When Embark Studios announced that The Finals would no longer be supported on PlayStation 4, it didn’t exactly shock the industry—but it definitely stirred emotions among long-time players. Some were frustrated, some understood the decision, and others simply wanted to know what this meant for the future of their favorite destruction-heavy shooter.
As all of this was unfolding, Embark’s other project, Arc Raiders, continued growing in popularity, signaling something important: the studio is clearly steering its energy toward more modern, more technically demanding experiences.
So what’s actually behind this move? Why now? And what does it mean for the future of The Finals?
Let’s break things down in a way that feels real, honest, and easy to understand.
Why the PS4 Was Becoming a Problem
To put it simply: the PS4 is old. It launched in 2013. It’s a great console with a legendary library, but it wasn’t built for the type of high-speed destruction and physics-driven gameplay that The Finals thrives on.
Over time, Embark was forced to make more and more compromises just to keep the PS4 version running. Things like:
reducing destruction detail
lowering graphical quality
limiting effects and animation.
optimizing every update twice—once for new consoles, once for an old one
This splits development time, slows down updates, and puts a ceiling on how far the game can evolve.
At some point, a studio has to look at what it wants its game to become—and whether old hardware is holding it back. For Embark, the answer was clear: the PS4 was limiting growth.
Why Embark Made the Call Now
There are a few straightforward reasons. None of them are dramatic, but they paint the bigger picture.
1. Next-gen hardware finally has the majority
For years, developers held onto PS4 support because millions of players still had it. But the PS5 has reached a point where more players are moving on, and live-service games need to follow the majority.
2. Supporting PS4 took too many resources
Every map, update, balancing patch, and gameplay feature had to be tested on hardware that was essentially running on fumes. That slows down innovation and eats up development hours that could be spent making the game better.
3. Embark wants to build “future-focused” games
This is their core identity. Their engine, tech, and physics systems are all cutting-edge. They want to push boundaries, not stay held down by hardware from 2013.
4. Arc Raiders’ continued growth matters
As Arc Raiders picks up steam, Embark has even more motivation to unify their workflow and focus on modern systems that can handle the kind of large-scale, visually stunning gameplay they design.
How Players Are Reacting
Reactions have been all over the place—and understandably so.
Players on PS5/PC/Xbox Series X|S
Most of them support the mone. They want:
better destruction
smoother performance
faster updates
more ambitious features
They know the old hardware was bottlenecking the experience.
PS4 Players
On the other hand, many PS4 players feel:
left behind
frustrated that their progress might not transfer
upset that they need to upgrade hardware
sad that the game they enjoyed is now out of reach
It’s a fair reaction. PS5 prices are still high in many regions, and upgrading isn’t easy for everyone.
Embark didn’t make the decision lightly—but there’s no way to please everyone with a move like this.
What This Means for the Future of The Finals
If you’re on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, this is actually good news. It means the game can grow in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
1. Better destruction
One of the biggest draws of The Finals is its over-the-top destruction. With the PS4 out of the equation, Embark can push this much further:
more debris
more collapsible surfaces
more dynamic reactions
smoother physics
2. Larger and more complex maps
Maps can be more ambitious—bigger, more detailed, and more interactive.
3. Faster updates
Without the extra testing and optimization for PS4, Embark’s development cycle becomes shorter and cleaner.
4. More stable performance
The game already runs better on newer hardware, but future updates will now focus entirely on these versions.
5. A longer lifespan for the game
Ironically, dropping old platforms helps games survive longer. They can keep evolving instead of plateauing because of aging limitations.
This Isn’t Just About The Finals—It’s Part of a Bigger Trend
Embark isn’t the only studio doing this. The entire industry is now slowly moving away from PS4 and Xbox One. Here’s why:
The generation is over a decade old
Live-service games require constant new content
Developers want realistic lighting, physics, AI, and environments
different hardware slows everything down
We’ve already seen major games do this, and more will follow as next-gen consoles become more accessible.
The reality is simple: game studios can’t innovate when they’re designing around decade-old machine limits.
What PS4 Players Can Do Now
While PS4 support is ending, Embark isn’t waving those players off without options.
If you linked your Embark/console account, progress may carry over
You can continue on PS5 with the same PlayStation account
The game remains free, which softens the blow of upgrading later
It’s not perfect, but it’s better than a complete reset.
So, Was This the Right Move?
From a business and development perspective: yes.
From a community perspective: it’s complicated.
Why it makes sense for Embark
They can push technology further
They can compete with modern shooters more effectively
They free resources for creativity
They can speed up updates and bug fixes
Why it hurts players
Not everyone can upgrade
Losing access always feels personal
A community gets fracture
Some invested players feel abandoned
Both perspectives are fair. But gaming always moves forward—and this is the natural next step.
Final Thoughts: A Necessary Step Forward
Embark’s decision to end PS4 support for The Finals isn’t about ignoring players or chasing trends—it’s about letting the game evolve. The studio is betting on the future, gambling that a bigger, more polished vision will outweigh the temporary discomfort of leaving old hardware behind.
In the long run, this could mean:
better content
more polished gameplay
bigger seasons
richer destruction
a longer lifespan for the entire franchise
It’s a tough call, but it’s also a sign that Embark sees The Finals as something worth refining and elevating—not something to maintain at minimal effort.
And if that’s the case, the best days of the game may actually be ahead.
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