A Deep Dive into One of Gaming’s Most Underrated Masterpieces
When people discuss the best immersive sim games of the last decade, titles like BioShock, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and Dishonored usually dominate the conversation. Yet somehow, Prey often gets overlooked despite offering one of the smartest and most atmospheric sci-fi experiences on PS4.
Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, Prey blends survival horror, RPG progression, stealth, and open-ended exploration into a deeply rewarding experience. Even years after release, many players still consider it one of gaming’s most underrated masterpieces. While Cyberpunk 2077 focuses more on open-world action RPG systems, Prey delivers a tighter and more immersive sci-fi role-playing experience.
So, is Prey on PS4 still worth playing in 2024? After spending more than 40 hours exploring Talos I, experimenting with Neuromods, and surviving Typhon attacks, the answer is largely yes — though there are some technical caveats on older hardware.
Quick Overview — What Is Prey on PS4?
Game at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| Title | Prey |
| Developer | Arkane Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Platform | PS4, Xbox One, PC |
| Release Date | May 5, 2017 |
| Genre | Action RPG / Immersive Sim |
| Metacritic Score (PS4) | 79/100 |
| ESRB Rating | M (Mature) |
| PS5 Upgrade Available | Yes (60fps patch) |
Is Prey the 2017 Game or the 2006 Original?
This review focuses on the 2017 version of Prey developed by Arkane Studios, not the 2006 shooter created by Human Head Studios.
The original Prey from 2006 was a linear sci-fi FPS with portal mechanics and alien combat. The 2017 reboot takes a completely different approach, leaning heavily into immersive sim gameplay inspired by classics like System Shock 2.
Although both games share the same title, they are unrelated in terms of story, gameplay, and setting.
My Honest Prey PS4 Review — After 40+ Hours of Gameplay
First Impressions — What to Expect When You Start Playing
Prey opens with one of the most memorable introductions in modern gaming. The early hours immediately establish a tense and mysterious tone that keeps you questioning what is real.
However, the game does not hold your hand. Players expecting nonstop action may initially struggle with the slower pacing and complex systems. Prey rewards curiosity, experimentation, and patience more than raw shooting skill. Much like Firewatch, Prey relies heavily on atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and slow-burn exploration rather than constant combat.
The game is especially appealing for players who enjoy:
- Environmental storytelling
- Exploration-heavy gameplay
- Multiple solutions to problems
- RPG progression systems
- Psychological sci-fi themes
Prey Gameplay on PS4 — How Does It Actually Feel?
The core gameplay loop in Prey revolves around exploration, survival, and player freedom. Nearly every obstacle in Talos I can be approached in multiple ways.
For example, locked doors can be bypassed through:
- Hacking
- Finding alternate routes
- Using GLOO Cannon platforms
- Mimic abilities
- Environmental manipulation
This flexibility is where Prey truly shines.
Combat feels deliberate rather than fast-paced. Weapons like the shotgun and Q-Beam are satisfying, but resource scarcity means you cannot simply run and gun through every encounter. Players expecting nonstop aggressive gunplay similar to DOOM may initially find Prey much slower and more methodical.
Stealth also plays a major role. Mimics — small Typhon enemies that disguise themselves as ordinary objects — create constant tension. Walking into a room and wondering whether a coffee mug might suddenly attack you becomes surprisingly effective horror design. Fans of psychological horror experiences like Outlast 2 will appreciate how Prey constantly builds paranoia and uncertainty.
On PS4, the controls are responsive enough, though aiming can occasionally feel slightly stiff compared to PC.
Performance-wise:
- Base PS4 suffers from inconsistent frame pacing
- Some areas experience stuttering during combat
- Loading screens can feel long
- PS4 Pro provides a more stable experience overall
Storyline and World-Building
Talos I is one of the best-designed environments in modern gaming. Every section of the station feels interconnected and believable.
The story follows Morgan Yu, a scientist trapped aboard the space station after a catastrophic Typhon outbreak. Without spoiling major twists, the narrative constantly challenges your morality and decision-making.
Logs, emails, crew terminals, and environmental clues make the station feel alive. Unlike many modern RPGs, Prey rewards players who pay attention to details.
The branching narrative also adds weight to your choices. Different playstyles and decisions can significantly alter the ending.
Replay Value and Mission Structure
Replayability is one of Prey’s biggest strengths.
The Neuromod system encourages experimentation with different builds:
- Human-focused engineer builds
- Typhon ability-heavy runs
- Stealth-focused playthroughs
- Aggressive combat setups
Side quests are meaningful and often contain strong narrative payoffs rather than filler objectives.
New Game Plus also adds additional replay value for players wanting to maximize abilities.
Prey PS4 Review — Pros and Cons
What Prey Does Exceptionally Well
- Deep immersive sim gameplay with multiple approaches
- Outstanding environmental storytelling
- Clever level design across Talos I
- Excellent RPG progression via Neuromods
- High replay value
- Intelligent enemy behavior
- Strong atmosphere and tension
Where Prey Falls Short on PS4
- Frame drops on base PS4
- Slow opening hours may discourage casual players
- Inventory management feels dated
- Minimal multiplayer content
- Some combat encounters become repetitive late-game
- Technical polish is not perfect on older hardware
Prey PS4 Performance & Technical Review
PS4 vs PS4 Pro Performance Comparison
| Performance Metric | Base PS4 | PS4 Pro |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p / Checkerboard 4K |
| Frame Rate | 30fps (inconsistent) | ~30fps (more stable) |
| Loading Times | Moderate–Long | Slightly improved |
| Visual Fidelity | Medium | Medium–High |
| Crashes/Bugs | Occasional | Rare |
Known PS4 Technical Issues and Patches
Prey launched with several technical issues, though many were improved through patches over time.
Common issues include:
- Frame pacing inconsistencies
- Rare audio desync bugs
- Long loading screens
- Occasional texture pop-in
Players should also keep multiple save files because certain late-game sections can become difficult if resources are poorly managed.
Prey PS5 — Upgrade, Performance & Is It Worth Replaying?
Does Prey Get a PS5 Upgrade?
Prey does not have a native PS5 version, but it received a major backward compatibility update that enables 60fps gameplay on PS5. Similar to the improvements seen in the Witcher 3 next-gen update, Prey benefits enormously from higher frame rates and dramatically faster loading on modern hardware.
The patch dramatically improves responsiveness and smoothness.
Prey PS5 Performance Breakdown
| Feature | PS5 (BC Mode) |
| Frame Rate | 60fps (locked) |
| Resolution | 1080p–4K |
| Load Times | Near-instant |
| DualSense Features | Limited (no haptics) |
| Free Upgrade? | Yes (patch-based) |
Is Prey 60fps on PS5 Worth Revisiting?
Absolutely.
The jump from unstable 30fps on PS4 to smooth 60fps on PS5 transforms the experience. Combat feels cleaner, aiming becomes more responsive, and loading times are nearly eliminated.
For returning players, the PS5 version feels like the definitive console experience.
Prey Game Guide — Essential Tips & Tricks for PS4 Players
Beginner Tips to Survive Talos I
- Do not rush the main story
- Recycle junk materials constantly
- Upgrade inventory space early
- Invest in hacking and repair skills
- Use the GLOO Cannon creatively for traversal
- Save ammunition whenever possible
Prey PS4 Walkthrough — Key Early Game Milestones
Early priorities should include:
- Escaping the simulation apartment
- Unlocking your first Neuromods
- Exploring the Lobby thoroughly
- Finding security terminals for crew tracking
- Learning station shortcuts
Exploration is rewarded heavily, so avoid sprinting directly through objectives.
Prey Game Guide — Best Build and Playstyle Tips
Human-only builds are excellent for players wanting stronger engineering and survival options.
Typhon-focused builds provide powerful offensive abilities but may trigger security turrets to attack you later in the game.
Stealth-focused players should prioritize:
- Sneak upgrades
- Silenced pistol usage
- Mobility skills
- Environmental traps
Prey Mission List — Main Story vs Side Quest Priority
| Mission Type | Recommended Priority |
| Main Story Quests | High — follow for narrative |
| Crew Quarters Side Quests | Medium — good loot + story depth |
| Psychotronics Quests | High — critical upgrades |
| Optional Exploration | High — best for immersive sim fans |
Prey PS4 vs PC vs Xbox — Which Version Should You Play?
Platform Comparison Table
| Feature | PS4 | Xbox One | PC |
| Performance (Base) | 30fps / Issues | 30fps / Similar issues | Variable (60fps+ capable) |
| Metacritic Score | 79 | 82 | 82 |
| Mod Support | No | No | Yes |
| Best Value Version | Game of the Year Ed. | Game of the Year Ed. | Steam Sale |
| PS5/Xbox Series Upgrade | Yes (60fps) | Yes (60fps) | N/A |
Prey Xbox One Review Summary
The Xbox One version performs similarly to PS4, though Xbox Series X improves the experience significantly with stable 60fps gameplay.
Prey PC Game Review Summary
PC remains the definitive platform for Prey thanks to:
- Higher frame rates
- Better graphical settings
- Mouse and keyboard precision
- Mod support
- Faster loading
Still, console players can absolutely enjoy the game, especially on current-generation hardware.
Prey Metacritic Score — What Do Critics and Players Say?
Critical Reception Breakdown
| Source | Score |
| Metacritic (PS4) | 79/100 |
| Metacritic (PC) | 82/100 |
| IGN Prey PS4 Review | 8/10 |
| OpenCritic | 81/100 |
| User Score (PS4) | 7.9/10 |
Prey PS4 Review Reddit — What the Community Thinks
The Reddit community consistently praises:
- Talos I’s atmosphere
- Freedom of gameplay
- Replayability
- Creative problem-solving
The most common complaints include:
- Slow pacing
- Technical issues on base consoles
- Limited enemy variety
Overall, the community consensus is that Prey aged remarkably well and deserves far more attention than it originally received.
About Prey
Prey is a sci-fi immersive sim developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released in 2017, the game places players aboard the massive Talos I space station after a dangerous alien outbreak. You play as Morgan Yu, a scientist caught in a mysterious experiment involving the hostile Typhon species.
Prey combines first-person shooting, stealth, exploration, survival horror, and RPG mechanics into a highly flexible gameplay experience. Players can approach missions in multiple ways using hacking, combat, stealth, engineering skills, or alien powers unlocked through Neuromods. The game is widely praised for its environmental storytelling, atmospheric world-building, and freedom of choice.
Unlike traditional shooters, Prey rewards curiosity and experimentation. Every room on Talos I hides secrets, alternate paths, and resources that can change how you survive. Even years later, it remains one of the most underrated sci-fi games available on PS4, Xbox, and PC.
Minimum System Requirements (PC)
| Component | Requirement |
| OS | Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Graphics Card | GTX 660 2GB / Radeon 7850 2GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 20 GB available space |
Recommended System Requirements (Maximum / Recommended)
| Component | Requirement |
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel i7-2600K / AMD Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Graphics Card | GTX 970 4GB / Radeon R9 390 4GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD recommended |
Is Prey Good? — Final Verdict
Who Should Play Prey on PS4?
Prey is highly recommended for fans of:
- BioShock
- Dishonored 2
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Sci-fi horror games
- Exploration-driven RPGs
It may not appeal to players wanting fast-paced action or simple shooter mechanics.
Is Prey Worth Buying in 2024?
Yes — especially at its modern discounted price.
The Game of the Year Edition provides excellent value thanks to the included Mooncrash DLC, which adds even more replayability.
If you own a PS5, the 60fps patch alone makes Prey significantly easier to recommend today than it was at launch.
Prey PS4 Review — Final Score
| Category | Score |
| Gameplay | 9/10 |
| Story | 8.5/10 |
| Graphics (PS4) | 7.5/10 |
| Performance (PS4) | 6.5/10 |
| Replay Value | 9/10 |
| Overall | 8.1/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Prey available on PS5?
Yes. Prey is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility.
Is Prey 60fps on PS5?
Yes. A next-gen patch enables smooth 60fps gameplay on PS5.
What is the difference between Prey 2006 and Prey 2017?
Prey 2006 is a linear sci-fi FPS, while Prey 2017 is an immersive sim RPG focused on exploration and player freedom.
How long is Prey on PS4?
Most players finish the main story in 20–25 hours, while completionists can easily spend 40+ hours exploring Talos I.
Does Prey PS4 have a walkthrough guide?
Yes. The game includes extensive mission paths, optional objectives, and exploration opportunities that many online walkthroughs cover in detail.
What is Prey’s Metacritic score on PS4?
Prey holds a 79/100 Metacritic score on PS4.
Is Prey good for casual gamers?
It depends. Casual players who enjoy exploration and slower pacing may love it, but action-focused players could find it overwhelming.
Can you play Prey PS4 on PS5 via backward compatibility?
Yes, and the PS5 version runs substantially better thanks to improved loading speeds and 60fps support.
