Where to Buy Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn Gameplay Video
Horizon Zero Dawn Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Decima |
| Genre | Action Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World |
| Initial Release (PS4) | 2017-02-28 |
| PC Release (Complete Edition) | 2020-08-07 |
| Remastered Release (PS5, PC) | 2024-10-31 |
| Developer | Guerrilla Games |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment / PlayStation Publishing LLC (PC) |
| Setting | Post-Apocalyptic 31st Century Earth (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Windows PC, PlayStation 5 (via Backward Compatibility & Remaster) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player Only |
| Unique Feature | Unique post-apocalyptic world with robotic creatures, compelling story of Aloy, strategic machine combat by targeting weak points, machine overriding. |
Horizon Zero Dawn System Requirements
Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered
tune Minimum (Remastered - Target: 720p, 30 FPS, Very Low Preset) – Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.
Recommended_1080p_60FPS_Medium_Remastered
tune Recommended (Remastered - Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) – Medium Preset. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.
High_1440p_60FPS_OR_4K_30FPS_High_Remastered
tune High (Remastered - Target: 1440p @ 60 FPS / 4K @ 30 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' for 1440p, 'Balanced' for 4K) recommended.
VeryHigh_4K_60FPS_VeryHigh_Remastered
tune Very High (Remastered - Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Very High Preset) – Very High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Balanced') essential.
Horizon Zero Dawn Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
memory Intel Core i9-12950HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 175W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $2499
Model: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Se with RTX 3080 Ti and i9
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12950HX (Score: 1054)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (Score: 9100) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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: Minimum_720p_30FPS_VeryLow_Remastered - Minimum (Very Low Preset. Upscaling may be needed.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher for Remastered)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 135 GB available space (SSD Strongly Recommended for Remastered/Complete Edition)
An SSD is highly recommended for faster load times, reduced texture pop-in, and a smoother overall experience. The original PC port required ~100GB.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: 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: Resolution, Model Quality, Anisotropic Filtering, Shadows, Reflections, Clouds, Ambient Occlusion, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. The Remastered version also has enhanced graphics options.
Horizon Zero Dawn: Map Size and Regions
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.
Horizon Zero Dawn: Post-Launch Content / DLC
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.
Horizon Zero Dawn: Game Editions
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.
Horizon Zero Dawn: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Horizon Zero Dawn is a single-player game, so cross-play is not applicable. Save files might be transferable between PS4 and PS5 versions for the original game via backward compatibility or specific upgrade paths for the Remastered version.
Horizon Zero Dawn Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Horizon Zero Dawn is a strictly single-player experience and does not feature any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
- labelUser Interface
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.
- labelSound and Music
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.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
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).
- labelAccessibility Features
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.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in the 31st century in a post-apocalyptic United States (primarily Colorado, Utah, Wyoming), where humanity lives in primitive tribes and massive, animalistic machines dominate the wilderness. Aloy, an outcast of the Nora tribe, discovers a Focus device from the 'Old World' and seeks to uncover her origins and the truth about the cataclysm that ended the previous civilization (Project Zero Dawn, Faro Plague). Her journey leads her to interact with various tribes (Nora, Carja, Banuk, Oseram), confront a dangerous cult known as the Eclipse, and interact with ancient AI like GAIA and HADES.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Aloy's Abilities)
Aloy gains XP to level up and earn skill points, which can be invested in three main skill trees: 'Prowler' (stealth attacks, silent movement, resource gathering efficiency), 'Brave' (ranged combat damage, weapon handling, critical hits, melee power), and 'Forager' (crafting efficiency, potion effectiveness, machine override duration, resource carrying capacity). 'The Frozen Wilds' DLC adds a fourth 'Traveler' skill tree focusing on mounted combat, resource repairing, and new interactions. Weapons and outfits can be modified with coils and weaves for stat boosts and perks.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Hunter Bow: Versatile bow for various arrow types (fire, hardpoint, hunter arrows). 2. Sharpshot Bow: High-damage precision bow for sniping weak points and using tearblast arrows. 3. Tripcaster: Deploys tripwires with elemental effects (shock, blast, fire) to trap machines. 4. Ropecaster: Tethers machines to the ground, immobilizing them for critical hits or overriding. 5. Focus Device: Aloy's earpiece, used to scan machines (revealing weak points, elemental weaknesses, patrol paths), track enemies, and interact with ancient technology.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Machine Combat & Weak Point Targeting: Strategic combat against diverse robotic creatures, requiring use of the Focus to identify and target specific components and elemental weaknesses for efficient takedowns. 2. Crafting & Resource Management: Gathering resources from machines and the environment to craft ammunition for various weapons, traps, potions, and inventory upgrades on the fly. 3. Overriding Machines: Learning to hack into different machine types through Cauldrons, allowing Aloy to turn them into temporary allies in combat or use them as mounts for faster traversal.
Horizon Zero Dawn Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline When was Horizon Zero Dawn originally released?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.
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help_outline What is the story of Horizon Zero Dawn about?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.
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help_outline What kind of game is Horizon Zero Dawn?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.
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help_outline What is the Focus device Aloy uses?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.
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help_outline Can you ride machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?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.
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help_outline Is Horizon Zero Dawn a multiplayer game?No, Horizon Zero Dawn is a single-player only experience. It does not have any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
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help_outline What is 'The Frozen Wilds'?'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.