Hey everyone, Elias here from rivalsector.com. I’ve been completely hooked on the high-octane, destructive chaos of The Finals, and my inbox has been blowing up with one question more than any other: can you play it on the PlayStation 4? It’s a great question. There’s often a bit of confusion about console generations, especially with mid-cycle refreshes like the new PS5 Pro hitting the scene. To be clear, the PlayStation 4 is part of the eighth generation, a workhorse that many of you still have and love. The current generation is the ninth, which includes the PlayStation 5 and the PS5 Pro. So, let’s dive in and clear the air, giving you the definitive answer on whether you can join the ultimate game show on your PS4.
The fantastic news is, yes, The Finals is absolutely available on the PlayStation 4. Embark Studios made the smart move to launch their free-to-play shooter on a wide array of hardware, ensuring the player base is as large as possible from day one. You can head right over to the PlayStation Store, download the game for free, and start causing mayhem without spending a dime. This is a huge win for the community and keeps the game accessible to millions of players who are still getting immense value out of their PS4 consoles.
Wreck Havoc Across Platforms: Where Can You Play The Finals?
While it’s great that the PS4 community isn’t left out, it’s worth knowing all the places you can currently log in and compete. Embark has pushed for a broad, multi-platform release, which is exactly what a game like this needs to thrive.
As of right now, you can download and play The Finals on the following platforms:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam)
This wide availability is crucial because it feeds into one of the game’s best features, something that every multiplayer game should have in this day and age.
Your Progress, Everywhere: The Finals Cross-Progression Explained
Let’s talk about one of my favorite features: The Finals cross-progression. This is a lifesaver for gamers like me who play on multiple devices. Essentially, your entire game account, including all your progress, unlocks, cosmetics, and battle pass tiers, is linked to your Embark ID.
This means you can grind out a few levels on your PS4 in the living room, then hop onto your PC for a high-framerate session later, and you won’t miss a beat. All your hard-earned gear will be waiting for you. When you first launch the game on a new platform, you’ll get a prompt to link your console account (like your PlayStation Network ID) to your Embark ID. It’s a simple process, and I highly recommend doing it to ensure a seamless experience. This kind of player-first feature shows that Embark Studios respects our time and investment in their game.
Performance on PS4: What to Expect in the Arena
Now, while you can definitely play The Finals on a PS4, we need to have a real talk about performance. This is a graphically intense game built on Unreal Engine 5. The level of environmental destruction is unlike anything else out there, with entire buildings crumbling under explosive fire. This requires a lot of processing power.
On a PS4, the game will be playable, but it will not look or feel the same as it does on a PS5, PS5 Pro, or a high-end PC. You should expect lower resolutions, likely targeting 1080p, and a lower framerate cap, probably aiming for 30 or 60 FPS with some dips during intense moments. For a fast-paced shooter where reaction time is everything, a stable, high framerate can be a significant competitive advantage.
To put it in perspective, let’s look at what the game demands on PC.
| Component | Minimum PC Requirements | Recommended PC Requirements |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 580 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
The hardware inside the PS4 is aging, and while developers are wizards at optimization, there are hard limits. If you have the option, playing on a ninth-gen console or a capable PC will undoubtedly provide a smoother and more visually spectacular experience.
Climbing the Ladder: The Finals Ranked Explained
For the competitive players out there who want more than just casual chaos, The Finals has a fantastic ranked mode. So, let’s get The Finals ranked explained. The main competitive mode is the Ranked Tournament. Here, eight teams of three drop into a bracket. You play through knockout rounds, with the top teams advancing until a final showdown determines the winner.
The system uses leagues that will be familiar to any competitive gamer:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Ruby (Top 500 players globally)
You climb by earning Rank Score (RS) from winning matches and performing well. To get placed, you’ll need to play a series of placement matches that determine your starting league. It’s a true test of skill, strategy, and teamwork, as the random in-game events like low gravity or orbital lasers are disabled, creating a more predictable and skill-based environment.
The Spoils of War: Unpacking The Finals Ranked Rewards Season 8
What’s a tough competitive climb without some exclusive swag to show for it? Each season, dedicated players can earn unique cosmetic rewards based on their peak rank. I’ve got the scoop on The Finals ranked rewards season 8, and they are definitely worth fighting for.
This season, players who climb the ladder will be unlocking some slick weapon skins. Reaching Gold will net you a golden skin for the sniper rifle. Platinum players can coat their BFR in a shiny new skin. The Diamond reward is a flashy skin for the P90, and for the absolute best of the best who make it to Ruby, an exclusive skin for the ARN-220 awaits. These rewards are the ultimate flex, a way to show everyone in the lobby that you’ve got what it takes to dominate the arena.
The Final Verdict: Should You Jump In on PS4?
Without a doubt, yes. The fact that Embark Studios has made The Finals available on the PlayStation 4 is fantastic. It ensures a healthy and active player base and allows everyone to experience this incredible new shooter. While you might be at a slight performance disadvantage compared to those on newer hardware, the core gameplay loop of chaotic, objective-based fun is fully intact.
Thanks to the excellent cross-progression system, you never have to worry about losing your progress. If you decide to upgrade to a PS5 or build a new PC down the line, your account and all its unlocks will come with you. So, if your trusty PS4 is still your primary gaming machine, don’t hesitate. Download The Finals, squad up with some friends, and start blowing stuff up. I promise you won’t regret it.For more deep dives and hardware breakdowns, make sure to check out our Gaming Insights category here at rivalsector. I’ll see you in the arena!
