Horizon Forbidden West Summary
Horizon Forbidden West is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games released in 2022. The game is a direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn and continues the story of Aloy. Players get to follow Aloy as she explores a post-apocalyptic western United States that is overrun with dangerous machines. It improves upon features from the last game, including new water mechanics and discoveries, an upgraded combat system, and a better mission structure with an engaging reward system.
The game is a commercial and critical success, selling over 8 million copies in its first year. The world was expanded with critics and fans praising the scenery and graphics. Due to the success of the first two games, developers confirm there will be a third installment in the series. Whether it will be the final game is unknown, but fans eagerly await the third release in the trilogy.
Horizon Forbidden West DLC
Horizon Forbidden West features one DLC expansion pack, Burning Shores. The expansion is only available on PlayStation 5 and adds around seven hours of gameplay. It is purchasable on the PlayStation Store for $19.99. The story takes place after the base game events, with Aloy traveling south to the volcanic archipelago, Burning Shores. Players will explore new areas while preparing for their final fight against Horus, the Metal Devil. Saving resources and gear for the DLC will help players greatly when first starting.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores Checklist
While exploring the archipelago, players are rewarded with additional legendary weapons for completing quests. Each one offers a unique style and provides callbacks to the first game, Horizon Zero Dawn. We recommend getting each item and testing which one works for you to help take down Horus.
- The Emperor’s Reign – Can be obtained in Fleet’s End for 3000 Metal Shards and 8 Brimshine. A new Hunter Bow that deals 15% more damage while in stealth to enemies within 30 meters.
- Gravesinger’s Lamet – Can be obtained in Fleet’s End for 3000 Metal Shards and 8 Brimshine. A new variant of the Sharpshot Bow that has 15% improved damage.
- Skyhammer – Obtained in a cache in the Starlight Rise ruins before the Quen camp. It has a 25% faster draw speed and deals 15% more damage while in stealth.
- Last Argument – Obtained after completing the “Friend in the Dark” quest. A new version of the Spike Thrower that deals 15% more damage over time.
- The Tie That Binds – Can be obtained in Fleet’s End for 3000 Metal Shards and 8 Brimshine. A version of the Ropecaster that has a 10% reload speed and deals 15% more damage to multiple enemies.
- Specter Gauntlet – Obtained after completing the “The Stars In Their Eyes” quest.
Is Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores Worth the Money?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is worth every penny. For $19.99, players get seven additional hours of story, complete with new missions, enemies, and landscapes to explore. The final boss is considered by many to be one of the greatest, if not the best, fights in the series. Fans of the game will enjoy the expansion but should wait to purchase it until the end of the game. Since the DLC requires the main story to be completed first, players who are still determining if they will finish the game should hold off until then. The expansion is likely to be the only DLC for the game, which is even more reason to buy it as it is likely the only additional gameplay we get.
Horizon Forbidden West Tips and Tricks
There are a few things players should know before starting Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, with the first being to get caught up on the game. If you have recently finished the base game, this is a moot point, but players who finished their game months ago should either replay it or watch recaps on YouTube. After all, who wouldn’t want to experience Horizon Forbidden West all over again? This will also have the added benefit of getting you used to the controls and mechanics once again.
Also, players should stock up on shards and complete their skill trees. Burning Shores has a lot of items, weapons, and outfits for players to collect, but they don’t come cheap or free. The maxed-out skill tree benefits players greatly in their final fight against Horus, and there’s no shame in taking all the help you can get.