Horizon Zero Dawn was a big success for Sony and developer Guerrilla Games, building a new franchise on the backs of hulking robotic dinosaurs. It was only a matter of time before a sequel materialized, and we got our first look at the game–titled Horizon Forbidden West–during the promotional build-up for the PlayStation 5. While it isn’t a PS5 exclusive, it’s being treated as a technical showpiece for the new console.
In the sequel, humankind is facing a new extinction event. Aloy travels to the Forbidden West to uncover secrets of the past while facing new threats and forging new alliances with the factions in this new, untamed region.
Here’s everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West. For more on upcoming games, check out our most anticipated games of 2021.
Release Date
Sony has not confirmed an exact release date for Horizon Forbidden West, but it has given us a relatively narrow release window. In a PS5 trailer titled “New Worlds to Explore,” a small disclaimer at the bottom noted that it is “anticipated second half of 2021.” That window spans from July 1-December 31, so it could appear in the late summer or during the fall/holiday release windows. This is only listed as an anticipated release window, however, so it’s subject to change.
Platforms
Horizon Forbidden West is a PlayStation exclusive, which means it’s coming to both PS4 and PS5. So far, the footage shown has universally been from the PS5 version of the game, which means the PS4 version may not reach the same level of visual flourish. At the same time, Horizon Zero Dawn was among the more stunning games for PS4, so Guerrilla may be able to push the hardware to the limit and make it an impressive showpiece there too.
Is Horizon Forbidden West Coming To PC?
Horizon Forbidden West is not announced for PC. It is possible that the game will eventually come to PC, though, as Horizon Zero Dawn was recently released on Steam. Sony has signaled that it is open to selectively releasing its exclusive games on PC as well.
Trailers
The first trailer, which debuted during Sony’s PS5 reveal event, had Aloy narrating about a mysterious new threat that appears to be killing wildlife and vegetation alike. What followed was glimpses of new environments and creatures, as well as the return of Sylens.
Horizon Forbidden West Trailer | Sony PS5 Reveal Event
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Though not a new trailer for Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games also produced a short behind-the-scenes video that shared more details on the scope, setting, creatures, and tribes we’ll see in this sequel.
DLC Details
So far, no DLC or microtransactions have been announced for Horizon Forbidden West. Its predecessor did get a large DLC expansion, called Horizon The Frozen Wilds, which opened up a new snowy region to explore and introduced new factions. Forbidden West is similar in that it appears to be named after a new area for Aloy to uncover. Guerrilla could plan to release a similar expansion for Forbidden West, but if so, we may not know for some time after release.
Preorder
Horizon Forbidden West is not available to preorder. When it does go up for preorder, the PS5 version may be a $70 title like the PS5 exclusive Demon’s Souls.
