9 /10 23

Horizon Forbidden West stands as a pinnacle of contemporary action-RPG design, delivering a sprawling post-apocalyptic narrative across a visually stunning recreation of the American West. This Complete Edition consolidates the base game with the Burning Shores expansion, offering over 50 hours of content. Guerrilla Games has masterfully expanded upon its predecessor by introducing enhanced combat mechanics, expanded exploration elements including swimming and free-climbing, and deeper character-driven storytelling that resonates throughout the 30+ hour campaign. The game garnered critical acclaim with an 89 Metacritic score, praised for superior environmental design, diverse machine encounters, and fluid gameplay that respects player agency in combat approaches—whether through direct engagement or tactical stealth.

How to Play Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West combines third-person action combat with open-world exploration. Players control Aloy, utilizing ranged weapons (bows, slingshots), melee tools, and tactical deployables against mechanized creatures. Progression follows a skill tree system with branching abilities unlocked through combat experience and resource gathering.

1. Controls – Intuitive DualSense/controller scheme with contextual button prompts; moderate learning curve for combat timing and resource management
2. Progression – Narrative-driven quests unlock new regions; side activities grant experience for skill trees and crafting resources
3. Combat/Mechanics – Core loop involves scanning enemy weak points, positioning strategically, exploiting elemental weaknesses with appropriate ammunition types, and managing limited resources during encounters
4. Tips – Scout locations first to gather tactical intelligence; prioritize bow accuracy and elemental arrows; collect machine components for crafting upgrades

Who Should Play Horizon Forbidden West

This title appeals to players seeking narrative-driven, visually immersive experiences with flexible combat systems. Story-focused players appreciate Aloy’s character development and world lore, while combat enthusiasts enjoy the tactical depth and varied enemy designs requiring adaptive strategies.

• Adventure Enthusiasts – Players who value expansive open worlds with environmental storytelling and meaningful exploration will find Horizon’s post-apocalyptic landscapes endlessly rewarding
• Action-RPG Veterans – Those experienced with similar titles will appreciate the refined progression systems, diverse skill trees, and combat mechanics offering multiple viable approaches
• Narrative Gamers – The game delivers compelling character arcs, mystery-driven plotting, and cinematically presented dialogue sequences that rival premium television productions
• Skip if – Players preferring pure stealth, fast-paced arcade gameplay, or exclusively PvP multiplayer experiences may find the deliberate pacing and single-player focus less engaging

Horizon Forbidden West Platform Performance

Horizon Forbidden West delivers exceptional cross-platform performance with dynamic resolution scaling and variable refresh rates. The PS5 version showcases the developers’ technical expertise through responsive gameplay, while the PC port provides uncapped framerates and DLSS support for high-end configurations.

Horizon Forbidden West System Requirements

The Complete Edition requires moderate PC specifications for optimal play. Minimum requirements allow entry-level gaming experiences, while recommended tiers unlock the full visual potential comparable to PS5 performance.

Similar Games to Horizon Forbidden West

Players drawn to Horizon’s blend of narrative immersion and action-oriented gameplay will find comparable experiences in several acclaimed titles. Each offers distinct approaches to open-world design while sharing thematic elements of exploration and discovery.

• Ghost of Tsushima – Samurai-focused open-world with feudal Japanese setting; emphasizes stealth and melee combat with comparable narrative depth
• Elden Ring – Expansive open-world with challenging combat encounters; prioritizes environmental exploration and player-driven discovery over scripted narrative
• Breath of the Wild – Pioneering open-world design emphasizing player freedom; shared philosophy of meaningful exploration rewards
• Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection – Narrative-driven action with cinematic presentation and character-focused storytelling in exotic locations

Horizon Forbidden West vs Competitors

Horizon Forbidden West maintains competitive advantages in visual fidelity, combat depth, and single-player campaign scope. Comparative analysis against contemporary action-RPGs demonstrates consistent strengths in critical reception and player engagement metrics.

Horizon Forbidden West Story & World

The narrative follows Aloy’s mission to secure technology capable of preventing environmental catastrophe as the world teeters toward a second extinction event. Guerrilla Games crafted a world recovering from mechanized devastation, where character relationships deepen significantly compared to the first installment. The post-apocalyptic American West—from verdant forests to desert ruins of Las Vegas—provides thematically resonant locations. Storytelling balances high-stakes apocalyptic plotting with intimate character moments, delivered through fully animated cinematics and natural dialogue. The tone shifts from desperate survival elements to moments of genuine human connection, establishing emotional investment in companion characters and world recovery efforts.

Horizon Forbidden West Multiplayer & Online

Horizon Forbidden West maintains the series’ single-player focus without networked features. The design philosophy prioritizes narrative intimacy and carefully-paced world exploration, characteristics that multiplayer implementation would compromise. No social features, cooperative missions, or PvP components exist.

• Single-Player Campaign – Full narrative experience designed exclusively for solo play with no session interruptions
• No Co-Op – Story progression and exploration cannot be shared; each player experiences campaign independently
• No PvP – Competitive elements absent entirely; gameplay remains focused on human-versus-environment challenges
• Cross-Play – Not applicable; no multiplayer infrastructure present across any platform

Horizon Forbidden West DLC & Expansions

The Complete Edition consolidates the base game with substantial post-launch content. Burning Shores expansion delivers additional story content set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, introducing new machines and narrative continuation following main campaign completion.

• Burning Shores Expansion – Included in Complete Edition; features new region (Los Angeles), 10-15 hours additional content, new machine variants, and character-driven side narratives
• Complete Edition Bundle – Combines base game with Burning Shores; delivers $60 value combining $50 base + $20 expansion separately
• No Season Pass – Post-launch strategy focuses on single expansion rather than fragmented content schedule
• Future Updates – Guerrilla Games prioritizing Horizon 3 development; limited additional DLC expected beyond existing expansion

Horizon Forbidden West Community & Support

Guerrilla Games maintains active community engagement platforms and provides ongoing technical support. The fanbase remains vibrant across social channels with extensive community-created content documenting mechanical discoveries and aesthetic achievements.

• Official Community – Guerrilla Games forums provide developer interaction and community guidelines; dedicated support sections address technical issues
• Discord/Reddit Communities – Subreddits like r/horizon aggregate player strategies, build guides, and environmental photography; Discord servers organize community events
• Mod Support – PC version enables community modifications through unrestricted modding; extensive shader and graphics enhancement mods developed
• Patch Support – Regular updates address performance optimization and quality-of-life improvements; developers communicate roadmap through official channels