Horizon Forbidden West is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with robotic machines. Players control Aloy as she ventures into the dangerous Forbidden West region, battling mechanical creatures and uncovering threats while exploring vast environments on PS4 and PS5.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on third-person combat against diverse machines using a mix of ranged weapons and melee tools. Aloy relies on bows for standard and elemental arrows, along with specialized gear such as the blastsling for bombs, the Shredder Gauntlet for launching discs, the javelin thrower, ropecaster for tethering foes, and the tripcaster for laying traps. Combat involves managing damage types including impact for direct health reduction, tear for stripping components, and elemental effects like fire, shock, acid, and plasma that trigger status conditions. Melee attacks with the spear add close-range options, while Valor Surges deliver powerful abilities unlocked through skill progression.
Progression features six skill trees focused on distinct styles: Warrior for melee emphasis, Trapper for traps and gadgets, Hunter for ranged precision, Survivor for resource management, Infiltrator for stealth approaches, and Machine Master for overriding and controlling machines. Players upgrade weapons and outfits at workbenches using gathered resources, with outfits providing targeted stat boosts. Traversal includes improved climbing aided by the Pullcaster tool, swimming and diving in certain areas, and the use of mounts. The Focus device scans environments to highlight climbable surfaces, loot, and enemy weaknesses. Exploration occurs in either Guided mode with on-screen waypoints or Explorer mode with minimal HUD assistance and reliance on environmental cues or a compass.
Game Modes
The game operates as a single-player experience built around a main story campaign of quests that advance the narrative. Side quests and additional activities expand on machine hunting, resource collection, and world interactions. Players select from difficulty settings at the start or adjust them anytime, including Story for easier combat focus, Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Ultra Hard which becomes available after completing the game. A Custom option lets users tweak specific parameters such as damage received, enemy health, concentration duration, loot rates, and auto-heal features. Exploration assistance toggles between Guided and Explorer modes, switchable at any point without affecting difficulty.
World and Exploration
The Forbidden West presents varied biomes across a large open environment where players investigate ruins, confront machine herds, and interact with new tribes. Resource gathering supports crafting and upgrades, while overriding machines provides temporary allies in fights. Activities range from tracking specific machine parts for upgrades to completing quests that reveal more about the region's mysteries and inhabitants.
Technical Features on PS5
The PS5 version leverages the console's SSD for near-instant fast travel and reduced load times. Visual options include 4K resolution with HDR support and a Performance mode targeting 60 frames per second. Haptic feedback in the DualSense controller conveys attack impacts, while adaptive triggers simulate resistance when drawing bows or using tools. Tempest 3D AudioTech delivers spatial sound through compatible headphones, enhancing awareness of machine movements and environmental audio.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception has been strong, with critic scores averaging in the high 80s and user scores around 8.0 across major review platforms. Reviewers highlight refined combat systems, expansive world design, and visual presentation as standout elements that improve on prior entries in the series. The game suits players who enjoy methodical combat planning, open-world discovery, and narrative-driven adventures in a sci-fi setting. Those seeking challenging machine encounters or detailed gear customization will find substantial depth, while the availability of adjustable difficulties and exploration modes broadens accessibility. The Complete Edition incorporates the Burning Shores expansion, adding further story content, new weapons, and a distinct area for those who complete the base campaign. Overall, it delivers a polished single-player action RPG experience that rewards patient engagement with its systems and environments.
