Where to Buy Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West Gameplay Video
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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (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 AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: 720p_30FPS_Very_Low - Minimum (Very Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (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 GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $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 GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (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).
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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 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.