Sony's PS5 reveal event gave fans their first look at the console's software lineup and proved that there are plenty of exclusives on the way. One of the biggest exclusives is the long-awaited sequel to Horizon: Zero Dawn, titled Horizon: Forbidden West. A direct follow-up to the original, the Forbidden West once again features Aloy.
The gorgeous reveal trailer put the power of the PS5 on full display, and Horizon: Forbidden West might just be the best looking game seen to date. As the name implies, Forbidden West takes Aloy out of the Utah/Colorado area and into the West Coast.
There's still plenty that's unknown about Aloy's next adventure, however, and Sony will surely reveal more after the PS5's launch. Here's everything we know about Horizon: Forbidden West.
Horizon: Forbidden West Release Date
Despite being one of the big announcements of the PS5 reveal, Horizon: Forbidden West didn't have any kind of release date during the show, meaning it won't be out for the PS5's release in Holiday 2020. However, a Guerrilla Talks video released by Sony states that the studio is targeting 2021 for release. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn't absolutely mean Horizon: Forbidden Dawn will release in 2021. The studio is clearly targeting a release then, but unseen obstacles could push it back to 2022. This is especially true if studios continue having to work from home due to Coronavirus.
Horizon: Forbidden West Story
Just like its predecessor, Horizon: Forbidden West takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity have banded together in various tribes. At the moment it's not entirely clear why Aloy journeys West, but the initial trailer did make it clear that the lands are in great peril. Some kind of red blight infects the plants and wildlife, while super-storms ravage the land. A shot in the trailer clearly shows the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, meaning that's at least one of the areas Aloy will be moving around.
Outside of those specifics, details on the story of Forbidden West are sparse. Sony has said that Aloy will meet new tribes, one of which has found a way to control machines. A shot in the trailer shows Sylens working with said tribe, but his role and goals remain entirely unknown.
Horizon: Forbidden West Gameplay
Just like with the story, details on Forbidden West's gameplay remain sparse. The game will, of course, have a massive open-world once again, and pit Aloy against fearsome machine animals. The map for Forbidden West will apparently be a bit bigger than that of Horizon: Zero Dawn. According to Guerrilla, the PS5's SSD will allow Forbidden West to have virtually no loading screens, including during fast-travel.
The only new gameplay features shown off so far is the ability to dive and explore underwater, and Aloy can be seen in the trailer with some kind of breathing mask. Two of the new machines shown off are the turtle-like Snapmaws and an enormous mammoth enemy. Enemies from the previous game, like Chargers and Scrappers, also appear. In terms of gear, Aloy still sports her iconic bow and has the high-tech focus that allows her to scan various items. More details will likely be revealed for Horizon: Forbidden West closer to 2021.