Hellblade 2 Enhanced Finally Gets a PS5 Release Date — Here’s What Those Enhanced Features Do

We already knew that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced was on its way to PS5, and now we have a release date: August 12.

Ninja Theory’s game will be available in two editions: a $49.99 standard edition, which includes the base Hellblade 2 alongside the upgrades and new features available in the Enhanced update, and a $69.99 deluxe edition, which also includes Hellblade 1 upgraded for PlayStation 5, as well as the Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Original Soundtrack, “making it the perfect entry point for Senua’s journey.”

Those who already own the PlayStation 4 version of Hellblade 1can upgrade to the PS5 version for free.

Don’t forget that the Enhanced release and all the associated extras coming to PS5 players will also arrive as a free update on PC and Xbox Series X and S, too, including performance mode, dark rot mode — which adds an “additional challenge” — an enhanced photo mode, and developer commentary for those interested in the “craft and creative decisions” behind Senua’s Saga. Here are more details on each new feature and upgrade:

• Performance Mode – Where the original release was optimized for 30fps to deliver an immersive, cinematic experience, the Enhanced update will include a ‘Performance Mode’ to optimize for 60fps. On PC, the game will offer a “Very High’ preset to push fidelity even further based on personal hardware.
• Dark Rot Mode – The Dark Rot from Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice has returned and offers an additional challenge for Senua in this optional game mode. The Dark Rot will grow each time you fail, and if it reaches Senua’s head, her quest is over and all progress will be lost.
• Enhanced Photo Mode – the Enhanced update will include an expanded and improved toolset, including a new ‘Motion’ tab for custom cinematic video capture.
• Developer Commentary – for those interested in the craft and creative decisions behind Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, the Enhanced update includes over four hours of developer commentary from a variety of voices involved in the making of the game.

We thought Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 was Great, slapping it with a well-earned 8/10, writing: “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is another Viking-worthy feast for the senses that meets the high bar set by its predecessor, even if it never really manages to clear it.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.