Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Forbidden West launched February 18, 2022 as the sequel to Zero Dawn. The cross-gen epic (PS4/PS5) sold 8.4+ million copies in its first year, expanding Aloy’s journey westward with underwater exploration, new machines, and deeper lore.
Critical Success
Forbidden West achieved:
- 88/100 Metacritic score (PS5)
- 8.4 million copies first year
- Game of the Year nominee (TGA 2022, lost to Elden Ring)
- Burning Shores DLC (PS5 exclusive, 2023)
- PS5 showcase title (ray tracing, haptics)
- PC port announced (2024)
The game released in Elden Ring’s shadow but carved commercial success.
Gameplay Evolution
New features:
- Underwater exploration (kelp forests, ruins)
- Free-climbing (anywhere, not just yellow handholds)
- Glider wingsuit (Shieldwing)
- Pullcaster grappling hook
- Melee combat improvements (combos, special attacks)
- Valor Surges (ultimate abilities)
- Machine Strike board game (divisive minigame)
The traversal improvements addressed HZD’s climbing complaints.
New Machines & Threats
Forbidden West added:
- Slitherfang (robotic snake boss)
- Tremortusk (mammoth-sized threat)
- Sunwing (rideable pterodactyl)
- Tideripper (amphibious crocodile)
- Specters (humanoid combat machines)
- Zeniths (immortal antagonists)
The Specters introduced human-shaped enemies, changing combat dynamics.
Story & Characters
Aloy’s sequel:
- Saving Earth from ecological collapse (again)
- Gaia AI fragments recovery
- Sylens’ uneasy alliance
- Seyka romance option (Burning Shores DLC, LGBTQ+ rep)
- Regalla’s rebellion subplot
- Zeniths as Far Zenith colony returnees
- Nemesis final threat reveal
The game expanded lore while setting up trilogy finale.
Technical Showcase
PS5 features:
- 4K/60fps Performance Mode
- Fidelity Mode ray tracing (30fps)
- DualSense haptic feedback (weapon tension)
- 3D audio machine positioning
- Near-instant fast travel
- Facial animation improvements (less uncanny valley)
The Decima Engine pushed visual fidelity to new heights.
Controversy
- PS4 version held back some features
- Burning Shores PS5-exclusive (PS4 owners angry)
- Seyka kiss backlash (homophobic review bombing)
- Released week before Elden Ring (bad timing)
- Some felt “more of the same” vs HZD
Despite criticism, the game polished HZD’s formula to near-perfection.
Burning Shores DLC
The Los Angeles expansion (April 2023):
- PS5 only (destroyed PS4 version hopes)
- Seyka companion romance
- Volcanic environments
- Horus boss fight (colossal machine)
- Setup for Horizon 3
The DLC controversy highlighted generational transition pains.
Legacy
Forbidden West solidified Aloy’s status but sparked debate: Innovation vs. polish? The game’s technical excellence couldn’t escape Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök GOTY conversations.
Still, 8+ million players explored the Forbidden West, ensuring Horizon 3 will happen.
Sources: Guerrilla Games, PlayStation Blog, Metacritic, gaming press 2022-2023