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- Best overall: Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5
- Best budget: Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4
- Best premium: Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5
- Best for story-focused PC players: Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam)
- Horizon Forbidden West is the pick for cinematic storytelling, exploration and ranged combat.
- Elden Ring suits players who want open-ended exploration, demanding fights and build variety.
- Complete editions bundle a major expansion with the base game; standard editions focus on the base adventure.
- Match the edition to your platform before buying: PlayStation, Xbox and PC versions are not interchangeable.
Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring offer two very different open-world adventures for Black Friday 2026: one centers on Aloy's cinematic sci-fi journey, while the other puts players in a dangerous fantasy realm built around exploration and tough combat. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the edition and platform choices easier.
Here's the bottom line: choose Horizon Forbidden West for a guided story, expressive characters and bow-focused action; choose Elden Ring for freedom, build experimentation and challenging boss fights. The picks below cover PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC editions, including bundles with expansions.
How We Picked
- Compared each edition’s included content, including whether a major expansion is bundled.
- Checked platform compatibility so each recommendation clearly identifies PlayStation, Xbox or PC.
- Prioritized versions that make the Horizon Forbidden West versus Elden Ring choice straightforward.
- Used publisher product details alongside reviews and owner feedback to assess who each game suits.
- Considered story, combat, exploration and replay value rather than treating the two games as interchangeable.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Included expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5 | PS5 story fans | PlayStation 5 | 1 | Burning Shores |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4 | PS4 players | PlayStation 4 | 1 | None |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam) | PC story fans | PC (Steam) | 1 | Burning Shores |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5 | PS5 fantasy fans | PlayStation 5 | 1 | Shadow of the Erdtree |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5 | PS5 newcomers | PlayStation 5 | 1 | None |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – Xbox Series X | Xbox expansion fans | Xbox Series X | 1 | Shadow of the Erdtree |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – Xbox Series X | Xbox newcomers | Xbox Series X | 1 | None |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5 is the best all-in-one story adventure for PS5 players, with 1 major expansion included alongside the base game.
Best for: PS5 players who want Aloy’s full adventure in one package.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- Included expansion
- 1: Burning Shores
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- Base game and Burning Shores are bundled.
- Strong fit for story-first open-world fans.
- Designed for PlayStation 5.
- Not the right version for Xbox or PC owners.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PlayStation 5 is a strong buy for PS5 players who want the complete Aloy adventure, with the base game and Burning Shores expansion together.
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#2
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4 is the best entry point for PS4 players who want the base story, with 1-player campaign play.
Best for: PS4 owners looking for the core Horizon story.
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Players
- 1
- Included expansions
- 0
- ESRB rating
- Teen 13+
- Works with a PlayStation 4 setup.
- Delivers the central Horizon Forbidden West campaign.
- Straightforward choice for first-time players.
- Burning Shores is not included.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition – PlayStation 4 is worth considering for PS4 owners who want Aloy’s main campaign. Pick the Complete Edition instead when the Burning Shores expansion is a priority.
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#3
Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam)
The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam) is the best bundled Horizon option for PC story fans, with 1 expansion included alongside the campaign.
Best for: PC players who want the base game and Burning Shores.
- Platform
- PC (Steam)
- Players
- 1
- Included expansion
- 1: Burning Shores
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- Combines the main campaign and expansion.
- Adds a PC option to the Horizon side of the comparison.
- Good fit for keyboard, mouse or controller play.
- Requires a compatible gaming PC.
Is the Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam) gives PC players the base adventure and Burning Shores together. Check your computer against the game’s current system requirements before choosing this edition.
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#4 · Top pick
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5 is the best complete fantasy challenge for PS5 players, with 1 major expansion included.
Best for: PS5 players who want the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- Included expansion
- 1: Shadow of the Erdtree
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- Bundles the base game with its major expansion.
- Offers demanding combat and character builds.
- A strong choice for exploration-led play.
- The difficulty is a poor match for players seeking relaxed combat.
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – PlayStation 5 suits players who want a large fantasy adventure and its expansion in one edition. Expect challenging combat and reward-driven exploration.
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#5
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5 is the best starting point for PS5 players new to the Lands Between, with 1 core campaign to master.
Best for: PS5 players who want to start with the base game.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1
- Included expansions
- 0
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- A clear entry point to Elden Ring.
- Supports varied character builds.
- Suited to players who enjoy difficult boss encounters.
- Shadow of the Erdtree is sold separately.
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5 is a smart starting point for PS5 players who want the original adventure before adding an expansion. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – PlayStation 5's open world rewards patience, exploration and combat practice.
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#6
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – Xbox Series X
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – Xbox Series X is the best bundled Elden Ring pick for Xbox Series X players, with 1 expansion included.
Best for: Xbox Series X players seeking the base adventure and expansion.
- Platform
- Xbox Series X
- Players
- 1
- Included expansion
- 1: Shadow of the Erdtree
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- Includes the base game and expansion.
- Brings Elden Ring’s open-ended fantasy world to Xbox.
- Supports players who want a long challenge.
- Not compatible with PlayStation or PC.
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – Xbox Series X worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition – Xbox Series X is a strong Xbox bundle for players ready for the base game and its expansion. Choose it for build variety, exploration and demanding fights.
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#7
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – Xbox Series X
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – Xbox Series X is the best base-game choice for Xbox Series X players, with 1 main adventure to explore.
Best for: Xbox Series X owners who want the original campaign first.
- Platform
- Xbox Series X
- Players
- 1
- Included expansions
- 0
- ESRB rating
- Mature 17+
- Delivers the complete base campaign.
- Lets players learn the world before buying an expansion.
- A clear Xbox Series X version.
- Does not include Shadow of the Erdtree.
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – Xbox Series X worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Standard Edition – Xbox Series X is worth buying for Xbox players who want the base campaign as their first step. Pick the bundled edition if Shadow of the Erdtree is also on your list.
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Which game is better: Horizon Forbidden West or Elden Ring?
Horizon Forbidden West is the better pick for players who want a character-led story, while Elden Ring is the better fit for players who want freedom and combat challenge. Both games offer huge worlds, but their moment-to-moment rhythm is different.
Horizon Forbidden West follows Aloy through a sci-fi narrative and pairs exploration with ranged weapons, machines and mission-led progression. Elden Ring gives players fewer directions and more room to choose where to go, how to fight and which character build to develop. Story fans should start with Horizon Forbidden West; players who enjoy discovery and learning from difficult encounters should choose Elden Ring. Worth it for most players. The better match comes down to the kind of challenge you want.
Which game has the better story and world?
Horizon Forbidden West is the stronger story-first pick, while Elden Ring offers a more open-ended fantasy world across 1 connected adventure. Horizon Forbidden West puts Aloy and her relationships at the center of its campaign.
The game’s missions and cinematic scenes make its world easier to follow, with discoveries tied to a clear central journey. Elden Ring builds its lore through locations, characters and item descriptions rather than frequent story explanations. Its setting rewards curiosity, but players who prefer a direct narrative thread will feel more at home with Aloy. Both worlds offer plenty to discover; the difference is how much direction the game provides as you explore.
Which game has better combat?
Elden Ring is the pick for melee build variety and boss difficulty, while Horizon Forbidden West favors tactical ranged combat against machines. Each game asks players to learn enemy behavior, but the tools and pressure feel different.
Horizon Forbidden West encourages weapon switching, aiming at machine parts and choosing the right elemental approach. Elden Ring focuses on timing, stamina, weapons, spells and build choices, with demanding opponents that punish careless attacks. Choose Horizon for more guided encounters and a broad toolkit of ranged options. Choose Elden Ring if repeated attempts, close combat and refining a character build are part of the fun. Both combat systems reward attention and preparation.
Which edition should you buy on Black Friday 2026?
The Complete Edition and Shadow of the Erdtree Edition are the strongest bundled picks because each includes 1 major expansion with its base game. Standard editions suit players who want to start with the core campaign or keep the purchase focused.
For Horizon Forbidden West, the Complete Edition includes Burning Shores; the PlayStation 4 Standard Edition does not. For Elden Ring, the Shadow of the Erdtree Edition pairs the base game with its expansion, while the Standard Edition contains the base adventure. Check the product title and platform before checkout. A PlayStation edition does not work on Xbox, and a PC Steam edition requires a compatible computer. Bundle choice matters as much as the game choice.
Can you play Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring on the same platform?
PlayStation 5 players can choose versions of both games, but Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring do not share identical platform lineups. Horizon Forbidden West is represented here on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC; Elden Ring is represented on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
The comparison is easiest when you start with the console or computer you already own. PC buyers should select the Steam edition of Horizon Forbidden West and check its system requirements. Xbox Series X owners should choose an Xbox edition of Elden Ring. PS5 owners have options for both games, making the genre comparison simple. Always verify the platform name in the product listing before placing an order.
Buying Guide
Choose a game by play style
Horizon Forbidden West suits players who want a directed story and ranged combat. Elden Ring is the stronger fit for open exploration, melee builds and demanding bosses. Decide which style you want before comparing editions.
Compare standard and complete editions
A standard edition focuses on the base game. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition adds 1 expansion, Burning Shores, and Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition bundles 1 expansion with its base adventure.
Match the edition to your hardware
Check the platform in the full product name: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or PC Steam. A PlayStation game is not an Xbox edition, and PC owners need compatible hardware.
Think about difficulty and time
Elden Ring asks players to learn from tough encounters and explore at their own pace. Horizon Forbidden West offers a more guided campaign. Pick the game whose pacing fits your preferred gaming sessions.
Check the included content before checkout
Read the edition name and included-content details to confirm whether the expansion is bundled. The standard versions listed here do not include the named expansion; complete editions do.
FAQ
Horizon Forbidden West vs Elden Ring: which should I buy on Black Friday 2026?
Choose Horizon Forbidden West for a cinematic story, Aloy’s journey and tactical ranged combat. Choose Elden Ring for open-ended exploration, character builds and demanding boss fights. The best Black Friday 2026 pick depends on which play style sounds more fun.
Is Horizon Forbidden West open world like Elden Ring?
Yes. Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring both feature large areas to explore, but Horizon Forbidden West gives players a more directed story path. Elden Ring leaves more of the route and exploration choices to the player.
Does Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition include Burning Shores?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition includes the base game and the Burning Shores expansion. Check the platform in the full edition name, since PlayStation 5 and PC Steam versions are separate products.
Does Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition include the base game?
Yes. Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition pairs the Elden Ring base game with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Select the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X version that matches your console.
Is Elden Ring harder than Horizon Forbidden West?
Elden Ring is generally the more demanding choice, with challenging boss encounters and a stronger emphasis on learning combat patterns. Horizon Forbidden West also asks players to prepare and adapt, but its story-led structure provides more direction.
Can I play Horizon Forbidden West on PC?
Yes. Sony Interactive Entertainment Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition – PC (Steam) is the PC option in this guide and includes Burning Shores. Review the current system requirements and confirm your computer meets them before buying.