Alone in the Dark PS5: Should You Play It in 2024
Alone in the Dark (2024) on PS5 offers a gripping horror atmosphere but is held back by clunky combat and technical issues, leaving players divided. This review cuts through the noise to assess whether it’s worth your time.
Developer: Pieces Interactive ·
Publisher: THQ Nordic ·
Release date: March 20, 2024 ·
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows ·
Genre: Survival horror
Quick snapshot
- Released March 20, 2024 across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows (One More Level (gaming review blog))
- Single-player only — no co-op or multiplayer (Push Square (PS5 review site))
- Reimagining of the 1992 original, not a direct remake (GameSpot (games journalism outlet))
- Whether future DLC or expansions will be released
- Long-term player base and mod support
- Performance improvements in later patches
- Original game released by Infogrames (Wikipedia)
- Global release (One More Level)
- Post-launch patches are already rolling out to address bugs and performance
- No announced DLC, but the narrative leaves room for a sequel
The following table summarizes core specs for the PS5 version.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pieces Interactive |
| Publisher | THQ Nordic |
| Release Date | |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows |
| Genre | Survival Horror |
| Modes | Single-player |
| ESRB Rating | M (Mature) |
Is Alone in the Dark good on PS5?
What are the pros and cons?
- Pros: Strong atmosphere, puzzles, DualSense integration. Push Square praised the puzzle-solving gameplay (Push Square).
- Cons: Clunky combat, animation issues. GameSpot noted “unwieldy combat” (GameSpot).
What is the Metacritic score?
On PS5, the Metacritic score sits around 67 out of 100, indicating mixed reception. (Metacritic aggregate)
Players who prioritize puzzle-rich exploration over fluid combat may find the experience worthwhile; those seeking tight third-person shooting should expect frustration.
The verdict: a mixed bag that rewards patience.
Is Alone in the Dark on PS5 a remake?
How does it compare to the original?
This 2024 release is a reimagining, not a direct remake. It shares the title and basic premise — a missing-person investigation at Derceto Manor — but tells a new story with new characters (One More Level).
Is it a reboot or a reimagining?
Developer Pieces Interactive intended to modernize the classic while keeping the survival-horror soul. The narrative quickly expands from a missing-person case into alternate realities and existential dread (YouTube reviewer ‘Should You Play’).
The implication: long-time fans expecting a faithful shot-for-shot remake will be disappointed, but newcomers get a self-contained story that doesn’t require nostalgia.
The game’s identity as a reimagining means it carries the original’s name without delivering the same landmark experience — a risk that has drawn criticism from purists.
This choice shapes expectations.
Is Alone in the Dark a co-op game?
Does it have multiplayer?
No. Alone in the Dark is strictly single-player. There is no co-op or multiplayer mode of any kind (Push Square).
Can you play with friends?
You cannot. Players choose one of two protagonists — private investigator Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood — and experience the entire game alone (One More Level).
Why this matters: if you were hoping to share the scares, this isn’t that kind of horror game. The tension is yours alone — or not at all.
Is Alone in the Dark difficult?
Are there difficulty settings?
Yes, the game includes adjustable difficulty settings that affect combat intensity and resource availability (Push Square).
Is combat or puzzles harder?
Puzzles are the core challenge; combat is deliberately stiff and resource-sparse. One More Level described movement, shooting, and combat as “difficult” (One More Level). Push Square went further, calling combat sections “awful” while praising the puzzles (Push Square).
Difficulty comes from inventory management and environmental puzzles, not from skilled gunplay. If you enjoy tank controls and thoughtful problem-solving, the challenge feels fair. If you want responsive combat, the difficulty feels like a flaw.
How long does it take to beat Alone in the Dark on PS5?
Is the length satisfying?
The main story runs approximately 6–8 hours (YouTube reviewer). A completionist playthrough that explores every nook can stretch to about 12 hours.
What about completionist playtime?
For the price, the length is short compared to many modern horror titles. The trade-off: it respects your time without overstaying its welcome.
Length is a key factor in the value proposition.
Performance and technical details on PS5
Let’s break down how it runs on PS5.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution (Quality mode) | Native 4K, rare drops to 1836p in taxing cutscenes (Digital Foundry via ResetEra) |
| Frame rate (Quality mode) | 30fps with inconsistent frame pacing across all consoles (Digital Foundry via ResetEra) |
| DualSense features | Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback supported |
| Bug reports | Minor hand glitches, snapping during interactions, ragdoll physics quirks (YouTube reviewer ‘Should You Play’) |
| Post-launch patches | Addressed some bugs and performance issues (Push Square) |
Five performance specs, one pattern: the PS5 version runs at a stable 30fps in quality mode, but frame pacing issues remain. However, some players report smooth experiences with no crashes (YouTube reviewer).
PS5 owners can expect a visually sharp but technically uneven package. Post-launch patches have helped, but don’t expect a perfectly polished 60fps experience.
Technical performance remains a sticking point.
Timeline of Alone in the Dark
Here’s the franchise timeline at a glance.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Original Alone in the Dark released by Infogrames (Wikipedia) | |
| Worldwide release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (One More Level) | |
| Post-launch patches rolled out for bugs and performance (Push Square) |
The franchise history informs the current release.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Developed by Pieces Interactive, published by THQ Nordic
- Released March 20, 2024
- Single-player only
- Reimagining, not a direct remake
- Two protagonists: Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood
- Five chapters in the story
What’s unclear
- Whether DLC or expansions will come later
- Long-term player population and modding potential
- Whether further performance patches will resolve frame pacing
- Future developer support and sequel plans
What critics and players are saying
“a perfunctory romp that doesn’t quite recapture the magic of the original”
— Eurogamer (via content plan)
“the combat sections are awful, while the puzzle-solving gameplay at the core shines”
— Push Square
“features reality-bending story elements, puzzles, and unwieldy combat”
— GameSpot
“the game runs smoothly on PS5 with no frame drops, load delays, or crashes encountered during that reviewer’s playthrough”
— YouTube reviewer ‘Should You Play’
Critics agree on the core split: the atmosphere and puzzles work, but the combat and animations drag the experience down. For PS5 players, the question is which side they value more.
Consensus is split down the middle.
Alone in the Dark PS5: pros and cons
Upsides
- Strong horror atmosphere and sound design
- Engaging puzzles that reward exploration
- DualSense features add immersion
- Reimagined story stands alone
- Respectful playtime (6–8 hours)
Downsides
- Clunky combat and poor enemy AI
- Animation glitches and technical rough edges
- Frame pacing issues in quality mode
- Short length for the $60 price tag
- No co-op or multiplayer
For PS5 players, the choice is clear: if you crave a moody, puzzle-driven horror game with classic survival mechanics, Alone in the Dark delivers — but if responsive combat and polished animation are non-negotiables, wait for a deep sale or skip it.
Players can find an even more comprehensive overview of pricing and versions in our detailed buyers guide for the game on the reception of Alone in the Dark.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alone in the Dark have jump scares?
Yes, the game uses occasional jump scares, but they are not the primary horror mechanic. Atmosphere and psychological tension drive the experience.
Is Alone in the Dark scary?
Many players and critics find it effectively unsettling, thanks to eerie sound design and reality-bending environments. It leans more on dread than constant shocks.
What is the age rating for Alone in the Dark?
The ESRB rating is M for Mature, due to violence, blood, and gore. Suitable for players 17 and older.
Is Alone in the Dark available on PS5 disc?
Yes, a physical disc version was released featuring a reversible cover. Digital edition is also available.
Can you play Alone in the Dark on PS5 in 60fps?
No. The game targets 30fps in its quality mode. A performance mode is not available; Digital Foundry reported inconsistent frame pacing even at that target.
Does Alone in the Dark have a photo mode?
No official photo mode is included at launch. No announcements have been made about adding one.
Is Alone in the Dark related to the 2008 Alone in the Dark game?
This 2024 release is a separate reimagining of the 1992 original, not connected to the 2008 game or the film adaptation.
Will there be a sequel to the 2024 Alone in the Dark?
No official announcements have been made. The narrative ends with room for continuation, but sales and reception will likely determine future plans.
For PS5 owners evaluating whether to buy Alone in the Dark, the decision hinges on tolerance for technical roughness in exchange for genuine horror atmosphere. Horror purists: the puzzles and tone are worth the flaws. Action-focused players: the clunky combat and short runtime make it a pass unless deeply discounted.
For more horror game coverage, check out our guide to Five Nights at Freddy’s – Complete Games and Lore Guide. See also: Stranger Things Season 5 Release Time.
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