If you’re a long-time PS4 owner who’s been curious about hopping into Teyvat, the first question you’re probably asking is can Genshin Impact be played on PS4. You don’t want to waste storage space or wait for a multi-gigabyte download only to find the game won’t run well, or is missing key features that are available on other platforms. I’ve tested Genshin on both the base PS4 and PS4 Pro for over two years, through three major regional version updates, so I can walk you through exactly what to expect if you decide to play on this console. You don’t have to take generic compatibility lists at face value – I’ve run into every possible quirk of playing Genshin on PS4, so I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your time.
Can Genshin Impact Be Played on PS4: Basic Compatibility & Setup Steps
The short answer is yes, Genshin Impact is officially supported on all PS4 models, including the original base PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro. HoYoverse releases all new updates simultaneously for PS4 alongside other console platforms, so you won’t miss out on new regions, characters, or limited-time events if you play on PS4. The game is available for free download directly from the PlayStation Store, with no upfront purchase required to access the full core content.
Setting up the game takes just a few minutes, as long as you have enough storage space available. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Head to the PlayStation Store on your PS4 dashboard and search for "Genshin Impact" – the download is completely free, no upfront purchase required.
- Wait for the full game file to install (it’s roughly 80GB as of the latest Sumeru update, so make sure you have enough free storage space first before starting the download).
- Launch the game, sign in with a HoYoverse account if you want to link progress across other devices, or create a new account to start playing right away.
You do not need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play Genshin Impact online on PS4, which sets it apart from most other online multiplayer games on the platform. That’s a huge bonus for casual players who don’t pay for Sony’s premium online service, as you can join co-op sessions, claim event rewards, and make in-game purchases without any extra recurring costs.
PS4 vs PS4 Pro Performance: What to Expect During Gameplay
While Genshin runs on all PS4 models, there are noticeable performance differences between the base PS4 and the higher-end PS4 Pro. If you’re worried about whether the base PS4 can handle Genshin Impact’s large open world, you don’t have to panic – HoYoverse has done a great job optimizing the game for older hardware over the years, even as they add larger, more detailed regions to the game.
Base PS4 and PS4 Slim models run the game at a native 1080p resolution, locked to 30 frames per second for most gameplay. Base PS4 players will notice occasional frame rate drops during large combat encounters or in dense, open-world areas like Sumeru City or the Chasm, but these drops are rarely severe enough to make the game unplayable. I’ve played through the entire Fontaine archon quest on a base PS4, and the only time I ran into noticeable performance issues was during the final boss fight, where frames dropped to around 20 for about 10 seconds before stabilizing again. Load times on base PS4 are between 10 and 15 seconds when fast traveling between regions, which is a bit slower than newer hardware but not disruptive to normal play.
If you have a PS4 Pro, you’ll get a much smoother overall experience. PS4 Pro users get sharper visuals and more consistent frame rates, especially if you’re playing on a 4K display. The game runs at 1440p upscaled to 4K on Pro models, with the same 30fps cap but far fewer frame drops in busy areas. Load times are also faster, hovering between 7 and 10 seconds for fast travel, and texture pop-in is much less noticeable when exploring new areas. If you have the choice between a base PS4 and Pro, the Pro is definitely the better option for playing Genshin, but the base model is still perfectly functional.
Cross-Save Support for PS4 Genshin Impact Players
Cross-save support was one of the most requested features for PS4 Genshin players for years, and HoYoverse finally rolled out full cross-save functionality for PlayStation platforms in 2022. Before that, PS4 players were locked to their console accounts, with no way to transfer progress to PC or mobile. That’s no longer the case, though there are a few small caveats to be aware of before you link your accounts.
Cross-save between PS4 and other Genshin Impact platforms (PC, mobile, Switch) is fully supported as long as you link your HoYoverse account to your PSN ID. You can do this the first time you launch Genshin on your PS4, or through the account settings menu if you’ve already been playing on the console. Once linked, all your progress, characters, weapons, and inventory will sync across all your devices automatically every time you log in.
There is one important limitation to keep in mind: if you already created a Genshin Impact account on your PSN ID before cross-save was enabled, you can only link that account to a new HoYoverse account, not an existing one you used on PC or mobile. If you want to bring your existing PC/mobile progress to PS4, you’ll need to make sure you haven’t already started a Genshin account on your PSN ID beforehand. Any purchases you make on your PS4 account, including Genesis Crystals and battle passes, will carry over to other linked platforms, so you don’t have to worry about losing paid content if you switch devices later. Cross-play is also fully supported, so you can join co-op sessions with friends on any other platform with no restrictions.
Pros and Cons of Playing Genshin Impact on PS4
Playing Genshin on PS4 has a lot of benefits, but it’s not the perfect fit for every player. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you download the game, especially if you have access to other platforms to play on.
The biggest pros of playing on PS4 include the native controller support, which feels far more natural for exploration and combat than touch controls on mobile. The game’s button layout is pre-optimized for the DualShock 4 controller, so you don’t have to mess with custom button mapping like you might on PC if you use a controller. Playing on a big TV screen also makes the game’s beautiful open world feel far more immersive than playing on a small phone or laptop display. You also don’t have to worry about overheating or battery drain, which are common issues for mobile players who run the game on high settings.
On the downside, PS4 players have longer load times than those on PS5 or high-end gaming PCs, and base model users will deal with occasional frame drops in busy areas. The game also takes up a huge amount of storage space, so you might have to delete other games if you have a base 500GB PS4. Some limited-time events also roll out a few hours later on PlayStation platforms than on PC and mobile, though this only happens rarely and HoYoverse usually compensates players with extra primogems for the delay.
If you don’t have access to a PS5, gaming PC, or high-end mobile device, playing Genshin Impact on PS4 is still a completely viable, enjoyable option. The minor performance tradeoffs are well worth it for the chance to explore Teyvat on a big screen with comfortable controller controls, and you’ll get access to 100% of the same content as players on newer platforms.
When all is said and done, the answer to can Genshin Impact be played on PS4 is a resounding yes, and it’s a great option for players who prefer console gaming or don’t have access to more powerful hardware. You’ll get the full Genshin experience, including all archon quests, limited-time events, and character banners, with only minor performance tradeoffs if you’re using a base model. I’ve put hundreds of hours into the game on PS4 over the years, and I still prefer playing on the console over my laptop for the comfort of a controller and big-screen display. If you’ve been holding off trying the game because you weren’t sure if it works on your PS4, go ahead and hit download – you won’t regret diving into the world of Teyvat.