Horizon Zero Dawn — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Horizon Zero Dawn is an action RPG from Guerrilla Games, released in February 2017 on PS4, later in August 2020 on PC. The first entry in the Horizon series, presenting a world where machine beasts roam the Earth. The protagonist is Aloy, a hunter who must uncover the mystery of her origins.
What is the game about
A post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in tribes while machine beasts roam the land. Aloy, an outcast from the Nora tribe, sets out to learn who her mother was and why the machines are becoming more aggressive. The story uncovers the mystery of an ancient civilization.
Gameplay
- Machine combat: use bow, spear, and traps to strip armor and hit weak points.
- Scanning: use the Focus to see weaknesses and machine tracks.
- Crafting: create ammo and traps from gathered resources.
- Open world: explore a ruined world — from forests to deserts.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Horizon Zero Dawn is an excellent RPG with a unique setting: hunting machine beasts, beautiful world, and interesting story. A must before Forbidden West. On PC the game looks stunning.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique setting | Side quests are repetitive |
| Beautiful world | Weak ally AI |
| Interesting combat | Outdated graphics |
FAQ
Do I need to play before Forbidden West? Yes, the story directly continues.
How many hours? 25–30 hours main story, 40+ for completion.
On PC? Yes, the port came in 2020.