Days Gone Cheap: Why This Underrated Open-World Gem Deserves Your Attention (and Your Wallet)
There was a time when Days Gone flew under the radar — dismissed by some as just another zombie game, overlooked by others amid the PlayStation 4’s crowded library. But in the years since its 2019 release, something remarkable happened: players discovered its soul. And now, with prices plummeting and bundles abundant, Days Gone isn’t just affordable — it’s days gone cheap, and that’s a good thing. Not because it’s low quality, but because its value has skyrocketed while its sticker price nosedived.
This isn’t a clearance-bin tragedy. It’s a redemption arc — for the game, and for anyone who missed it the first time around.
What “Days Gone Cheap” Really Means
The phrase “days gone cheap” might sound like a lament — as if something precious has lost its worth. But flip the script. In the context of gaming, affordability unlocks accessibility. When a deeply crafted, emotionally resonant experience becomes budget-friendly, more players get to experience it — and that’s a win for everyone.
Days Gone didn’t start cheap. Developed by Bend Studio — best known for the Syphon Filter series — it was a bold, risky swing into open-world storytelling with a gritty, post-apocalyptic motorcycle odyssey at its core. Critics were divided. Some praised its atmosphere and ambition; others nitpicked its mechanics or pacing. Sales were modest. But over time, player word-of-mouth, performance patches, and PC ports turned the tide.
Now? You can grab it for less than the price of a new AAA game’s DLC. And that’s where the magic kicks in.
Why Days Gone Stands Out in a Crowded Genre
Let’s be honest: the zombie apocalypse is oversaturated. From The Last of Us to Dying Light, from State of Decay to Resident Evil, the undead have been done — and done again. So what makes Days Gone worth your time?
First, it’s not really about zombies — it’s about survival, grief, and redemption. You play as Deacon St. John, a former outlaw-turned-drifter navigating a Pacific Northwest overrun by Freakers (the game’s term for infected). He’s flawed, haunted, and fiercely loyal — a rare protagonist who feels genuinely human.
Second, the world reacts to you. Freaker hordes — sometimes numbering in the hundreds — migrate, hunt, and swarm based on time of day, noise, and weather. Set a forest ablaze during a dry spell? Watch the horde scatter — then regroup. Ride your bike too loud at dusk? Prepare for a chase. This isn’t scripted chaos; it’s systemic, dynamic, and thrilling.
Third, your bike is your lifeline — not just transportation, but a character in its own right. You’ll repair it, upgrade it, and panic when it’s low on fuel in the middle of nowhere. Few games make machinery feel this personal.
The Price Drop Isn’t a Discount on Quality — It’s an Invitation
When Days Gone hit PC in 2021, it came with improved graphics, unlocked framerates, and ultrawide support. Then, sales started — 50% off here, 75% off there. Bundled with controllers, included in PlayStation Plus Extra, discounted on Steam during seasonal events. Suddenly, a
And the player base noticed. Steam reviews climbed to “Very Positive.” Reddit threads filled with latecomers confessing they’d underestimated it. YouTube channels revisited it with fresh eyes — and found a game that had matured beautifully with time.
Take “GamerDad87,” a Steam reviewer who bought it during a 70%-off sale:
“I skipped it in 2019. Thought it looked generic. Boy, was I wrong. The story gut-punched me. The horde mechanics? Insanely tense. For fifteen bucks? This should be in every open-world fan’s library.”
Or consider streamer “NyxValkyrie,” who ran a 30-day Days Gone challenge on Twitch — surviving only on scavenged gear, no fast travel, permadeath enabled. Her viewership doubled. Why? Because the game rewards creativity, patience, and grit — and that’s rare.
SEO-Friendly, Player-Approved: How Days Gone Nails Retention
From an SEO and discoverability standpoint, Days Gone is a case study in long-tail success. Players aren’t searching “best zombie games 2019.” They’re asking:
- “Games like The Last of Us but cheaper?”
- “Open world games with motorcycle travel?”
- “Underrated PS4 exclusives on sale?”
- “Survival games with day-night cycles and dynamic AI?”
And guess what? Days Gone ranks for all of them — not because of aggressive marketing, but because real players are organically recommending it. Forums, Reddit, TikTok compilations of horde takedowns — it’s all fueling a grassroots resurgence.
Even Bend Studio’s community manager, Jeff Ross, acknowledged the shift in a 2023 interview:
“We’re seeing new players every week. Not because of ads — because someone’s friend told them, ‘Dude, just buy it on sale. You won’t regret it.’ That’s the dream.”
Don’t Sleep on the Details
What truly elevates Days Gone beyond its price tag