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- Best overall: PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition
- Best budget: PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition
- Best premium: PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4)
- Best for a new PS5 setup: Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition)
- Bloodborne is the pick for gothic exploration, deliberate melee combat, and a PS4 action RPG with a 30 fps target.
- Returnal is the pick for fast roguelike action, with a 60 fps target on PS5 and a separate PC edition.
- Bloodborne: The Old Hunters adds a substantial expansion to the original game; Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition bundles the base game and expansion.
- Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition includes bonus in-game items, while the standard edition delivers the core PS5 game.
- A PS5 Slim and Cobalt Blue DualSense controller round out the picks for players building or refreshing a PlayStation setup.
Bloodborne and Returnal are two distinct PlayStation action games, and the right Black Friday 2026 pick depends on whether you want a gothic RPG or a fast roguelike shooter. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the differences easy to scan.
Bloodborne puts you in a shadowy city with demanding melee combat and layered exploration. Returnal sends you into a hostile alien world for repeat runs, responsive shooting, and a story that unfolds through exploration. The list also covers each game’s key edition, Returnal on PC, and two PlayStation setup upgrades. Here's the bottom line: choose Bloodborne for methodical combat and atmosphere, or Returnal for speed, replay runs, and PS5 features.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s platform, edition contents, and core play style so readers can see what each Black Friday 2026 pick actually includes.
- Prioritized official editions and clearly identified platform versions, including the PS4 Bloodborne releases and PS5 and PC Returnal releases.
- Used published product specifications and owner feedback to describe performance targets, player modes, and setup requirements without claiming research.
- Included relevant console and controller options for readers who want the hardware to play or enjoy these games.
- Selected products with distinct uses rather than treating every edition as the same purchase.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Edition or storage | Players or key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition | Gothic action RPG fans | PS4 | Standard edition | Single-player campaign |
| PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4) | Bloodborne owners seeking more content | PS4 | 5 new areas | Requires base game |
| PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) | New players wanting the complete package | PS4 | Base game plus expansion | Single-player campaign |
| PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition | PS5 players who enjoy action roguelikes | PS5 | Standard edition | 1-2 online players |
| PlayStation Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5) | Digital buyers who want bonus items | PS5 | Digital game plus items | Single-player campaign |
| PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition | PC players who want Returnal | PC | 60 GB storage | 1-2 online players |
| Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) | Players building a PS5 setup | PS5 | 1 TB SSD | Disc drive included |
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) | PS5 players who want a second controller | PS5 | Cobalt Blue controller | Haptics and adaptive triggers |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition
The PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition is the best choice for players who want the original gothic action RPG without expansion content. The PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition's single-player campaign targets 30 fps, with online features available for cooperative and competitive play.
Best for: Gothic action RPG fans
- Platform
- PS4
- Campaign
- Single-player
- Frame-rate target
- 30 fps
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Distinctive gothic world and creature design
- Responsive, aggressive melee combat
- Strong pick for focused solo play
- Does not include The Old Hunters expansion
Is the PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition is a strong pick for players who want the original campaign, challenging melee combat, and a dark world to explore. Choose another edition if you want The Old Hunters content included.
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#2
PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4)
The PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4) is the best add-on for players who already own the base game and want more challenges. The expansion adds 5 new areas, weapons, and a set of formidable bosses.
Best for: Bloodborne owners seeking more content
- Platform
- PS4
- Content type
- Expansion
- New areas
- 5
- Base game required
- Yes
- Adds new locations and enemies
- Expands the weapon selection
- Extends the original game’s challenge
- Requires the Bloodborne base game
Is the PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4) adds 5 new areas and more weapons and bosses for owners of the base game. Buy the expansion on its own only if Bloodborne is already in your library.
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#3
PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4)
The PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) is the best all-in-one pick for players who want the base game and its expansion together. The package combines 1 campaign with The Old Hunters content for a fuller hunt.
Best for: New players wanting the complete package
- Platform
- PS4
- Included games
- 1 base game
- Expansion
- The Old Hunters
- Campaign
- Single-player
- Combines the main game and expansion
- Convenient choice for first-time players
- Keeps Bloodborne content in one edition
- Not the right pick for owners who already have the expansion
Is the PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) is a convenient choice for new players because it packages the base game with The Old Hunters. Existing owners should check their library before buying a second copy of the expansion.
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#4 · Top pick
PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition
The PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition is the best choice for players who want fast roguelike shooting on console. The PS5 version targets 60 fps and supports 3D audio, DualSense haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers.
Best for: PS5 players who enjoy action roguelikes
- Platform
- PS5
- Frame-rate target
- 60 fps
- Players
- 1-2 online
- Audio
- 3D audio support
- Fast, responsive shooting
- Built around repeat runs and discovery
- Uses PS5 controller and audio features
- A run-based structure does not suit every player
Is the PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition is a strong pick for players who want a demanding shooter with repeatable runs and PS5 features. The 60 fps target and online co-op make it a compelling alternative to Bloodborne’s slower melee action.
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#5
PlayStation Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5)
The PlayStation Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5) is the best choice for players who want the digital game with bonus in-game items. The edition includes 1 copy of Returnal plus digital extras, while preserving the same core PS5 action.
Best for: Digital buyers who want bonus items
- Platform
- PS5
- Format
- Digital
- Game included
- Returnal
- Edition extra
- Digital in-game items
- Includes the full core game
- Adds digital bonus items
- Fits an all-digital PS5 library
- Digital purchase does not provide a disc
Is the PlayStation Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Returnal Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5) suits players who want the digital game and its bonus in-game items. Choose the standard edition if the extra digital content does not interest you or a physical disc is important.
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#6
PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition
The PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition is the best choice for PC players who want the same alien-world roguelike outside the PS5. The PC edition lists 60 GB of storage space as a requirement.
Best for: PC players who want Returnal
- Platform
- PC
- Storage requirement
- 60 GB
- Players
- 1-2 online
- Genre
- Third-person roguelike shooter
- Brings Returnal to PC
- Supports keyboard and mouse play
- Includes the core run-based adventure
- Requires a compatible PC and 60 GB of storage
Is the PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition is a worthwhile option for PC players with a compatible system and 60 GB of available storage. Check the published PC requirements against your hardware before choosing the PC edition.
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#7
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition)
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) is the best console pick for players who need a PS5 to play Returnal. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition)'s 1 TB SSD provides game storage, and the disc drive supports compatible PS5 and PS4 discs.
Best for: Players building a PS5 setup
- Storage
- 1 TB SSD
- Disc drive
- Included
- Game compatibility
- PS5 and supported PS4 games
- Included controller
- 1 DualSense
- Runs the PS5 edition of Returnal
- Disc drive supports physical games
- Includes a DualSense controller
- Bloodborne remains a PS4 game
Is the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) is a practical choice for players who want to play Returnal on PS5 and keep using physical game discs. The console also plays supported PS4 games, including Bloodborne.
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#8
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue)
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) is the best accessory pick for players who want an additional PS5 controller. The controller includes 2 signature features—haptic feedback and adaptive triggers—that Returnal uses for more tactile play.
Best for: PS5 players who want a second controller
- Connection
- Wireless
- Color
- Cobalt Blue
- Key features
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Compatibility
- PS5
- Adds a second controller to a PS5 setup
- Supports haptic feedback
- Works with adaptive-trigger features
- Does not include a console
Is the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) is a useful PS5 accessory for multiplayer setups or as a replacement controller. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add tactile effects to supported games such as Returnal.
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Which game is better: Bloodborne or Returnal?
Bloodborne is a gothic action RPG built around close-range combat, exploration, and learning a connected world. Returnal is a sci-fi roguelike shooter focused on fast movement, ranged combat, and repeated runs.
Choose Bloodborne for dark fantasy, intricate levels, and punishing melee fights. Choose Returnal for responsive shooting, changing runs, and a story revealed through exploration. Returnal has online co-op; Bloodborne offers online play features for help or competition.
Returnal suits PS5 players seeking modern action and console features. Bloodborne is the better fit for players who prefer a slower, demanding hunt.
Is Bloodborne or Returnal better for a first-time player?
Bloodborne suits newcomers who enjoy action RPG progression, weapon choices, and learning enemy patterns. Returnal suits shooter fans who welcome quick movement and adapting to new weapons and upgrades each run.
A failed Returnal run resets the cycle, but the reset is part of the design. Choose Bloodborne for persistent character growth and handcrafted exploration, or Returnal for replayable runs. Neither is a low-pressure introduction to action games. The PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition supports online co-op for two players.
Which Bloodborne edition should you buy?
PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) includes the base game and The Old Hunters expansion, making it a straightforward choice for new players.
PlayStation Bloodborne (PS4) Standard Edition is suitable if you want the original campaign or already own the expansion. PlayStation Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Expansion (PS4) requires the base game and is not standalone.
The Old Hunters adds 5 areas, new weapons, and major encounters. First-time buyers should compare the Game of the Year Edition with buying the standard game and expansion separately.
Should you choose Returnal on PS5 or PC?
PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition offers console convenience, targets 60 fps, and supports 3D audio, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers through DualSense. PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition supports keyboard and mouse and lists 60 GB of storage. Check the official system requirements before buying; performance depends on your computer and settings.
Both versions offer shooting, exploration, and repeat runs. Choose PS5 for a simple setup and controller features, or PC if your computer meets the requirements. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) is one hardware option for the PS5 version.
Which platform and setup fit Bloodborne and Returnal?
Bloodborne is a PS4 game; Returnal is available on PS5 and PC. A PS5 plays supported PS4 games, including Bloodborne, as well as the PS5 version of Returnal. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) plays physical discs and digital games.
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) supports PS5 haptic feedback and adaptive triggers used by Returnal. Bloodborne was made for PS4 and uses a DualShock 4; a DualSense does not replace a PS4 controller on a PS4 console.
Check platform compatibility, physical or digital format, and disc-drive setup before buying. Players seeking Bloodborne need access to PS4 hardware; Returnal buyers can choose PS5 or PC.
Buying Guide
Pick a play style before an edition
Choose Bloodborne for gothic exploration and melee combat, or Returnal for fast shooting and repeat runs. Let the preferred gameplay loop guide the edition choice.
Check the platform first
Bloodborne is for PS4; Returnal is available on PS5 and PC. Confirm hardware and account platform. Returnal on PC requires 60 GB of storage and a compatible computer.
Compare the included content
The Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition includes The Old Hunters. The standalone expansion requires the base game. Returnal’s Digital Deluxe Edition adds digital items.
Choose physical or digital
Physical editions require a compatible disc drive. Digital editions stay in an online library. Check console hardware before ordering a disc, especially for a digital-only PS5.
Match accessories to your setup
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller (Cobalt Blue) is a second-controller option for PS5. Check compatibility: DualSense features are designed for PS5 games, while Bloodborne was made for PS4.
FAQ
Which is better, Bloodborne or Returnal?
Bloodborne is better for players who want gothic exploration, melee combat, and action RPG progression. Returnal is better for players who want fast shooting, repeatable runs, and PS5 features. Both are demanding games, so choose the combat style you enjoy most.
Can you play Bloodborne on PS5?
Yes. Bloodborne is a PS4 game, and a PS5 plays supported PS4 games. The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console (1TB, Disc Edition) supports compatible PS4 discs as well as digital games. Confirm your copy’s format and your console’s disc-drive setup.
Does Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition include The Old Hunters?
Yes. PlayStation Bloodborne Game of the Year Edition (PS4) combines the base game with The Old Hunters expansion. New players who want both parts can choose this package, while owners of the base game can purchase the expansion separately.
Is Returnal available on PC?
Yes. PlayStation Returnal (PC) Standard Edition brings the game to PC and lists 60 GB of storage space. Check the official system requirements against your computer before buying, since supported performance depends on the PC’s components and settings.
Does Returnal support two-player co-op?
Yes. PlayStation Returnal (PS5) Standard Edition supports online co-op for up to 2 players. Co-op offers a way to share the run-based action with another player, while the game’s exploration and story remain centered on its alien-world setting.
Is Bloodborne included with Returnal?
No. Bloodborne and Returnal are separate games with separate platform versions and editions. Bloodborne is a PS4 action RPG, while Returnal is a PS5 and PC roguelike shooter. Buying one does not include the other.