Horizon Zero Dawn

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In Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition, play as Aloy, a skilled hunter in a world overrun by robotic creatures. Uncover your past, shape your destiny, and protect the future in this expansive action RPG. The Complete Edition includes the base game, the frozen wilds expansion, and additional outfits, weapons, and packs. Explore a vibrant, dangerous open world and battle unique machines with tactical attacks.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 63,825 reviews

story17,991 positive mentions

optimization1,668 negative mentions

story
33,937 mentions
53 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Horizon Zero Dawn" is widely praised for its depth and emotional engagement, following the journey of Aloy as she uncovers her past in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures. Players appreciate the intricate world-building and lore, with many side quests adding richness to the narrative, although some find the side quests repetitive and less compelling than the main storyline. Overall, the game is celebrated for its captivating plot, strong character development, and stunning visuals, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre.
- “The story is part nature documentary, part sci-fi TED talk, and all epic.”
- “The story is rich and thought-provoking, seamlessly blending personal stakes with larger, world-shaking mysteries.”
- “Horizon Zero Dawn captivates with its gripping story and outstanding narration.”
- “The story is weak, and the side quests are very repetitive, making the gameplay tedious and monotonous.”
- “The story is both captivating and thought-provoking, exploring themes of humanity, identity, and the consequences of our actions.”
- “The story is well-written and you get to feel a whole range of emotions as stuff gets revealed, from curiosity, anger, sadness, happiness, accomplishment, etc.”
gameplay
11,946 mentions
53 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Horizon Zero Dawn" is widely praised for its engaging combat mechanics, which involve strategic use of bows and various weapons to exploit the weaknesses of mechanical enemies. Players appreciate the freedom to approach encounters with stealth or direct combat, although some find the gameplay can become repetitive over time. The game's stunning visuals and immersive world further enhance the overall experience, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre.
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay is riveting, and the number of different options and different ways you approach each encounter/mission/errand you choose to do is amazing, from using the environment to your advantage to just going full throttle with explosive arrows; it is up to you.”
- “Facing off against massive, mechanical beasts requires skill, creativity, and a variety of weapons and tools, making every encounter feel unique and exhilarating.”
- “Horizon Zero Dawn is a phenomenal blend of breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and a compelling story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
- “The gameplay felt kind of repetitive.”
- “The gameplay is very typically PlayStation, with a climbing mechanic revolving around highlighted climb points, the ability to scan environments.”
- “The gameplay loop becomes as repetitive as your alarm clock every morning.”
graphics
11,558 mentions
63 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Horizon Zero Dawn" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate details, even years after its initial release. Many players highlight the game's breathtaking landscapes, dynamic weather effects, and the impressive design of robotic creatures, which contribute to an immersive experience. While some reviews note that certain character animations and textures may appear dated or glitchy, the overall graphical fidelity remains a standout feature, making it a visually captivating title in the open-world genre.
- “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is riveting, and the number of different options and different ways you approach each encounter/mission/errand you choose to do is amazing.”
- “Even years after its release, Horizon Zero Dawn remains a benchmark for graphical excellence.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the mechanics are interesting, and the combat is fun and engaging.”
- “The graphics are a bit dated, but given the controversy with the remaster, I'll manage.”
- “Since this is a port of a PS4 game with some minor graphical touch-ups for the PC, don't expect mind-blowing graphics here.”
- “The graphics are decent for their time and have aged well.”
optimization
5,915 mentions
18 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
28 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Horizon Zero Dawn" has received mixed feedback from players. While many report significant improvements in performance following multiple patches, others continue to experience issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems. The initial optimization process can be lengthy and frustrating, but for those with higher-end hardware, the game often runs smoothly at high settings. Overall, while the game has the potential for a great experience, players are advised to wait for further optimization updates if they encounter performance issues.
- “The performance is solid, and the customizable controls make it accessible for a wide range of players.”
- “The graphics are great and it's optimized wonderfully.”
- “The game runs smoothly, and overall feels very fluid in gameplay.”
- “Despite being verified and all, performance is absolutely abysmal.”
- “I am going to be honest, I managed to get through the first part of the game with some insane stuttering, but after the proving part the game was running at around 1fps at the lowest settings possible and kept crashing.”
- “The optimization is still absolutely horrible, massive stuttering even with a 4070 and now going to charge $10 to maybe fix it with a remastered version, on top of their bulls$!”
music
1,880 mentions
59 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Horizon Zero Dawn" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Many players appreciate the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, which shifts seamlessly from serene melodies during exploration to intense combat themes, effectively complementing the gameplay and narrative. However, some users noted issues with audio mixing and occasional bugs that affected the music's performance, leading to moments of silence or disconnection from the action. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of the game.
- “The music shifts from hauntingly beautiful melodies during exploration to pulse-pounding beats in combat.”
- “The soundtrack complements the game perfectly, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments and the thrill of exploration.”
- “The game’s soundtrack, composed by Joris de Man, Niels van der Leest, and The Flight, perfectly complements the gameplay and narrative.”
- “The overarching story is good and the visuals are pretty, but the characters are pretty bad and... I'm not even sure if this game has music.”
- “The music is not the strongest in an RPG; I don't think I found myself particularly enamored with the soundtrack. Typically, the soundtrack gives rise to certain feelings, or underscores the feeling of being in a certain place or world - and sadly this didn't really materialize.”
- “The soundtrack was completely forgettable, though not bad at least.”
stability
1,484 mentions
18 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many report a generally smooth experience with minimal crashes and only minor graphical glitches, others have encountered significant issues, including frequent crashes, texture pop-ins, and performance drops, particularly on PC. Overall, the game appears to have improved since its initial buggy launch, but some players still experience frustrating technical problems that detract from the gameplay experience.
- “The game is very well optimized and runs great on a vast majority of different graphics cards.”
- “Runs great, no hitching or stuttering and no fps drop.”
- “I just finished the tutorial, but so far the game is unbelievably gorgeous, smooth, bug free, and the storyline is incredibly engaging.”
- “The game is so buggy it's not worth playing it.”
- “This game is incredibly buggy and lacks any quality at all.”
- “The game is a buggy mess and has constant visual bugs that take you out of the game.”
grinding
1,040 mentions
2 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
78 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in resource gathering and combat encounters. While some appreciate the depth and challenge it adds, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, players suggest that significant grinding is often necessary, especially at higher difficulties, which can make the gameplay feel like a chore rather than an engaging experience.
- “There is not a whole lot of waste in this game, collectibles are not overly strenuous, and there's no grinding for levels. As you venture forth, you will naturally acquire everything you need while overcoming different types of machines to progress your character into a better fighter with better gear and upgrades.”
- “It's not grindy unless you want to get the best weapon or outfit, which is relaxing compared to other grind games.”
- “No grinding was necessary and every fight seemed pretty fun to me.”
- “Farming for parts is quick and easy if you put down traps.”
- “The combat outside of stealth, as it required at points, quickly becomes tedious and annoying bouts of running away while hammering the shoot button while waiting for cooldowns.”
- “The crafting system is great but requires too much grinding, which is a pain, especially for the fish bones.”
emotional
727 mentions
96 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Horizon Zero Dawn" is widely praised, with many players expressing deep emotional engagement throughout the narrative. The story, characterized by themes of identity, sacrifice, and familial connections, often evokes strong feelings, leading to moments of tears and heartfelt connections with the protagonist, Aloy. While some critiques mention a lack of emotional depth in certain characters, the overall experience is described as a powerful emotional journey, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack and strong voice acting.
- “The entire story was so well told that at times I got emotional and had tears in my eyes.”
- “I cried so hard during the major revelations of the story; the game really made me care about how the story unfolds, and I like that.”
- “Through Aloy's journey, players unravel a deeply engaging narrative that is both emotional and thought-provoking.”
- “Negatives are numerous: barebones, restrictive and unpolished gameplay, uncanny writing, shallow characters and mostly boring story, safe for some genuinely good moments that are, alas, far apart.”
- “The game suffers from a bland and boring story, repetitive and tedious gameplay that ruin the enjoyment of the game.”
- “My final thought: typical open-world game bogged down by bland gameplay, predictable boring story with some few twists but ultimately falls flat in the end.”
atmosphere
535 mentions
65 % positive mentions
34 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Horizon Zero Dawn" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and rich world-building, creating a captivating blend of post-apocalyptic and tribal elements. Players appreciate the dynamic day-night cycle and weather effects that enhance the overall experience, while the soundtrack complements the game's emotional and atmospheric moments. Despite some critiques regarding repetitiveness in gameplay, the game's environment and atmosphere are often described as breathtaking and engaging, making exploration a rewarding experience.
- “The game is big, has a lot of different areas to explore, and the graphics and atmosphere are fantastic; they really did a nice job there.”
- “The real star is the world, with immersive, atmospheric surroundings, whether in the beautiful natural settings or the often sinister metal world.”
- “Horizon Zero Dawn masterfully crafts an atmospheric experience that is both haunting and beautiful.”
- “Zero Dawn is bad at open world activities, traversal, level design, creating atmosphere, and the actual role-playing.”
- “The atmosphere and world is pretty, but all the quests felt like chores and the game was very monotonous overall.”
- “The setting is pretty fantastic, but it doesn't take long before 'humorous' dialogue and teenager banter take over, spoiling much of the atmosphere and immersion, leaving just another tedious, generic open-world game with pointless quests and mindless 'world activities' and little else to offer.”
character development
337 mentions
47 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the protagonist Aloy's growth and depth, as well as the strong relationships she forms with other characters. However, several players express disappointment in the lack of development for secondary characters and the overall impact of player choices on character arcs. While some highlight the game's rich storytelling and immersive world-building, others feel that character development is often simplistic or underwhelming, particularly in side quests.
- “Probably the best story I've ever seen in a game with fantastic character development and sublime world building.”
- “The depth of character development and the richness of the narrative keep you invested in Aloy's journey, as she uncovers the mysteries of her past and the secrets of the world around her.”
- “Aloy's character development is masterfully executed, making her a relatable and empowering protagonist whom players root for throughout her epic quest.”
- “They played a major role in the game, but the lack of character development with them beyond Aloy's interactions with them was kinda bland.”
- “While the story was amazing, it did lack in some other areas such as character development outside of Aloy.”
- “Unfortunately the character development lets the game down terribly, especially in the side and errand quests - most of the secondary characters are completely wooden, poorly written and terribly executed.”
replayability
309 mentions
35 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating features like New Game+ and various difficulty settings that enhance replay value. However, some reviewers feel that once the story is fully experienced, the emotional impact diminishes, leading to limited motivation for subsequent playthroughs. Overall, while there are elements that support replayability, such as combat mechanics and side quests, opinions vary widely on how compelling these features are for returning players.
- “The inclusion of new game+ and an ultra hard difficulty setting ensures replayability for those who want to revisit Aloy’s journey with greater challenges.”
- “I have more than gotten my money's worth out of this game with the replay value, and I know I will continue returning to it again and again.”
- “With a plethora of content and engaging side quests, it elevates the game's value and replayability.”
- “I feel it doesn't have much replayability though, I've tried a few times, and it's not holding my attention for too long.”
- “Two factors: no replayability whatsoever and Ubisoft's game loop are just too much.”
- “So as a solo game it is pretty serviceable if you are okay with a single ending and it has zero replay value since the story has a fixed ending and doesn't really warrant a second playthrough other than for trophies.”
humor
276 mentions
97 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding the dialogue and character interactions genuinely funny and well-timed, while others describe it as awkward or unintentionally humorous. Aloy, the main character, is often highlighted for her witty and sarcastic remarks, contributing to the game's charm. However, some reviews note that the humor can feel forced or inconsistent, with certain NPCs and dialogue moments falling flat. Overall, the game offers a blend of humor that can enhance the experience, despite some criticisms regarding its execution.
- “The game also has a subtle humor that doesn't feel forced at all and that manages to land pretty well on many occasions.”
- “Aloy is such a funny character in my opinion.”
- “The dialogue is well thought out with splashes of humor.”
- “She's not funny at all.”
- “Not funny.”
- “NPCs are not funny enough, not interesting enough, not well written enough (i.e. Bast died too early).”
monetization
81 mentions
6 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
67 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many praising its lack of microtransactions and cash grabs, highlighting it as a refreshing change in a market often plagued by predatory practices. However, some users criticize the game as a cash grab due to perceived poor optimization and minimal updates, suggesting that while the core experience is enjoyable, the overall execution feels rushed and lacking in support. Overall, the absence of microtransactions is a significant positive noted by players, contrasting with concerns about the game's development and release strategy.
- “A big, beautiful single player cinematic game with absolutely no microtransactions.”
- “Their decision to not take the early access route and deliver a finished game, their 'no microtransactions' approach and the low price tag are also very commendable and show honesty and respect towards the community.”
- “This one is a rare treat from the gals and guys at Guerrilla Games, a fantastic and complete single-player game without any tacked-on modes or predatory microtransactions (none at all in fact).”
- “They have recently engaged in practices that resulted in people who rightfully purchased, downloaded, paid microtransactions on, and played for hundreds of hours completely incapable of accessing the content they owned.”
- “Still poorly optimized, still a half-hearted cash grab more than an honest attempt to bring a great game to PC.”
- “Would not recommend to anyone, just another shameless cash grab with a crappy port.”