Game Informer's Horizon Forbidden West cover story in Issue #342 reveals that Aloy will have access to a skill tree allowing players to explore six different styles of play. The Game Informer piece additionally showcased new Horizon Forbidden West screenshots, notably depicting towns and other outdoor environments. It's all perfect timing, too, considering the long-awaited sequel will hit store shelves in just a couple of months.
Sony and developer Guerrilla Games unveiled the Horizon Zero Dawn follow-up during the PS5 reveal event in June 2020. The story takes place in the western part of what was once the United States, an area in constant disarray due to wild storms and a strange blight that could bring the world to the brink of another apocalypse. Of course, Aloy sets out to investigate and, in so doing, will come into contact with previously unseen enemies - man and machine alike. She won't push forward unprepared, though, thanks to Horizon Forbidden West's introduction of new combat mechanics and weapons. Players can expect the upgraded skill tree to significantly boost the experience, as well.
In a post on the Horizon subreddit, Reddit user Pelby_Tern (via Push Square) highlighted some of the key details featured in Game Informer's cover story on Forbidden West. The game's skill tree seems as though it will prove especially extensive, for instance, courtesy of its six branching playstyle paths. Interestingly, the Warrior playstyle revolves around melee attacks, Trapper is all about traps, Infiltrator prioritizes stealth, Survivor targets health and resources, Machine Master leans heavily on hacking, and, finally, Hunter emphasizes range-based attacks. Players will have the option to tune their own playstyle with abilities from each tree, though it stands to reason that focusing on just one serves as another possibility. In addition, some skills will receive further expansion via the multiple points users can assign to them. And, apparently, "outfit and weave boosts" should also enhance certain abilities.
Because each playstyle path boasts 20 to 30 skills apiece, there's no telling if players will be able to unlock every ability in a single Horizon Forbidden West playthrough. Fortunately, the wait to find out is quickly coming to an end given the sequel's relatively imminent release.
Horizon Zero Dawn hit store shelves on the PS4 in early 2017, instantly becoming a fan-favorite title in Sony's first-party offerings. Killzone creator Guerrilla Games developed the project, moving away from first-person shooters to the third-person action RPG space. Needless to say, it was a bold move that paid of nicely in the end.
Horizon Forbidden West comes to PS4 and PS5 on February 18, 2022.
Source: Game Informer via Pelby_Tern/Reddit, Push Square