Horizon Forbidden West drops players into a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures, ancient mysteries, and stunning landscapes. Released by Guerrilla Games in 2022, this action RPG sequel builds on everything that made the original Horizon Zero Dawn a hit. Players take on the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter searching for answers to a plague threatening all life on Earth. The game spans diverse biomes, from lush jungles to underwater ruins, each packed with secrets to uncover. This guide covers the story, gameplay mechanics, exploration tips, and strategies to help both newcomers and returning fans get the most out of their adventure in the Forbidden West.
Key Takeaways
- Horizon Forbidden West features an expanded combat system with new weapons, overhauled skill trees, and satisfying melee-ranged combo mechanics.
- Underwater exploration opens up entirely new areas filled with lore, resources, and stunning environments to discover.
- Over 20 new machine types, including aquatic and Apex variants, challenge players to adapt their strategies constantly.
- Tools like the Shieldwing glider and Pullcaster grappling hook make traversal faster and more fluid across the dense open world.
- Side quests in Horizon Forbidden West offer unique rewards and can unlock allies who impact the main story.
- Always scan machines with the Focus tool before combat to reveal weak points and gain a tactical advantage.
Story and Setting Overview
Horizon Forbidden West picks up six months after the events of Zero Dawn. A mysterious blight is killing plants and animals across the land. Aloy travels west to find the source of this plague and discovers a backup of GAIA, the AI system responsible for terraforming Earth after its near-destruction.
The Forbidden West itself is a dangerous region spanning what was once the American Southwest and Pacific Coast. Players encounter new tribes with distinct cultures, including the Tenakth warriors and the secretive Quen from across the sea. Each faction has its own beliefs about the Old World and the machines that roam the land.
The narrative introduces Sylens as both ally and antagonist, adding tension to Aloy’s quest. New characters like Varl, Zo, and Erend join her cause, forming a diverse team with personal stakes in saving the world. The story explores themes of legacy, identity, and what it means to be human, all while delivering plenty of action-packed moments.
Horizon Forbidden West expands the lore significantly. Players learn more about the Faro Plague, the fall of civilization, and the various subordinate functions of GAIA. Collectibles and data points scattered throughout the map fill in gaps about the Old World, rewarding curious explorers with deeper context.
Gameplay Mechanics and Combat
Combat in Horizon Forbidden West rewards preparation and precision. Aloy carries a variety of weapons, from bows and slings to new additions like the Shredder Gauntlet and Spike Thrower. Each weapon type serves different tactical purposes. Players can strip armor plates off machines, expose weak points, and exploit elemental vulnerabilities.
The skill tree system has been overhauled. Six distinct branches let players specialize in melee combat, traps, stealth, ranged attacks, machine override, and survival. Valor Surges are powerful abilities tied to each skill tree, providing temporary buffs during tough fights. This system gives players real freedom to build Aloy according to their preferred playstyle.
Melee combat received major upgrades. Aloy now has combo attacks, aerial strikes, and a resonator blast mechanic. Charging melee attacks fills a resonator on enemies. Hitting that charged spot with an arrow triggers massive damage. This creates a satisfying loop between close-quarters and ranged fighting.
The Stash system eliminates inventory frustration. Excess items automatically transfer to a storage box accessible at settlements. Players no longer need to constantly manage limited carrying capacity during long exploration sessions.
New Machines and Enemies
Horizon Forbidden West introduces over 20 new machine types. The Slitherfang is a massive cobra-like machine that spits acid. Tremortusks resemble war elephants and can devastate unprepared hunters. Clamberjaws move in packs and overwhelm with speed and numbers.
Aquatic machines add fresh challenges. Snapmaws patrol rivers while Tideripper lurks in deeper waters. Underwater combat requires different tactics since many weapons don’t function below the surface.
Rebel humans pose increased threats compared to the first game. They use machines as mounts and deploy coordinated tactics. Some rebels pilot Bristlebacks or ride Chargers into battle, forcing players to handle multiple threat types simultaneously.
Apex variants of machines appear as tougher versions with enhanced abilities. These machines have different coloring and deal more damage. They often guard valuable resources or patrol key locations in Horizon Forbidden West.
Exploration and World Design
The map in Horizon Forbidden West is roughly the same size as Zero Dawn but feels denser. Every region contains activities, from machine sites and rebel camps to ancient ruins and side quests. The variety keeps exploration fresh even after dozens of hours.
Underwater exploration is a game-changer. Aloy gains a breathing apparatus that allows unlimited diving. Submerged areas hide Old World facilities, resources, and lore. Swimming controls feel smooth, and underwater environments look gorgeous with kelp forests and sunken structures.
The Shieldwing glider transforms traversal. Aloy can deploy it mid-jump to float across canyons and descend safely from heights. This tool makes vertical exploration more fluid and opens shortcuts throughout the world.
Climbing received improvements too. A Focus scan highlights climbable surfaces. While Aloy still follows predetermined paths on most structures, the additions like the Pullcaster grappling hook add speed and options.
Tallnecks return as map-revealing landmarks. Each one presents a unique puzzle to reach its head. Solving these puzzles uncovers icons across the region, pointing players toward activities and collectibles.
Cauldrons offer dungeon-like experiences. These underground machine factories contain puzzles, combat encounters, and override codes for new machine types. Horizon Forbidden West includes several Cauldrons with varying difficulty levels, and completing them expands Aloy’s ability to turn machines into allies.
Tips for New and Returning Players
Scan everything. The Focus tool reveals machine weak points, patrol paths, and nearby resources. Fighting without scanning first puts players at a serious disadvantage, especially against unfamiliar machines in Horizon Forbidden West.
Stock up on resources before major story missions. Some quests lock players into extended sequences without access to merchants. Having plenty of health potions, ammo crafting materials, and trap components prevents frustrating shortages.
Upgrade the pouch capacity early. More inventory space means longer exploration trips and fewer return visits to settlements. Prioritize resource and medicine pouches first.
Experiment with different weapon coils. These modifications can dramatically change weapon performance. Elemental coils help against specific machine types, while handling coils improve draw speed and reload times.
Don’t ignore side quests. Many offer unique rewards, unlock new weapons, and provide valuable experience. Some side characters become allies who contribute to the main story later.
Use machine mounts for fast travel between discovered campfires. Overriding a Charger or Bristleback provides quick transportation across the open world in Horizon Forbidden West.
Try the Machine Strike mini-game. This tabletop strategy game appears in settlements throughout the world. It offers a fun break from action gameplay and rewards players with unique prizes.
Adjust difficulty settings freely. Horizon Forbidden West allows changes at any time without penalty. If a boss fight feels unfair, lowering the difficulty temporarily is a valid option.
