Horizon Forbidden West on PC can be one of the most exciting releases of the first half of 2024. Partly because the next few weeks are almost devoid of other AAA premieres. But mainly because the second installment in the Aloy saga is an exceptional experience.
The Horizon series and setting
Horizon Zero Dawn took PlayStation 4 by storm in 2017 and replicated its success on PC three years later. The Guerrilla Games action RPG took us to a world overrun by bizarre, animal-like machines. Players control a young huntress called Alloy. Together with her, they discover the secrets of this world. Even though the first game was outstanding, the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, surpassed it in virtually every aspect. Firstly, it expands on the already vast open world of Horizon Zero Dawn by introducing a larger map filled with diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. This not only provides more ground for exploration but also introduces a wider variety of machines and tribes, enriching the game’s lore and environmental storytelling.
Horizon Forbidden West gameplay
The sequel also enhances gameplay mechanics, including more refined combat systems that offer greater depth with new weapons and tactics against machines and human foes. The introduction of underwater exploration adds a fresh dimension to the gameplay. Character development has been deepened as well, with Aloy experiencing more personal growth through her journey in the Forbidden West, which is complemented by a cast of well-developed supporting characters, each with their own stories. Furthermore, Horizon Forbidden West addresses many of the critiques from its predecessor by streamlining inventory management and offering more fast-travel options, making it easier for players to immerse themselves in its captivating world without unnecessary interruptions.
Another significant improvement is in the game’s visuals and technical performance. Guerrilla Games took full advantage of the latest gaming hardware, delivering stunningly detailed environments. Without a doubt, Horizon Forbidden West is currently one of the best-looking games on the market. If you cherish the visual aspects of the game and have a powerful rig, you will fall in love with Aloy’s second adventure. To be honest, the graphics are so detailed that some players had problems accepting the fact that the heroine has some facial hair.
Horizon Forbidden West release date
Horizon Forbidden West debuted on PlayStation 4 and 5 on February 18, 2022. The Buring Shores DLC was revealed in December 2022 and premiered on April 19, 2023. The rumors about the PC version spread across the internet right after the release of the game. It wasn’t a surprise since Horizon Zero Dawn was a PC bestseller.
Guerrilla Game confirmed the rumors in September 2023, promising that the game would lose its exclusivity in early 2024. Ultimately, the release date of Horizon Forbidden West PC was set for March 21, 2024.
Horizon Forbidden West PC port
There are some concerns. A few years ago, PC versions of PlayStation exclusives set the standard for optimization. Unfortunately, the technical quality of some of the latest releases was questionable. Particularly, The Last of Us: Part I suffered from severe performance issues.
The good news is that Forbidden West was ported by Nixxes Software. This Dutch studio was previously responsible for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. All those releases avoided significant issues. Consequently, we assume that the PC incarnation of the new Horizon will also be as flawless as it can get.
Horizon Forbidden West PC features
PC players had to wait longer to embark on Aloy’s second adventure. However, they are getting the Complete Edition, which includes the base game and its highly-praised DLC, Burning Shores, which is not available on PlayStation 4. Moreover, the port will have numerous features absent from the Sony consoles. PC players should enjoy unlocked framerate and all those fancy-named technologies that improve performance, such as NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR, Intel XeSS, etc. Of course, you can play with multiple graphic settings to find the perfect balance between performance and visuals. The game also supports ultrawide resolutions and triple monitors.
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