Monster Hunter Wilds vs Horizon Zero Dawn

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: 4-Player Online Co-op
• Setting: The Forbidden Lands (New World)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: A fully seamless open world with dynamic, transforming environments and a versatile new mount, the Seikret, for enhanced traversal and utility.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-player Only
• Setting: Post-Apocalyptic 31st Century Earth (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming)
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows PC, PlayStation 5 (via Backward Compatibility & Remaster)
• Initial Release (PS4): 2017-02-28
• PC Release (Complete Edition): 2020-08-07
• Remastered Release (PS5, PC): 2024-10-31
• Unique Feature: Unique post-apocalyptic world with robotic creatures, compelling story of Aloy, strategic machine combat by targeting weak points, machine overriding.

• Palico: A customizable cat-like companion that actively assists the hunter in combat. It can deal damage, draw monster aggression, use supportive gadgets to heal or place traps, and gather extra materials after a hunt.
  Felyne
• Seikret: The player's new, versatile mount. The Seikret is used for fast traversal, gliding, and climbing specific surfaces. It also allows the hunter to use their slinger, sharpen their weapon, access their item pouch, and carry a secondary weapon while riding.
  Bird Wyvern (Mount)

• Rost (Early Game Mentor): Aloy's adoptive father and mentor during her childhood and adolescence. He teaches her essential survival, hunting, and combat skills. He is not a persistent companion throughout the main journey but is a crucial character in her formative years.
  Human (Nora Outcast)
• Various Story Allies (Temporary): Throughout her journey, Aloy teams up with various individuals for specific quests or story segments (e.g., Erend, Sona, Varl, Talanah, Aratak & Ourea in The Frozen Wilds). These allies fight alongside her but are not permanent, controllable companions.
  Human (Nora, Carja, Oseram, Banuk)
• Overridden Machines (Temporary Mounts/Allies): Aloy can use her spear to override certain types of machines. Some (like Striders, Broadheads, Chargers) can be used as mounts for faster travel. Others might fight alongside her for a limited time if their combat protocols are enabled during the override.
  Robotic Machines

• Endemic Life: Small creatures scattered throughout the environment. Capturing them allows players to place them as pets in their personal room or use them as temporary buffs/tools during a hunt.
• Ancient Relics: Hidden relics and murals from an ancient civilization that provide lore about the history of the Forbidden Lands and its inhabitants.

• Vantages: Datapoints found at scenic overlooks. When activated, Aloy's Focus reveals a glimpse of the Old World location as it once was, along with an audio log from a man who documented the fall of civilization. There are 12 in the base game.
• Metal Flowers: Mysterious, artificial glowing flowers with intricate designs, found hidden throughout the world. Collecting sets of them unlocks rewards from a specific merchant in Meridian. There are 30 in the base game.
• Banuk Figures (Arnak's Figures): Small wooden effigies of Banuk hunters and machines, often found in high, difficult-to-reach places, usually requiring climbing or precise jumps. There are 6 in the base game.
• Ancient Vessels: Old World coffee mugs with various designs. Found in ancient ruins and can be traded to a collector in Meridian for special reward boxes. There are 12 in the base game.
• Grazer Training Dummies: Training dummies set up by the Nora tribe in the Sacred Lands. Destroying all 23 of them grants a small reward and an achievement/trophy.
• Power Cells (for Shield-Weaver Armor): Five rare Power Cells hidden in specific Old World ruins and main quest locations. Collecting all of them is required to unlock the Shield-Weaver outfit.
• Animal Figurines (The Frozen Wilds DLC): Six animal-themed figurines hidden within 'The Cut,' the new region in The Frozen Wilds expansion. Part of a side quest.
• Pigments (The Frozen Wilds DLC): Sets of colorful mineral pigments found in The Cut. Collecting these allows a Banuk shaman to create special dyes for Aloy's outfits and face paint.

• Hunting
• Exploration
• Open World
• Dynamic Ecosystem
• Survival
• Crafting
• Action RPG
• Cooperative Gameplay
• Monster Ecology

• Post-Apocalyptic
• Nature vs. Technology
• Tribal Societies
• Matriarchy
• Mystery of the Past
• Artificial Intelligence
• Identity & Belonging
• Survival
• Environmentalism
• Ancient Civilizations
• Machine Ecology

• Great Sword: Heavy Blade
  A massive sword that delivers slow but devastating charged attacks. Rewards careful timing and positioning.
• Long Sword: Technical Blade
  A fluid, combo-heavy weapon focused on filling a 'Spirit Gauge' to unleash powerful 'Spirit Blade' attacks and counters.
• Sword & Shield: Balanced Weapon
  A fast and versatile weapon that allows for quick attacks, blocking, and using items while unsheathed.
• Dual Blades: Rapid Attack Weapon
  Focuses on relentless, fast-paced attacks, allowing the hunter to enter a 'Demon Mode' for increased damage and mobility at the cost of stamina.
• Hammer: Blunt Weapon
  A heavy weapon designed to deal massive impact damage to a monster's head, capable of stunning them.
• Hunting Horn: Support Weapon
  A blunt weapon that can play melodies to provide powerful buffs to the entire hunting party.
• Lance: Defensive Weapon
  Features a massive shield for unparalleled defensive capabilities, allowing the hunter to block and counter even the most powerful attacks.
• Gunlance: Explosive Weapon
  A lance fitted with a cannon, blending defensive pokes with explosive shelling attacks.
• Switch Axe: Transforming Weapon
  A weapon that can switch between a long-reaching Axe mode and a fast-hitting Sword mode, which can unleash an elemental discharge.
• Charge Blade: Technical Transforming Weapon
  A complex weapon that combines a sword and shield, which can be charged with energy and then combined into a massive axe for powerful elemental discharges.
• Insect Glaive: Aerial Weapon
  Allows the hunter to vault into the air for agile aerial attacks. Accompanied by a 'Kinsect' that can harvest extracts from monsters to provide buffs.
• Light Bowgun: Ranged Weapon (Mobile)
  A ranged weapon focused on mobility and firing various types of status-inflicting ammunition rapidly.
• Heavy Bowgun: Ranged Weapon (Power)
  A heavy, powerful ranged weapon that can be loaded with devastating ammunition like Wyvernheart (minigun) or Wyvernsnipe (piercing shot).
• Bow: Ranged Weapon (Technical)
  A mobile ranged weapon that rewards stamina management and allows for various coatings to be applied to arrows for different effects.

• Spear (Lancer): Primary Melee Weapon
  Aloy's versatile spear used for light and heavy melee attacks, critical strikes on downed machines, and prying open components. Can be upgraded with modifications.
• Hunter Bow: Ranged (Versatile Bow)
  A balanced bow capable of firing Hunter Arrows (basic damage), Fire Arrows (burning damage over time, igniting blaze canisters), and Hardpoint Arrows (high tear and damage).
• Sharpshot Bow: Ranged (Precision Bow)
  A long-range bow designed for high precision and damage. Fires Precision Arrows (high damage, good tear), Tearblast Arrows (removes machine components), and Harvest Arrows (increases resource drops from components).
• War Bow: Ranged (Elemental Bow)
  A bow specialized in delivering elemental damage. Fires Shock Arrows (stuns machines, detonates shock canisters), Freeze Arrows (makes machines brittle, increases impact damage), and Corruption Arrows (causes machines to attack anything nearby, including other machines).
• Tripcaster: Tactical Trap Tool
  Deploys tripwires between two points that trigger an effect when crossed by an enemy. Available wires include Shock Wires (stun), Blast Wires (explosive damage), and Fire Wires (burning).
• Ropecaster: Tactical Immobilization Tool
  Fires ropes that can tie down machines to the ground, immobilizing them temporarily for easier targeting of weak points or overriding. Can be upgraded for heavier ropes.
• Sling: Ranged (Elemental Bombs)
  Launches elemental bombs in an arc. Types include Freeze Bombs (area freeze effect), Shock Bombs (area shock effect), and Blast Bombs (area explosive damage).
• Rattler: Ranged (Close-Quarters Bolts)
  A rapid-fire bolt gun effective at close to medium range. Fires Metal Bolts (standard damage), Shock Bolts (shock damage), and Freeze Bolts (freeze damage).
• Tearblaster (Craftable Weapon): Specialized Tool (Component Removal)
  A craftable weapon that fires compressed air blasts, highly effective at tearing off machine armor and components without dealing significant health damage.
• Stormslinger, Icerail, Forgefire (Frozen Wilds DLC Weapons): Specialized Elemental Weapons
  Unique elemental weapons introduced in The Frozen Wilds expansion. Stormslinger (electricity), Icerail (frost), and Forgefire (fire) offer powerful, charge-up attacks with unique mechanics.

• Forged Armor Sets: The core armor system. Players craft full armor sets (helm, mail, braces, coil, greaves) from monster parts. Each piece provides defense and specific skills. Equipping multiple pieces from the same set can unlock powerful 'Set Bonus' skills.
• Decorations: Jewels that can be slotted into weapons and armor to add or enhance specific skills, allowing for deep customization of character builds.

• Nora Brave Outfit (Starting Outfit): Aloy's initial outfit, offering basic protection. Multiple variants can be acquired, providing minor resistances or stealth benefits.
• Carja Blazon Outfit: Ornate Carja attire, often providing resistance to fire damage. Available in light, medium, and heavy variants with increasing protection and modification slots.
• Banuk Sickness Eater Outfit: Banuk tribal wear, typically offering resistance to freeze or corruption damage. Available in different tiers.
• Oseram Arrow Breaker Outfit: Sturdy Oseram-made armor, primarily providing increased resistance to ranged projectile damage. Comes in light, medium, and heavy versions.
• Nora Silent Hunter Outfit: Specialized Nora outfit designed to enhance stealth, making Aloy harder for enemies (humans and machines) to detect.
• Shield-Weaver Outfit (Unique Ancient Armor): A highly sought-after ancient armor set that generates a rechargeable force field, absorbing a significant amount of damage before needing to recharge. Unlocked by finding all Power Cells.
• Frozen Wilds Outfits (e.g., Banuk Chieftain, Carja Blazon Master): New outfits introduced in The Frozen Wilds DLC, often with unique perks or higher stats, tailored for the challenges of the new region. Many offer enhanced elemental resistances.
• Modification Slots: All outfits have modification slots (number varies by rarity/tier) where 'Weaves' can be inserted to further boost resistances (melee, ranged, fire, freeze, shock, corruption) or enhance stealth.

• Layered Armor: A cosmetic system that allows players to wear the appearance of any armor set they have crafted over their statistically relevant gear. This allows for full fashion customization without sacrificing skills or defense. Cosmetic DLC packs offer more options.

• Nora Outfits (Brave, Protector, Silent Hunter, Survivor): Various outfits reflecting Nora tribal craftsmanship. Each set (often available in Light, Medium, Heavy variants) provides different resistances (e.g., melee, ranged, fire, freeze, shock, corruption) and can be enhanced with modifications (weaves).
• Carja Outfits (Silks, Blazon, Shadow): Ornate and functional attire from the Carja Sundom. Typically offer good fire resistance or other combat/utility perks depending on the specific set. Available in tiered versions with modification slots.
• Banuk Outfits (Sickness Eater, Ice Hunter, Chieftain - Frozen Wilds): Outfits adapted for the harsh, cold environments of the Banuk lands. Often provide high freeze resistance and unique perks related to survival or machine interaction. The Frozen Wilds DLC adds more advanced Banuk attire.
• Oseram Outfits (Sparkworker, Arrow Breaker): Sturdy, practical gear crafted by the Oseram tribe, known for their metalworking. Often provide good melee or ranged damage protection.
• Shadow Carja Outfits (Kestrel): Darker, more menacing attire associated with the Shadow Carja faction.
• Shield-Weaver Outfit: A unique and powerful ancient armor that generates a rechargeable energy shield. Cannot be modified but provides exceptional protection. Unlocked via a specific side quest involving Power Cells.
• Pre-order / Deluxe Edition Outfits (Nora Keeper, Carja Storm Ranger, Banuk Trailblazer): Cosmetic outfits that were part of pre-order bonuses or included in the Deluxe/Complete Editions of the game.

The core progression of hunting monsters to craft stronger gear returns. A new 'Wounding' system allows players to create temporary weak spots on monsters by repeatedly attacking a specific part. The new 'Focus Mode' helps in targeting these wounds for massive damage. All 14 signature weapon types return, each with new moves and abilities. A 'Dual Weapon' system allows players to carry a secondary weapon on their Seikret mount.

Monster Hunter Wilds features fully seamless open-world maps that are approximately twice the size of those in previous titles. Known regions include the Windward Plains (savanna/desert), the Scarlet Forest (dense jungle), the Oilwell Basin (vertical caves/swamps/volcanoes), and the Iceshard Cliffs. These zones have dynamic weather and seasons that alter terrain and monster ecology.

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.

• Overridden Machines (Mounts): Organic-Robotic Mount / Land Traversal
  Aloy can learn to override certain machine types (e.g., Striders, Broadheads, Chargers) using her spear. Once overridden, these machines can be ridden as mounts for faster travel across the game's vast open world. Each mountable machine has slightly different speeds and handling.
• Zip-lines & Rappel Points: Traversal Tool (Environmental)
  While not vehicles, zip-lines are frequently used for quick descents across chasms or down cliffs. Rappel points allow for controlled descent from heights. These are fixed environmental interaction points.

• The Hunter: Playable Protagonist
  A member of the Avis Unit of the Research Commission, a skilled and fully customizable hunter sent to explore the Forbidden Lands.
• Alma: Handler
  The hunter's assigned handler from the Hunter's Guild. She is responsible for managing quests, documenting findings in her journal, and providing support.
• Palico: Companion
  The hunter's loyal Felyne companion. The Palico assists in combat with its own small weapons, provides healing and buffs, and gathers materials.
• Nata: Mysterious Child
  A young boy encountered in the Forbidden Lands who joins the expedition. He seems to have a unique connection to the world and its phenomena.
• Gemma: Smithy
  A member of the Avis Unit and the commission's smithy. She is responsible for crafting and upgrading all of the hunter's weapons and armor.

• Aloy: Protagonist / Nora Huntress & Seeker
  A skilled hunter, archer, and machine expert. Cast out from the Nora tribe at birth, she is curious, determined, and compassionate. Her journey is to uncover her origins and the secrets of the Old World. Voiced by Ashly Burch.
• Rost: Aloy's Guardian / Nora Outcast
  A stoic and skilled Nora warrior who was also an outcast. He raised and trained Aloy in the ways of survival and hunting. Plays a pivotal role in Aloy's early life.
• Sylens: Mysterious Researcher / Reluctant Ally
  An enigmatic and highly knowledgeable wanderer obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the Old Ones and the machines. He communicates with Aloy via her Focus, providing guidance but also pursuing his own agenda. Voiced by Lance Reddick.
• High Matriarch Teersa: Nora High Matriarch / Spiritual Leader
  One of the three High Matriarchs of the Nora tribe. She is more open-minded and sympathetic towards Aloy compared to the other Matriarchs.
• Erend Vanguardsman: Oseram Warrior / Captain of the Vanguard
  A boisterous but loyal Oseram warrior who becomes an ally to Aloy. He is investigating the death of his sister, Ersa.
• Avad: Sun-King of the Carja
  The current enlightened ruler of the Carja tribe, who overthrew his tyrannical father, the 'Mad Sun-King' Jiran. He seeks peace and reforms within the Carja Sundom.
• Helis: Antagonist / Leader of the Eclipse
  The fanatical leader of the Eclipse, a cult loyal to the Shadow Carja and the mysterious entity HADES. He is a formidable warrior and a primary antagonist.
• GAIA: Ancient AI / Earth's Terraforming System
  The primary AI of Project Zero Dawn, responsible for overseeing the terraforming of Earth and the reintroduction of life after the Faro Plague. Aloy's existence is directly linked to GAIA.
• HADES: Antagonist / Subordinate Function of GAIA
  One of GAIA's subordinate functions, designed as a last-resort extinction protocol. It becomes a rogue AI and the primary threat Aloy must stop.
• Dr. Elisabet Sobeck: Creator of Project Zero Dawn / Key Figure from the Old World
  A brilliant scientist from the 21st century who spearheaded Project Zero Dawn to save life on Earth from the Faro Plague. Aloy bears a striking resemblance to her.
• Ted Faro: CEO of Faro Automated Solutions / Architect of the Faro Plague
  The CEO of the corporation that created the self-replicating combat machines which caused the Faro Plague, ultimately leading to the end of the Old World. His actions had catastrophic consequences.

• Assigned Quests
  The main story quests that guide the player through the narrative, introduce new regions and monsters, and unravel the central mystery of the Forbidden Lands.
• Optional Quests
  Side quests that can be repeated at any time. These are the primary way to farm specific monsters for parts to craft weapons and armor.
• Investigations
  Special quests with randomized conditions, such as a shorter time limit, fewer player faints allowed, or enhanced monster aggression. They offer better rewards, including rare materials and decorations, compared to optional quests.
• Event Quests
  Limited-time quests, often part of seasonal festivals or collaborations (like the Street Fighter 6 event). These quests provide unique rewards like cosmetic layered armor or special equipment.

• Main Quests (Aloy's Journey)
  A series of narrative-driven quests that follow Aloy's personal journey to discover her origins, the truth about the Old World, the cause of the machine derangement, and the threat posed by HADES and the Eclipse cult. These missions span the entire game world and involve critical story revelations and boss encounters.
• Side Quests
  Optional quests given by various NPCs throughout the world. These often involve helping individuals or tribes with their problems, exploring specific locations, hunting particular machines, and provide more lore, XP, and rewards.
• Errands
  Simpler, shorter optional tasks, often involving fetching specific items or dealing with minor threats for NPCs.
• Tallnecks
  Climbing massive, giraffe-like communication machines (Tallnecks) and overriding them from their heads. This clears the fog of war from that section of the map, revealing points of interest, machine sites, and settlements.
• Cauldrons
  Infiltrating and navigating dangerous underground machine factories (Cauldrons). Successfully reaching the core and overriding it unlocks the ability for Aloy to override new types of machines in the open world. Each Cauldron features platforming, puzzles, and a boss fight.
• Hunting Grounds
  Designated arenas where Aloy can undertake timed trials that test her combat and trapping skills against specific machines under various conditions. Earning higher ranks (Half Sun, Full Sun, Blazing Sun) rewards XP and special items.
• Bandit Camps
  Clearing out encampments occupied by hostile human bandits. Usually involves defeating all bandits and their leader, and often freeing prisoners or recovering stolen goods.
• Corrupted Zones
  Areas where machines have become more aggressive and powerful due to corruption. Clearing these zones typically involves defeating all corrupted machines within the designated area.
• The Frozen Wilds Main & Side Quests (DLC)
  A new set of main and side quests within 'The Cut' region, focusing on the Banuk tribe, a new machine threat (the Daemon), and the mysteries of an ancient AI entity called the Spirit.

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.

Capcom has announced a robust roadmap of free Title Updates. Title Update 1 (April 2025) added the Mizutsune, a new social hub, and Arch-Tempered monsters. Title Update 2 (Summer 2025) is confirmed to add the Lagiacrus and Seregios. Seasonal events like the 'Festival of Accord: Blossomdance' also provide limited-time quests and cosmetic gear.

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.

• Q: Is Monster Hunter Wilds a fully open world?
  A: Yes, unlike previous titles which had segmented zones, Monster Hunter Wilds features large, fully seamless maps with no loading screens between areas.
• Q: How is the world more dynamic?
  A: The maps feature changing weather and seasons. This dramatically alters the landscape, monster behavior, and available resources. For example, a dry riverbed can become a raging river in the monsoon season.
• Q: Do all 14 weapon types return?
  A: Yes, Capcom has confirmed that all 14 signature weapon types from Monster Hunter: World and Rise are present in Monster Hunter Wilds, each with new moves and features.
• Q: Does Monster Hunter Wilds have cross-play?
  A: Yes, the game supports full cross-platform multiplayer between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

• Q: When was Horizon Zero Dawn originally released?
  A: Horizon Zero Dawn was first released for PlayStation 4 on February 28, 2017 (North America). The PC (Complete Edition) version was released on August 7, 2020. A Remastered Edition for PS5 and PC launched on October 31, 2024.
• Q: What is the story of Horizon Zero Dawn about?
  A: It follows Aloy, an outcast hunter in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures, as she uncovers the secrets of her mysterious birth, the fate of the ancient human civilization (the 'Old Ones'), and the origin of the machines that now roam the Earth.
• Q: What kind of game is Horizon Zero Dawn?
  A: It is an open-world action role-playing game (Action RPG) played from a third-person perspective. Gameplay focuses on combat against machines using bows, traps, and other tools, stealth, crafting, exploration, and a rich narrative.
• Q: What is the Focus device Aloy uses?
  A: The Focus is an augmented reality device from the Old World that Aloy finds as a child. It allows her to scan machines to identify weak points and elemental vulnerabilities, track enemies and paths, analyze ancient data logs, and interact with Old World technology.
• Q: Can you ride machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?
  A: Yes, Aloy can learn to override certain types of machines by completing Cauldrons. Once overridden, some machines like Striders, Broadheads, and Chargers can be used as mounts for faster travel across the open world.
• Q: Is Horizon Zero Dawn a multiplayer game?
  A: No, Horizon Zero Dawn is a single-player only experience. It does not have any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
• Q: What is 'The Frozen Wilds'?
  A: 'The Frozen Wilds' is a major story expansion for Horizon Zero Dawn. It adds a new icy northern region called 'The Cut,' a new storyline involving the Banuk tribe, new characters, dangerous new machines (like Frostclaws and Fireclaws), new weapons, and new skills. It's included in the Complete Edition and Remastered Edition of the game.

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).

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.

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.

• OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Monster Hunter Wilds. This information is based on official PC specifications from Capcom, adapted to the requested JSON structure. As a demanding open-world title on the RE Engine, the requirements are notable, especially for higher resolutions. Laptop and future-generation GPU listings are extrapolated based on performance benchmarks and technical analyses.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop versions of the listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is highly dependent on the laptop's TGP (Total Graphics Power) and thermal design. For a CPU and GPU intensive game like Monster Hunter Wilds, a high-TGP GPU and a robust cooling system are essential for a stable framerate in dense environments and during chaotic hunts.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: A high TGP is crucial. A low-power variant of a recommended GPU will likely struggle to maintain target framerates, especially when many monsters and particle effects are on screen.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The RE Engine can heavily tax both the CPU and GPU in open-world settings. A high-performance cooling system is necessary to prevent thermal throttling during long hunts and in populated hub areas.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: The game features a complex, living ecosystem, making a strong laptop CPU with good power delivery vital for maintaining stable minimum framerates and reducing stutter.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended to minimize latency and ensure the GPU's full performance is utilized, which is critical for the game's fast-paced, precise combat.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game supports a full suite of upscaling technologies, including NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Frame Generation is also supported and mentioned in the official requirements as a way to reach 60 FPS on recommended hardware. The game also supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster asset loading on compatible systems.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings like Volumetric Fog, Shadow Quality, and overall model detail. The game's dynamic weather and dense ecosystems will also be demanding, particularly on the CPU in certain scenarios.
• Game Name: Monster Hunter Wilds

• Official PC system requirements for 'Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered' (or Complete Edition on PC, which has similar demands). Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, driver versions, and in-game settings. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance. The game supports various upscaling technologies.
• Laptop Performance Note: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, while an older base game, can still be demanding on PC, especially at higher settings or resolutions. For a good laptop experience, a modern gaming laptop with a capable dedicated GPU, sufficient TGP, and good cooling is advised. **Actual performance can vary significantly based on the specific laptop model's TGP, cooling solution, CPU, RAM, and software configuration.** Always check reviews for specific laptop models.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is crucial for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants of the same GPU model will perform better. Check manufacturer specs.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent framerates during gameplay. Laptops with robust cooling solutions are preferred.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A modern mobile CPU (Intel Core H-series, AMD Ryzen H/HS-series) that can sustain good clock speeds is important to complement the GPU, especially in this open-world environment with complex machine AI.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in dual-channel configuration is recommended for smoother gameplay. RAM speed can also impact performance in certain scenarios.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p) and refresh rate. Upscaling technologies can help bridge performance gaps.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can offer improved performance by directly connecting the dedicated GPU to the display.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Utilize the latest official GPU drivers and ensure Windows is optimized for gaming.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The PC (Complete Edition/Remastered) supports NVIDIA DLSS (DLSS 3 for Remastered), AMD FSR (FSR 3.1 for Remastered), and Intel XeSS. These are highly recommended for improving performance at higher settings and resolutions.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Model Quality, Anisotropic Filtering, Shadows, Reflections, Clouds, Ambient Occlusion, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. The Remastered version also has enhanced graphics options.
• Game Name: Horizon Zero Dawn

• Upscaling Tech: The game supports a full suite of upscaling technologies, including NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Frame Generation is also supported and mentioned in the official requirements as a way to reach 60 FPS on recommended hardware. The game also supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster asset loading on compatible systems.
• Key Settings Impact: Performance will be most affected by settings like Volumetric Fog, Shadow Quality, and overall model detail. The game's dynamic weather and dense ecosystems will also be demanding, particularly on the CPU in certain scenarios.

• Upscaling Tech: The PC (Complete Edition/Remastered) supports NVIDIA DLSS (DLSS 3 for Remastered), AMD FSR (FSR 3.1 for Remastered), and Intel XeSS. These are highly recommended for improving performance at higher settings and resolutions.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Model Quality, Anisotropic Filtering, Shadows, Reflections, Clouds, Ambient Occlusion, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. The Remastered version also has enhanced graphics options.

• G P U T G P: A high TGP is crucial. A low-power variant of a recommended GPU will likely struggle to maintain target framerates, especially when many monsters and particle effects are on screen.
• Cooling Thermals: The RE Engine can heavily tax both the CPU and GPU in open-world settings. A high-performance cooling system is necessary to prevent thermal throttling during long hunts and in populated hub areas.
• C P U Power Limits: The game features a complex, living ecosystem, making a strong laptop CPU with good power delivery vital for maintaining stable minimum framerates and reducing stutter.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended to minimize latency and ensure the GPU's full performance is utilized, which is critical for the game's fast-paced, precise combat.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is crucial for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants of the same GPU model will perform better. Check manufacturer specs.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent framerates during gameplay. Laptops with robust cooling solutions are preferred.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A modern mobile CPU (Intel Core H-series, AMD Ryzen H/HS-series) that can sustain good clock speeds is important to complement the GPU, especially in this open-world environment with complex machine AI.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in dual-channel configuration is recommended for smoother gameplay. RAM speed can also impact performance in certain scenarios.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p) and refresh rate. Upscaling technologies can help bridge performance gaps.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can offer improved performance by directly connecting the dedicated GPU to the display.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Utilize the latest official GPU drivers and ensure Windows is optimized for gaming.