Horizon Forbidden West

Q: Do I need to have played Horizon Zero Dawn first?

While the game includes a “The Story So Far” recap, the narrative is a direct continuation of the first game. To fully appreciate the emotional weight of Aloy’s journey and the complexity of the world’s lore, it is highly recommended to play Zero Dawn first. However, the gameplay in Forbidden West is much more refined and accessible for newcomers.

Q: How difficult is the machine combat?

The combat can be challenging, but the game offers a wide range of difficulty settings, including a “Story” mode for those who want to focus on the narrative. Additionally, the “Easy Loot” setting allows you to collect rare machine parts without having to shoot them off individually, which is a great “Life-Fit” feature for players with less time.

Q: What are "Tallnecks" and "Cauldrons"?

Tallnecks are massive, non-hostile machines that serve as mobile towers; climbing them reveals the surrounding map. Cauldrons are ancient, high-tech dungeons where machines are built; completing them allows you to “Override” and control more machines in the world. Both are highlights of the game’s design and offer great rewards for your time.

Q: Can I fly a machine right from the start?

No, flying is an ability unlocked toward the very end of the main story. This is a deliberate design choice that ensures you spend time exploring the beautiful world on foot and by mount first, making the eventual gift of flight feel like a truly legendary reward for your efforts.

Q: Is there a lot of "grinding" for materials?

The game features a “Jobs” system that allows you to create a quest specifically for a part you need. This marks the location of the machine on your map and tells you exactly where to find it, significantly reducing the feeling of “grinding” and making the upgrade process much more efficient.

Overall Rating: 4.19 • 463 reviews

The Investment Gamer The Narrative Seeker

Explore a majestic but lethal frontier in Horizon Forbidden West, a breathtaking sequel that elevates the fusion of primitive tribal life and advanced machine technology to new heights! As Aloy, you must journey into the mysterious West to uncover the source of a collapsing biosphere and unite warring tribes against an ancient threat. This is a destination for those who want their curiosity rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas and complex tactical puzzles. Whether you are overriding a massive Tremortusk or diving into the bioluminescent ruins of a sunken city, every moment is a celebration of human resilience and the wonder of discovery.

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Details

Some of the particulars and information about Horizon Forbidden West.

Developer: Guerrilla Games

Release Date: February 18, 2022

How Long to Beat: 29 hrs

Great for:

The Investment Gamer The Narrative Seeker

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for Horizon Forbidden West.

86 Metacritic

9 IGN

-- Our Score

Genres

Action

Adventure

Open World

Role-Playing Game

Systems

Here's where you can find Horizon Forbidden West and play.

ESRB: Teen

Content Rating

Language

Violence

Blood

Use of Alcohol

In-Game Purchases

Overview

Why Play?

How Much Time?

Overview

This emotionally resonant epic delivers a vibrant post-apocalyptic world where your mastery of combat and the investment in the lives of your companions define the future of life on earth.

A Cinematic Masterpiece for the Narrative Seeker

Horizon Forbidden West builds upon the mystery of its predecessor, delivering a more personal and high-stakes story. For the Narrative Seeker, the evolution of Aloy from a lonely outcast to a leader and friend is the emotional anchor of the journey. The game features significantly improved facial animation and a more interactive dialogue system, making every conversation with your “Base” companions feel substantial. The narrative masterfully weaves together the personal stakes of Aloy’s burden with the grand sci-fi mystery of the Old Ones, ensuring that every main quest provides a satisfying payoff and a new layer of world-building lore.

Deep Combat Systems and Worldly Investment

The world is a playground for those who enjoy mechanical depth. For the Investment Gamer, the reward lies in the “Machine Hunting” loop. Every creature you encounter is a complex machine with specific weak points, detachable components, and elemental vulnerabilities. The game encourages you to invest time in “Scanning” and planning your approach, rewarding you with rare parts used to upgrade a massive arsenal of bows, slings, and elemental launchers. This progression feels incredibly tangible, as your knowledge of the machines’ biology—and your own tactical execution—is what ultimately turns the tide in your favor.

Fluid Traversal and Aerial Exploration

Moving through the Forbidden West is an experience in itself, enhanced by new tools like the “Pullcaster” (a grappling hook) and the “Shieldwing” (a glider). These additions add a vertical dimension to the world, allowing you to scale mountains and soar over canyons with ease. Most significantly, the game eventually grants you the ability to fly on the back of a Sunwing, fundamentally changing how you perceive the map. This sense of freedom and mobility ensures that traversal never feels like a chore, but rather a constant opportunity to appreciate the world’s stunning scale from new perspectives.

Trailer

A Quick Look at Horizon Forbidden West

Curious what Horizon Forbidden West is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

Videos

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Screenshots

Screenshots of Horizon Forbidden West

Want to see what Horizon Forbidden West actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of Horizon Forbidden West is like.

Extras

Downloadable Content for Horizon Forbidden West

DLC just means more of a good thing. Here are some for Horizon Forbidden West

Burning Shores

Travel to the Volcanic Ruins of Los Angeles

In the Burning Shores expansion, Aloy travels to a dangerous new region south of the Clan Lands—a volcanic archipelago that was once Los Angeles. This expansion offers a stunning and highly detailed new map that is designed specifically to take advantage of next-gen hardware. For the Narrative Seeker, this is a vital chapter that introduces a compelling new companion and a story that sets the stage for the future of the series, featuring one of the most technically impressive boss fights in gaming history.

Master New Tools and Aerial Combat

The expansion introduces new weapons and a specialized “Waterwing” mount that can dive beneath the waves and soar through the sky. These new mechanics add a fresh layer of depth to both combat and traversal, allowing you to engage with the environment in entirely new ways. It rewards the time you’ve spent mastering the base game by giving you more powerful tools to handle the aggressive new machines found among the lava and ruins of the Burning Shores.

A Spectacular Epilogue to Aloy’s Journey

The story of Burning Shores serves as a high-stakes finale to the Forbidden West experience. The narrative is tight, focused, and emotionally resonant, culminating in a confrontation that is both intimate and global in its implications. Whether you are exploring the sunken Hollywood sign or navigating the treacherous volcanic vents, the DLC ensures that your journey with Aloy ends on a peak of technical and narrative excellence that honors your entire investment in the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Horizon Forbidden West?

Do I need to have played Horizon Zero Dawn first?

How difficult is the machine combat?

What are "Tallnecks" and "Cauldrons"?

Can I fly a machine right from the start?

Is there a lot of "grinding" for materials?

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