H1Z1, the self-described “original standalone battle royale game,” is making the jump to consoles with the launch of an open beta on PlayStation 4 on May 22. The console release of the title comes just under two months after the game launched out of Steam Early Access and moved to a free-to-play model shortly thereafter.
The PS4 release will be free-to-play as well, and developer Daybreak Games has taken steps to help H1Z1 translate to console play. The console version tosses aside the game’s crafting system while reworking the HUD, adding a radial weapon menu, and implementing a new grab-and-go equipment system that will simplify item collection and management.
H1Z1 joins the two battle royale behemoths, Fortnite and PUBG, within the console battle royale space, but recent rumors have pointed toward the mode’s inclusion in future installments of premier FPS franchises Call of Duty and Battlefield. The originator of battle royale was already somewhat lost in the PC ecosystem, so hopes are high that the move to console can help them carve out their own corner ahead of the forthcoming battle royale boom that is expected to increase in the future.
Check out the announcement trailer below.