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Genshin Impact vs Horizon Zero Dawn
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info General Information | |
Release Date | |
Sep 28, 2020 | Feb 28, 2017 |
Developer | |
HoYoverse | Guerrilla Games |
Publisher | |
HoYoverse, Cognosphere PTE. LTD. | Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation), PlayStation Publishing LLC (PC) |
Genre(s) | |
Action Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Gacha | Action Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Adventure |
Engine | |
Unity | Decima |
stars Ratings & Price | |
Content Rating | |
T (Teen) | T (Teen) - ESRB Descriptors: Blood, Drug Reference |
Avg. User Rating | |
4.7 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 |
Current Price (USD) | |
Free | $49.99 |
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tune Key Specs | |
Quick Highlights | |
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sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
Companions/Followers | |
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Key Collectibles | |
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Key Themes | |
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colorize Combat & Gear | |
Weapons Overview | |
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Armor / Gear Sets | |
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Outfits/Customization | |
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trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
Skills & Progression | |
Character progression is deep and multi-faceted. It involves leveling up characters with EXP materials, leveling their unique Talents, and ascending them at level caps using boss materials. The most significant progression comes from farming and leveling a five-piece set of Artifacts, which provide major stat boosts and powerful set bonuses. Weapons are also leveled and ascended separately. |
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public World & Exploration | |
World & Level Design | |
The open world of Teyvat is vast and continually expanding. Currently accessible nations include the German-inspired Mondstadt (Anemo), Chinese-inspired Liyue (Geo), Japanese-inspired Inazuma (Electro), Middle Eastern/South Asian-inspired Sumeru (Dendro), and French-inspired Fontaine (Hydro). The upcoming nation of Natlan and the new region of Nod-Krai are slated for future updates. |
Horizon Zero Dawn features a large open world divided into distinct ecological regions: the mountainous Sacred Lands of the Nora, the desert canyons and mesas of the Carja Sundom (including the capital Meridian and Sunfall), dense jungles, and the snowy, harsh northern territories of the Banuk (expanded in 'The Frozen Wilds' DLC with 'The Cut'). The map is traversed on foot or by overriding and riding certain machines. Tallnecks must be overridden to reveal sections of the map. |
Playable Vehicles | |
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book Story & Characters | |
Main Characters | |
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Example Missions | |
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people Multiplayer | |
Multiplayer Details | |
The game supports online co-op for up to four players. Players can invite friends into their world to tackle domains, bosses, and some events together. The main story quests must be completed solo, and exploration progress only saves for the host. |
Horizon Zero Dawn is a strictly single-player experience and does not feature any multiplayer or co-operative modes. |
extension Editions & DLC | |
Available Editions | |
N/A | Originally released with a Standard Edition. The 'Complete Edition' (for PS4 and PC) includes the base game, 'The Frozen Wilds' expansion, a digital art book, a PS4 dynamic theme, and several in-game item packs (Carja Storm Ranger Outfit and Mighty Bow, Carja Trader Pack, Banuk Trailblazer Outfit and Culling Bow, Banuk Traveller Pack, Nora Keeper Pack). A 'Remastered Edition' for PS5 and PC was released on October 31, 2024, featuring graphical enhancements and new features. |
Post-Launch Content / DLC | |
The game operates on a live-service model with major, free content updates approximately every six weeks. These updates add new characters, weapons, story quests (Archon Quests), limited-time events, and sometimes entirely new regions to explore, such as the upcoming Nod-Krai in Version 6.0. |
The major post-launch content is 'The Frozen Wilds,' a significant story expansion that adds a new northern region ('The Cut'), new characters, new machines (e.g., Frostclaws, Fireclaws), new weapons, new skills ('Traveler' skill tree), and a compelling storyline. This expansion is included in the Complete Edition and Remastered Edition. |
help_outline FAQ | |
Frequently Asked Questions | |
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build Technical Details | |
Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
N/A | Powered by the Decima engine, Horizon Zero Dawn is renowned for its breathtaking visuals, featuring lush and diverse environments, highly detailed machine designs, realistic weather effects, and a dynamic day/night cycle. The PC port and PS5 Remastered Edition offer enhanced graphical options, including higher resolutions, framerates, improved draw distances, and ultrawide support (PC). |
Audio & Soundtrack | |
N/A | The acclaimed original score, composed by Joris de Man, The Flight, Niels van der Leest, and Jonathan Williams, features a blend of orchestral, tribal, and electronic elements that perfectly capture the game's atmosphere. Sound design for machines is distinctive and crucial for identifying threats. |
User Interface (UI/UX) | |
N/A | Features a clean and immersive UI with a compass, quest log, health/medicine indicators, weapon/ammo selection wheel, and contextual prompts. The Focus scan provides detailed information overlay about machines and the environment. A world map is used for navigation and tracking objectives. |
Accessibility Options | |
N/A | Includes options for subtitle customization (size, background), remappable controls (PC), adjustable difficulty levels, aim assist, options to reduce camera shake, and audio cues. The Remastered version may include further enhancements. |
video_library Media Links | |
Gameplay Video | |
launchWatch | launchWatch |
Walkthrough/Guide | |
launchView | launchView |
settings_applications System Requirements | |
720p (HD) - Minimum (Remastered - Target: 720p, 30 FPS, Very Low Preset) (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for Remastered. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU. Performance varies greatly by laptop thermals and power limits. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for Remastered. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30 FPS at 720p Very Low. **4GB VRAM is an absolute minimum for laptops and will likely require texture compromises and aggressive upscaling.** TGP and cooling are critical. RAM: Minimum RAM for Remastered (original PC port listed 8GB min, 16GB rec). | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-8250U (with good cooling) / AMD Ryzen 3 2200U or newer entry-level quad-core mobile CPUs. An Intel Core i3 H-series (10th gen+) or Ryzen 3 H-series (4000 series+) would be better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile (4GB), NVIDIA GeForce MX350/MX450 (GDDR6, 2GB - very low settings); OR AMD Radeon RX 560X Mobile (4GB). A GTX 1650 Laptop (4GB) is a more realistic minimum for laptops. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Remastered - Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for Remastered. CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a good 1080p/60FPS experience at medium settings. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for Remastered 1080p/60 Medium. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Medium. **Ensure adequate TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 6GB VRAM is a good target, 8GB better. Upscaling technologies will significantly aid performance and visual quality. RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-10300H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer mid-range performance mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel Core i5 H-series 11th gen+, AMD Ryzen 5 H-series 5000+). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Laptop (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB/6GB, High TGP - 6GB preferred), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, Medium to High TGP), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB); OR AMD Radeon RX 6600M (8GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (High Preset, 1080p resolution, targeting 60 FPS.) CPU: The official recommended desktop CPU for a smooth experience. CPU (Laptop): A strong mid-range laptop CPU is recommended for consistent performance. GPU: Official recommended desktop GPU for 1080p High settings at 60 FPS. GPU (Laptop): A mid-range gaming laptop GPU is needed for a high-quality 1080p experience. RAM: 16GB RAM is officially recommended for optimal performance. Storage: An SSD is strongly recommended for this tier. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7 or equivalent developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or better laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10750H / AMD Ryzen 7 4800H or better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile (6GB) or RTX 3050 Ti Laptop. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB SSD | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.) CPU: The official minimum CPU required to play the game. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPUs for minimum playability. GPU: Official minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): An entry-level dedicated laptop GPU or a strong integrated GPU is needed. RAM: 8GB RAM is the official minimum requirement. Storage: An HDD is technically supported, but an SSD is highly recommended. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-8300H / AMD Ryzen 5 3550H or better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce MX250 / AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics or better. layersRAM: 8 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB HDD | — |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Very High (Remastered - Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Very High Preset) (Very High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Balanced') essential.) CPU: High-end desktop CPU for 4K/60 Very High. CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required for this demanding target. GPU: Top-tier desktop GPU for 4K/60 Very High. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute top-tier laptop GPUs with maximum TGP and exceptional cooling can attempt 4K/60 at high/very high settings. **Heavily reliant on aggressive upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Performance').** Native 4K at these settings is generally beyond current laptop capabilities for such visuals. RAM: 32GB RAM strongly recommended for 4K gaming at high settings. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-11700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer flagship mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel HX series, AMD HX series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
2160p (UHD/4K) - High (Remastered - Target: 1440p @ 60 FPS / 4K @ 30 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' for 1440p, 'Balanced' for 4K) recommended.) CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p/4K High. CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPU to avoid bottlenecks at higher resolutions. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p60/4K30 High. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1440p High or ~30 FPS at 4K High. **Max TGP versions and excellent cooling are crucial.** 8GB VRAM is minimum, 10GB+ ideal. Upscaling will be very important. RAM: 16GB RAM dual-channel. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer high-performance mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), RX 6800M (12GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) |
save Overall Storage | |
Spec: 150 GB available space (SSD Recommended) Note: The game's file size is very large due to its extensive content and ongoing updates. An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading times. Type: SSD | Spec: 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition) Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster load times, reduced texture pop-in, and a smoother overall experience. The original PC port required ~100GB. Type: SSD |
desktop_windows Operating System | |
Spec: Windows 10 / 11 64-bit Explanation: A modern 64-bit operating system is required. | Spec: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher for Remastered) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required. |
gamepad DirectX Version | |
Spec: Version 11 Explanation: DirectX 11 is the primary API. | N/A |
info_outline Other Game Notes | |
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build Optimization Details | |
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laptop Laptop Considerations | |
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info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Genshin Impact Specifically
For Horizon Zero Dawn Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.