Eight years after its original release, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is finally getting the next-gen treatment it desperately needed. A PlayStation Store leak has confirmed what fans have been speculating about since July 2025, when rumors first started circulating that the medieval RPG would receive a native PS5 upgrade with significant visual and performance improvements.
The PlayStation Store Slip-Up
The leak originated on the Italian PlayStation Store page for Kingdom Come: Deliverance on January 27, 2026, before quickly spreading to the UK and other European store listings. The updated description explicitly states that the PS5 version will feature graphical upgrades including 4K resolution, improved frame rates, high-resolution textures, and more. The listings promised that “Medieval Bohemia has never looked so beautiful” and encouraged players to “(Re)discover Henry’s saga, from the start.”
Sony quickly scrubbed the premature announcement from the store pages, but not before eagle-eyed gamers captured screenshots and spread the news across social media. Additional changes to the store listing included updated key art with a darker orange background replacing the original militia scene, and the removal of the 2017 Warhorse Studios trademark information that still appears on the US PlayStation Store.
Why This Upgrade Matters
Anyone who played Kingdom Come: Deliverance on PlayStation 4 can tell you the experience was rough. The game struggled to maintain even 30 frames per second, with constant texture pop-in, objects appearing mere yards in front of the player, and performance issues that sometimes made the medieval adventure borderline unplayable. Players frequently reported riding into completely textureless towns and watching flowers spawn directly in front of their horses.
The technical limitations were especially frustrating because beneath the performance problems lay one of the most ambitious and detailed historical RPGs ever created. Set in 15th-century Bohemia during a civil war, the game offered a brutally realistic take on medieval life with no fantasy elements, complex combat mechanics, and consequences that forced players to live with their mistakes.
Perfect Timing After the Sequel’s Success
The timing for this upgrade couldn’t be better. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 launched in 2025 to widespread acclaim, becoming one of the year’s most popular and highly-rated RPGs alongside Monster Hunter Wilds and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The sequel’s success has driven renewed interest in the original game, with many newcomers wanting to experience Henry’s complete story from the beginning.
However, those who attempted to play the first game on PS5 through backward compatibility were met with the same performance issues that plagued the PS4 version. Some players reported the experience was so jarring they immediately quit after stepping outside for the first time, unable to tolerate the stuttering frame rate and visual problems.
What to Expect From the Upgrade
| Feature | PS4 Version | PS5 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p or lower | 4K native |
| Frame Rate | 30 FPS (unstable) | Improved, likely 60 FPS |
| Textures | Standard definition | High-resolution with better loading |
| Pop-in Issues | Severe texture streaming problems | Significantly reduced or eliminated |
According to a Reddit user who claimed inside knowledge back in December 2025, the upgrade is essentially a port from the PC version rather than a complete remaster. While this means players shouldn’t expect major gameplay overhauls or new content, the visual and performance improvements alone will transform the experience for console players who never had access to a high-end gaming PC.
Release Window and Platforms
While Warhorse Studios and publisher Deep Silver haven’t officially confirmed the upgrade, community speculation points to a February 2026 release. A rumored PlayStation State of Play event scheduled for the week of February 12th could serve as the perfect venue for an official announcement and potential shadow drop alongside Xbox Series X and S versions.
Interestingly, no Xbox store pages have been updated with similar information, though most industry observers expect the upgrade to arrive simultaneously across current-gen consoles. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, a version optimized for Nintendo’s new hardware also seems likely, especially considering Kingdom Come: Deliverance received a standard Switch port in March 2024.
The Free Upgrade Question
One major unknown is whether existing owners will receive the PS5 version as a free upgrade or if they’ll need to purchase it separately. Given that the game’s performance issues on PS4 were so severe they bordered on unacceptable, many fans argue a free upgrade would be the right move. However, Warhorse Studios initially stated years ago they had no plans for a PS5 update, so their change of heart might come with a price tag attached.
The original game frequently goes on deep discount, with the Royal Edition including all DLC sometimes dropping below five dollars. Players who recently purchased the game in anticipation of an upgrade will likely feel frustrated if they need to buy it again, though a reasonably priced upgrade path could soften the blow.
FAQs
When will Kingdom Come: Deliverance PS5 version be released?
While no official date has been announced, community sources suggest a February 2026 launch window. A rumored PlayStation State of Play event in mid-February could serve as the announcement venue.
What improvements will the PS5 version include?
According to the leaked PlayStation Store description, the PS5 version features 4K resolution, improved frame rates compared to the locked 30 FPS on PS4, high-resolution textures, and better asset streaming to eliminate the severe pop-in issues from the original release.
Will the PS5 upgrade be free for existing owners?
This has not been confirmed. While many fans hope for a free upgrade given the PS4 version’s technical problems, Warhorse Studios hasn’t commented on pricing. A paid upgrade or separate purchase remains possible.
Is the PS5 version a full remake or just a visual upgrade?
Based on insider information from December 2025, it appears to be a port from the PC version rather than a complete remake. Don’t expect new gameplay features or story content, just significant visual and performance improvements.
Will Xbox Series X and S get the same upgrade?
Most likely, though Microsoft’s store pages haven’t been updated with similar information yet. Industry observers expect the upgrade to launch simultaneously across current-gen platforms.
Should I play the first game before Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
While not strictly necessary, the first game provides important context for Henry’s character and story. Many players who loved the sequel have expressed interest in returning to the original with improved performance.
Will there be gameplay improvements from the sequel?
This seems unlikely based on available information. Fans have requested quality-of-life features from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 like outfit loadouts and improved weapon switching, but the upgrade appears focused solely on visual and performance enhancements.
Conclusion
After years of rumors and false starts, Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s long-awaited PS5 upgrade appears genuinely real thanks to Sony’s premature store listing. The improvements promise to finally let console players experience Warhorse Studios’ ambitious medieval RPG the way it was meant to be played, without the crippling performance issues that marred the original PS4 release. With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 bringing thousands of new fans to the series, this upgraded version arrives at exactly the right moment to let them discover where Henry’s story began. Whether it launches as a free upgrade or paid release, the chance to explore 15th-century Bohemia in 4K at smooth frame rates will likely prove irresistible to both newcomers and veterans who’ve been waiting eight years for a proper next-gen experience.