Difficulty settings make its encounters more adjustable.
Choose ELDEN RING for demanding fights and build experimentation, or Horizon for strategic combat with adjustable difficulty.
Do the editions include the expansions?
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition includes the base game and Burning Shores. The standard PS4 edition is the base game; Burning Shores is designed for PS5 and PC.
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition includes the base game and expansion. Owners of the base game should check whether an expansion-only option fits their library.
Confirm the edition name and platform before checkout.
Which version should PS5, PS4, PC and Xbox players choose?
PS5 players can choose either game. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition includes Burning Shores, while ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition bundles the base game and expansion. PS4 versions are available for both games.
PC players can choose either edition. Horizon Forbidden West offers adjustable graphics and ultrawide support. ELDEN RING supports keyboard, mouse and controller input; performance depends on hardware and settings.
Xbox Series X|S players can choose ELDEN RING. Horizon Forbidden West is not available for Xbox.
Which game offers better replay value?
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition rewards players who revisit areas, try different builds and explore alternate routes. Online play and the expansion’s additional challenges extend the adventure.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition focuses on its story, side activities, equipment upgrades and machine encounters.
Choose ELDEN RING for build variety and long-term experimentation, or Horizon for a polished, directed story.
Buying Guide
Start with your platform
Horizon Forbidden West is available here for PS4, PS5 and PC. ELDEN RING is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Confirm compatibility before ordering.
Decide how much guidance you want
Horizon has clear quests, a directed story and adjustable difficulty. ELDEN RING favors independent exploration and patience with difficult enemies.
Check the included expansion
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition includes Burning Shores; the PS4 base edition does not. ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition includes the base game and expansion.
Choose your combat style
Horizon uses ranged weapons, traps, elemental effects and machine-part targeting. ELDEN RING emphasizes melee timing, stamina, magic, builds and boss patterns.
Match the game to your play habits
Choose Horizon for a cinematic single-player story. Choose ELDEN RING for open exploration, demanding encounters and online sessions for up to 4 players.
FAQ
Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: which is better on Black Friday 2026?
Horizon Forbidden West is better for players who value a cinematic story, machine battles and guided exploration. ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree is better for players who want challenging bosses, flexible builds and open-ended discovery. Choose based on gameplay preference and platform.
Is Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is a strong choice for PS5 and PC players who want the main adventure and Burning Shores together. The edition centers on a single-player story, detailed exploration and tactical combat against mechanical creatures.
Does ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition include the base game?
Yes. ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition includes the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Check the product listing and platform before buying, especially if you already own ELDEN RING and need only the expansion.
Can I play Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PS4?
No. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is the PS5 and PC package that includes Burning Shores. PS4 players can choose the base game version, but Burning Shores is not included for PS4. Check the platform label before checkout.
Is ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree harder than Horizon Forbidden West?
ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree is generally the tougher choice, with demanding boss fights and combat that rewards repeated practice. Horizon Forbidden West offers tactical battles and adjustable difficulty, making its progression more accessible for story-focused players.
Which game is better for a PC gaming setup?
Both have PC editions, so choose by gameplay style. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition supports graphics adjustment, ultrawide displays and 4K output. ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition supports keyboard, mouse and controller input, with performance shaped by PC hardware.