Horizon Forbidden West Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Horizon Forbidden West Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Decima Engine |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Third-Person |
| Initial Release | 2022-02-18 (PS), 2024-03-21 (PC) |
| Developer | Guerrilla Games, Nixxes Software (PC) |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Setting | The Forbidden West (Fictionalized Western USA - California, Nevada, Utah), Post-Post-Apocalyptic Future |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows) |
| Multiplayer | None (Single-Player Only) |
| Unique Feature | Intricate Machine Combat, Vast & Diverse Open World, Advanced Traversal (Flying Mount, Shieldwing, Free Climbing), Deep Lore & Worldbuilding, Visually Stunning Graphics. |
Horizon Forbidden West System Requirements
720p_30FPS_Very_Low
tune Minimum (720p ~30 FPS, Very Low Preset) – Very Low Preset
1080p_30FPS_Medium
tune Recommended (1080p ~30 FPS, Medium Preset) – Medium Preset
1080p_60FPS_High
tune High (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset
1440p_60FPS_VeryHigh_Or_4K_30FPS_VeryHigh
tune Very High (1440p ~60 FPS or 2160p/4K ~30 FPS, Very High Preset, DLSS/FSR Quality/Balanced) – Very High Preset (DLSS/FSR Quality or Balanced recommended for these targets)
4K_60FPS_Ultimate
tune Ultimate (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultimate/Max Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced/Performance) – Ultimate/Max Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced or Performance
Horizon Forbidden West Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5060 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5060 (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5070 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5070 (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5070 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1679
Model: MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5070 & Intel i7 14th Gen)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5070 (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5070 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
2098.99
Model: Dell Alienware 16X Aurora (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5070 (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5070 105W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
1599
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5070 (Score: 12000) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 150 GB available space (SSD Required).
An NVMe SSD is strongly recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming, fast loading, and to minimize texture pop-in in the vast open world.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Super Resolution & Frame Generation), AMD FSR 2.2, and Intel XeSS. DirectStorage API support for faster loading on compatible NVMe SSDs.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Model Quality, Shadow Quality, Reflections Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Level of Detail, Hair Quality, and Anisotropic Filtering heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher resolutions/settings.
Horizon Forbidden West: Map Size and Regions
The Forbidden West is a vast and diverse open world, significantly larger than the map of Zero Dawn. Key regions include: The Daunt (a Carja borderland), No Man's Land (arid plains), Plainsong (Utaru farmlands), The Shining Wastes (deserts), Scalding Spear (Tenakth Sky Clan capital), The Stand of the Sentinels (Tenakth Lowland Clan territory), The Long Coast (beaches and ruins, leading to San Francisco), Isle of Spires (ruined San Francisco, Quen landing site), and underwater environments. The map is rich in verticality, dense jungles, arid deserts, snowy mountains, and submerged ruins. The 'Burning Shores' DLC adds a new volcanic archipelago region (former Los Angeles).
Horizon Forbidden West: Post-Launch Content / DLC
One major story expansion, 'Burning Shores,' has been released (exclusive to PS5 and PC). It takes Aloy to a new volcanic archipelago region (former Los Angeles) to pursue a new threat. Numerous free updates have added features like New Game+, Ultra Hard difficulty, transmog, and quality-of-life improvements.
Horizon Forbidden West: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition, Special Edition (SteelBook, digital soundtrack, artbook), Digital Deluxe Edition (cosmetic outfits/weapons, digital artbook/soundtrack/comic), Collector's Edition (Tremortusk & Aloy statues, SteelBook, artbook, all Digital Deluxe content), and Regalla Edition (Regalla Tremortusk statue, canvas map, art prints, replica Focus, all Collector's content). The PC version is often the 'Complete Edition' including the Burning Shores DLC.
Horizon Forbidden West: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Horizon Forbidden West is a single-player game and does not feature any multiplayer modes, therefore no cross-platform play. It is available on PS4 and PS5, with a PC port. PS4 saves can be transferred to PS5.
Horizon Forbidden West Specific Game Elements
Horizon Forbidden West Weapons
- securityBlastsling (Ranged (Explosive/Elemental Bombs))
Launches bombs that explode on impact or with a delay, dealing area damage or applying status effects (explosive, adhesive, frost, acid, shock). Requires aiming trajectory.
- securityBoltBlaster (Ranged (Rapid Fire Bolts, Elemental))
A heavy weapon that fires a volley of bolts in rapid succession, similar to a crossbow or minigun. Can be equipped with various elemental bolt types.
- securityHunter Bows (Ranged (Versatile, Elemental Arrows))
Balanced bows for mid-range combat, capable of firing standard, fire, frost, acid, shock, and advanced hunter arrows. Good for precision and applying elemental effects.
- securityRopecaster (Utility (Tethering))
Fires ropes that can tie down machines, temporarily immobilizing them or making them vulnerable to critical strikes. Can also be used to pull down environmental objects.
- securitySharpshot Bows (Ranged (High Precision, Tear Damage))
Long-range bows with high damage per shot, excellent for targeting specific machine components to tear them off or hit weak spots. Can use precision arrows and tearblast arrows.
- securityShredder Gauntlet (Ranged (Ricocheting Disc))
Launches a serrated disc that shreds components off machines and returns to Aloy. Catching the returning disc charges it for increased damage on the next throw. Can have elemental variants.
- securitySpear (Melee & Override) (Melee / Utility)
Aloy's primary melee weapon for light and heavy attacks, combos, and critical strikes on downed enemies. Also used to silently override machines.
- securitySpike Thrower (Ranged (Heavy Projectile, High Damage/Explosive))
Launches heavy spikes that deal massive impact damage or explode. Excellent against large, armored machines. Can have drill or explosive variants.
- securityTraps (Blast, Shock, Stun, etc.) (Deployable Utility)
Craftable traps that can be placed on the ground to damage or incapacitate machines and human enemies.
- securityTripcaster (Trap (Tripwires))
Deploys tripwires between two points that trigger when enemies pass through, dealing damage or applying elemental effects (shock, explosive, plasma, stun).
- securityValor Surges (Special Abilities (Temporary Buffs/Attacks))
Powerful, temporary abilities unlocked in the skill tree that consume Valor. Effects range from increased damage, stealth cloaking, powerful AoE attacks, to defensive shields.
- securityWarrior Bows (Ranged (Short Range, Rapid Fire))
Fast-firing bows for close-quarters combat, often with elemental effects. Lower precision but higher rate of fire.
Horizon Forbidden West Vehicles
- directions_carBoats / Rafts (Contextual) (Simple Watercraft)
In some underwater or flooded areas, Aloy might find or use simple rafts or interact with small boats for short-distance water traversal, though these are not primary controllable vehicles like in other games.
- directions_carMountable Machines (Charger, Bristleback, Clawstrider, Sunwing) (Overridden Machine Mounts (Land & Air))
Aloy can override various machines to use as mounts. Chargers are fast ground mounts. Bristlebacks are slower but can dig for resources. Clawstriders are combat-capable ground mounts. Sunwings are flying mounts essential for aerial traversal and accessing high areas.
- directions_carPullcaster (Grappling Tool / Utility)
A versatile tool that functions as a grappling hook to pull Aloy towards specific anchor points, pull down destructible walls or objects, and retrieve out-of-reach loot. Also used in combat to pull enemies or expose weak points.
- directions_carShieldwing (Personal Glider)
An energy glider deployed by Aloy to safely descend from great heights, glide across gaps, and perform aerial maneuvers. An essential traversal tool.
Horizon Forbidden West Characters
- personAloy - Protagonist / Nora Machine Hunter / Seeker (playable)
The main playable character. A skilled hunter, archer, and machine overrider. Haunted by her origins as a clone of Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, she ventures into the Forbidden West to find a cure for the Blight and save life on Earth. Known for her intelligence, compassion, and determination.
- personAlva - Ally / Quen Diviner
A curious and intelligent Diviner from the overseas Quen tribe. She possesses knowledge of Old World technology through her tribe's limited Focus-like devices. She aids Aloy in understanding ancient data.
- personBeta - Supporting Character / Elisabet Sobeck Clone
Another clone of Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, created and raised in isolation by Far Zenith. She is highly intelligent but socially anxious and initially fearful. Her relationship with Aloy is central to the plot.
- personErend - Ally / Oseram Vanguard Captain
A boisterous and strong Oseram warrior, captain of the Carja Vanguard. He reunites with Aloy in the Forbidden West and assists her, often providing comic relief and brute force.
- personGAIA - AI / Earth's Terraforming System
The benevolent AI created by Elisabet Sobeck to restore life to Earth. Aloy seeks to recover GAIA's subordinate functions to repair the biosphere and stop the Blight.
- personGerard Bieri - Antagonist / Far Zenith Leader
The apparent leader of the Far Zenith expedition to Earth. Arrogant and dismissive of current human life on Earth.
- personHekarro - Supporting Character / Tenakth Chief
The wise and respected chief of the Tenakth tribe, seeking to unite its three clans and resist Regalla's rebellion.
- personKotallo - Ally / Tenakth Sky Clan Marshal
A stoic and honorable Tenakth warrior from the Sky Clan who lost an arm in battle. Initially distrustful, he becomes a steadfast ally to Aloy, grappling with his injury and his duty to his people.
- personRegalla - Antagonist / Tenakth Rebel Leader
A fierce Tenakth warrior leading a rebellion against Chief Hekarro. She is fueled by a desire for revenge against the Carja and allies herself with Sylens to acquire machine overriding technology.
- personSeyka (Burning Shores DLC) - Ally / Quen Marine (DLC)
A resourceful and determined Quen marine encountered in the Burning Shores DLC. She teams up with Aloy to find her missing sister and confront Londra. A potential romantic interest for Aloy.
- personSylens - Ambiguous Figure / Researcher & Schemer
The enigmatic and highly intelligent researcher obsessed with Old World knowledge and technology. His motives are often unclear, and he manipulates events for his own purposes, sometimes aligning with Aloy, sometimes opposing her.
- personTilda van der Meer - Antagonist / Far Zenith Member
A prominent member of Far Zenith, an organization of immortal Old World humans who fled Earth. She has a complex past connection with Elisabet Sobeck and plays a key role in Far Zenith's plans.
- personVarl - Ally / Nora Brave / Aloy's Companion
A loyal friend and companion to Aloy from the Nora tribe. He follows her into the Forbidden West, providing support and a connection to her past. He undergoes his own journey of growth and finding his place.
- personWalter Londra (Burning Shores DLC) - Antagonist (DLC) / Far Zenith Member
A Far Zenith member who established a cult-like following in the Burning Shores region, posing a new threat that Aloy and Seyka must confront.
- personZo - Ally / Utaru Gravesinger
A calm and spiritual member of the agrarian Utaru tribe. She is a 'Gravesinger,' tending to the tribe's land-gods (machines that sustain their crops). She joins Aloy to help heal the land and her people.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
The resilient, intelligent, and compassionate protagonist, driven to save her world while grappling with her identity as a clone of Elisabet Sobeck. 2. Varl: Aloy's loyal Nora friend and companion, providing steadfast support and a grounded perspective. 3. Beta: Another clone of Elisabet Sobeck, raised by Far Zenith, initially timid and traumatized but undergoes significant character development with Aloy's help.
Horizon Forbidden West Missions / Objectives
- flagBurning Shores DLC Main Quests
Objective: A new main storyline set in the volcanic Burning Shores region, where Aloy teams up with Quen marine Seyka to investigate a new Far Zenith threat led by Walter Londra.
- flagCauldrons
Objective: Large, underground machine factories. Aloy must infiltrate these dangerous, puzzle-filled facilities, fight through machine defenses, and override the cauldron's core to unlock new machine override codes, allowing her to convert more machine types to her side.
- flagGauntlet Runs (Machine Races)
Objective: Mounted races against other machine riders, involving navigating a treacherous course while using weapons and abilities to sabotage opponents.
- flagHunting Grounds
Objective: Specific arenas where Aloy can undertake timed trials focused on different hunting techniques and weapon usage against various machines. Earning higher marks (Quarter, Half, Full Stripes) rewards medals, XP, and unique resources.
- flagMain Quests (Aloy's Journey to the West)
Objective: A series of narrative-driven quests following Aloy's quest to find a working backup of GAIA, stop the Red Blight, investigate the origins of new, dangerous machines, and confront the threat of Far Zenith and Regalla's rebels. These missions span the entire Forbidden West and involve major story revelations, character interactions, and boss battles.
- flagMelee Pits
Objective: Arenas where Aloy can challenge Tenakth warriors in melee combat duels, testing her spear skills and unlocking new melee combos upon victory.
- flagRebel Camps & Outposts
Objective: Fortified camps and smaller outposts controlled by Regalla's rebels. Aloy must defeat the rebel leader in each camp (often involving a mini-boss fight) and clear out all enemies to liberate the area, earning rewards and sometimes unlocking new allies or quests.
- flagSalvage Contracts
Objective: Quests given by Oseram salvagers, tasking Aloy with hunting specific machines for rare parts or retrieving valuable scrap from dangerous locations. Rewards often include powerful Oseram weapons or outfits.
- flagSide Quests (Favors & Errands)
Objective: Numerous optional quests given by various NPCs across all tribes and settlements. These offer unique storylines, explore the cultures and conflicts of the Forbidden West, introduce memorable characters, and reward XP, skill points, gear, or valuable resources.
- flagTallnecks
Objective: Colossal, giraffe-like machines that act as mobile radar towers. Aloy must find a way to climb to the top of each Tallneck and override its sensor array to unfog a large portion of the world map, revealing points of interest, settlements, and machine sites.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective):
Machine Battles (e.g., Tremortusk, Slaughterspine, Tideripper encounters): Epic, challenging fights against colossal and highly dangerous machines, often requiring specific strategies to exploit weak points. 2. Main Quests involving uncovering Far Zenith's plans and GAIA's subordinate functions (e.g., 'The Sea of Sands,' 'Seeds of the Past'). 3. 'The Wings of the Ten' (Main Quest): The mission where Aloy learns to override and fly a Sunwing, opening up new aerial traversal possibilities across the map.
Horizon Forbidden West Companions / Summons
- groupAlva (Temporary) (Human (Quen Diviner))
Ability: Helps Aloy decipher Old World data and navigate Quen politics during relevant quests. More focused on knowledge and tech than direct combat.
- groupBeta (Contextual) (Human (Elisabet Sobeck Clone))
Ability: While not a combat companion, Beta's technical expertise is crucial for progressing the story, often working with Aloy remotely or providing vital information.
- groupErend (Temporary) (Human (Oseram Vanguard))
Ability: Provides heavy combat support with his Oseram hammer and gadgets during missions where he joins Aloy.
- groupKotallo (Temporary) (Human (Tenakth Marshal))
Ability: Assists Aloy in missions involving the Tenakth tribe and fighting Regalla's rebels. A skilled warrior, even with his injury, using Tenakth weaponry.
- groupSeyka (Burning Shores DLC - Temporary) (Human (Quen Marine))
Ability: Aloy's primary companion throughout the Burning Shores DLC. A skilled warrior and mariner, she fights alongside Aloy with Quen weaponry and assists in navigating the volcanic archipelago.
- groupVarl (Temporary) (Human (Nora Brave))
Ability: Accompanies Aloy on several early to mid-game missions. Provides combat support with his bow and spear, and engages in dialogue that explores their friendship and the unfolding events.
- groupZo (Temporary) (Human (Utaru Gravesinger))
Ability: Joins Aloy for specific quests related to the Utaru tribe and healing the land-gods. Fights with a unique staff and has abilities related to plants and machines.
Horizon Forbidden West Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkBlack Boxes (Flight Recorders)
Location/Use: 12 recoverable flight recorders from crashed Old World airplanes. Each black box contains an audio log telling a short, often poignant story of the plane's final moments. Collecting them all is part of a side quest for a unique weapon.
- collections_bookmarkGreenshine Fragments/Slivers/Clusters
Location/Use: Valuable crystalline resource found in underwater locations, caves, or as rewards. Used for upgrading high-tier weapons and outfits.
- collections_bookmarkMachine Strike Pieces & Players
Location/Use: Machine Strike is an in-universe tactical board game. Aloy can collect various machine-themed game pieces (by purchasing or defeating specific machines) and challenge NPC players throughout the Forbidden West to matches.
- collections_bookmarkOrnament Collectibles (From Relic Ruins)
Location/Use: Found at the end of each Relic Ruin puzzle. Can be given to an NPC in Las Vegas (Hidden Ember) to create light shows.
- collections_bookmarkRelic Ruins
Location/Use: 9 Old World ruins containing environmental puzzles that Aloy must solve using her Focus, Pullcaster, and other tools to reach a hidden Ornament (collectible for a side quest) or other valuable loot.
- collections_bookmarkSignal Lenses (Signals of the Sun - Carja)
Location/Use: Lenses from Old World signal towers that need to be collected for a Carja NPC in the Daunt. Often require climbing or light puzzle solving.
- collections_bookmarkSurvey Drones (Tallneck Data)
Location/Use: 10 flying drones that continuously circle a specific area. Aloy must find a way to jump onto and retrieve their data modules. Each drone collected reveals information about Old World landmarks or ecosystems and provides XP/Skill Points.
- collections_bookmarkVista Points
Location/Use: 9 towers emitting a partial image of a pre-war landscape. Aloy must find the exact spot to stand and activate her Focus to align the image with the current environment, revealing a complete glimpse of the Old World location. Provides lore and XP.
- collections_bookmarkWar Totems (Banuk Figures - Easter Egg)
Location/Use: Small, hidden Banuk-style figurines representing characters from other PlayStation Studios games (e.g., Kratos, Jin Sakai). A fun Easter egg collectible.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Drones: Flying drones that must be caught by jumping onto them. Each contains data from a different region of the Old World. 2. Black Boxes: Recoverable voice recorders from crashed Old World airplanes, each telling a short, often poignant story. 3. Vista Points: Locations where Aloy can align her Focus with a pre-war image of the area, revealing a glimpse of the past.
Horizon Forbidden West Armor
- shieldDyes
Focus/Stats: Players can collect special plants to unlock dyes, which can be used at Dyer merchants to change the color scheme of most outfits, allowing for visual customization.
- shieldFace Paints
Focus/Stats: Cosmetic items that Aloy can apply, representing different tribal affiliations or styles. Unlocked through quests or progression. Do not provide stat bonuses.
- shieldOutfits (Nora, Carja, Oseram, Utaru, Tenakth, Quen - various tiers)
Focus/Stats: Aloy can equip various outfits, each consisting of a single piece that covers head and body (though headpieces can often be toggled off visually). Outfits provide base defensive stats (Melee, Ranged, Elemental Resistances) and come with inherent perks or skills (e.g., +Stealth, +Concentration, +Heavy Weapon Damage). Outfits are color-coded by rarity (Uncommon to Legendary) and can be upgraded at workbenches to improve stats and unlock/upgrade weave slots for further customization with Coils (mods).
- shieldWeaves (Coils)
Focus/Stats: Mods that can be inserted into the weave slots of outfits and weapons. They provide specific stat boosts (e.g., +% Fire Damage, +Melee Defense, +Critical Hit Chance) or unique perks. Weaves also have rarity tiers.
Horizon Forbidden West Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomFace Paints
Details: Cosmetic face paints representing different tribes or personal markings can be applied to Aloy. Unlocked through quests, merchants, or exploration.
- checkroomHeadpiece Toggle
Details: Most outfits come with a headpiece, but players have the option to visually toggle it off while still retaining its stats and perks, allowing them to see Aloy's face.
- checkroomOutfit Dyes
Details: Players can collect specific dye plants from the environment and use them at Dyer merchants to change the color schemes of most outfits, offering a layer of visual personalization.
- checkroomSpecial Outfits (Pre-order, Deluxe, Legendary)
Details: Unique outfits obtained through pre-orders, special game editions, or by crafting/purchasing legendary tier gear. These often have powerful perks and distinct visual designs.
- checkroomTribal Outfits (Nora, Carja, Oseram, Banuk, Utaru, Tenakth, Quen)
Details: Aloy can acquire and wear numerous outfits inspired by the game's various tribes. Each outfit provides defensive stats and unique perks suited to different playstyles (e.g., stealth, ranged combat, melee, machine overriding, elemental resistance). Outfits are color-coded by rarity and can be upgraded. A transmog system allows players to apply the appearance of any owned outfit while retaining the stats of another.
Horizon Forbidden West Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Horizon Forbidden West is a purely single-player experience. There are no multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
Features an immersive HUD with health, Focus meter, weapon/ammo selection, and contextual prompts. The Focus (AR device) highlights machine weak points, tracks, and hackable objects. Menus for inventory, crafting, skills, map, and collectibles are detailed. The world map is extensive with various filters. Dynamic HUD options allow for customization.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Joris de Man, The Flight, Niels van der Leest, and Oleksa Lozowchuk, featuring epic orchestral themes, tribal chants, and ethereal melodies that capture the beauty and danger of the Forbidden West. Sound design is intricate, with unique vocalizations for each machine, realistic environmental sounds, and impactful weapon effects.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by an updated version of the Decima Engine, the game is renowned for its stunning visual fidelity. It showcases incredibly detailed machine designs, lifelike character animations, lush and diverse environments (from dense jungles to arid deserts and underwater biomes), advanced lighting, volumetric clouds, and realistic weather systems. The level of detail in flora, fauna, and tribal settlements is exceptional. Offers multiple graphics modes on PS5.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility options, including fully remappable controls, extensive subtitle and caption customization, difficulty settings (including Custom mode), aim assist options, options to simplify QTEs, options for motion blur/camera shake, co-pilot mode, dead zone adjustments, auto-sprint, auto-heal, auto-concentration, and various visual/audio cues for gameplay elements.
- labelStory and Setting
Six months after Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy travels to the Forbidden West (former Western USA - California, Nevada, Utah) to find the source of a mysterious red blight threatening to extinguish all life. She seeks a backup of GAIA, the AI that can restore Earth's biosphere. Aloy encounters new tribes like the Utaru (agrarian pacifists), Tenakth (fierce warriors divided into three clans: Sky, Desert, Lowland), and the Quen (a technologically advanced seafaring tribe from across the Pacific). She must also contend with Regalla's rebels (a Tenakth faction armed with overridden machines) and the Far Zenith, a group of ancient humans who fled Earth centuries ago and have returned with advanced technology and sinister motives.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Skill Trees, Weapons, Outfits, Pouches)
Aloy has six skill trees: Warrior (melee), Trapper (traps/tripwires), Hunter (ranged combat), Survivor (health/crafting), Infiltrator (stealth), and Machine Master (overriding/machine combat). Skill points are earned by leveling up and completing quests. Weapons (bows, tripcasters, ropecasters, blastslings, shredder gauntlets, spike throwers) and Outfits are color-coded by rarity (Common to Legendary) and can be upgraded at workbenches using machine parts and resources, improving stats and unlocking perk/coil slots. Pouches for ammo, resources, and traps are upgraded by hunting specific animals for their parts.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Hunter Bow (especially Legendary versions like Death-Seeker's Shadow): Versatile for precision shots with various elemental/advanced arrows. 2. Sharpshot Bow (e.g., Forgefall): High damage, long-range precision, excellent for hitting weak spots on large machines. 3. Spike Thrower (e.g., Skykiller): Launches powerful explosive or drill spikes, devastating against large or armored machines. 4. Shredder Gauntlet (e.g., Ancestor's Return): Launches a ricocheting disc that returns to Aloy, dealing damage on hit and catch, can be charged. 5. Boltblaster (e.g., The Sun Scourge): Rapid-fire bolts, excellent for applying elemental effects or burst damage.
- labelTop 3 Mounts/Traversal Tools
- 1. Sunwing (Flying Mount): A Pterodactyl-like machine that Aloy can override and use for aerial traversal, offering unparalleled freedom to explore the Forbidden West from above. 2. Shieldwing: A deployable energy glider that allows Aloy to safely descend from great heights and glide across gaps. 3. Clawstrider / Charger (Ground Mounts): Various machines that can be overridden and ridden for faster ground travel. Clawstriders can also participate in combat.
Horizon Forbidden West Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Horizon Forbidden West a direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn?Yes, Horizon Forbidden West directly continues the story of Aloy, picking up approximately six months after the events of Horizon Zero Dawn.
- help_outline Do I need to play Horizon Zero Dawn before Forbidden West?It is highly recommended. Forbidden West heavily builds upon the lore, characters, and plot threads established in Zero Dawn. While there's a brief recap, playing the first game provides essential context and enhances the emotional impact of the sequel.
- help_outline Can Aloy swim underwater in Horizon Forbidden West?Yes, underwater exploration is a major new feature. Aloy can dive and swim in various bodies of water, discovering submerged ruins, resources, and new machines. She uses a rebreather for extended underwater exploration.
- help_outline What is the Shieldwing?The Shieldwing is a new piece of gear that functions as an energy glider. Aloy can deploy it mid-air after jumping from heights to safely glide across large distances or descend slowly, opening up new traversal possibilities.
- help_outline Are there flying mounts in Horizon Forbidden West?Yes, later in the game, Aloy gains the ability to override and ride Sunwings, which are Pterodactyl-like flying machines, allowing for aerial traversal across the Forbidden West.
- help_outline What is Machine Strike?Machine Strike is an in-universe turn-based tactical board game that Aloy can play against various NPCs. Players collect machine-themed game pieces, each with unique stats and abilities, and battle on a holographic board.