Users wrote

Many reviewers praise Horizon Zero Dawn for its story and world-building. The PC port and Complete Edition with The Frozen Wilds are noted for better graphics and added content. The combat against machines is described as strategic and satisfying, with machine weaknesses to exploit. Some reviewers criticize repetitive side quests, stiff animations, and uneven writing, which affect pacing and immersion.

Last updated: 2026-03-01

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Stunning visuals and immersive open world (70 mentions) - Users consistently mention the beautiful graphics and atmospheric environments. On PC, higher resolution and stable performance improve the experience. The world feels alive and invites exploration. The design of machines and landscapes contributes to the sense of immersion.
• Compelling story and rich lore (60 mentions) - Many reviewers praise the main plot and the world-building. The lore unfolds gradually, answering questions as you explore. Characters are frequently highlighted as engaging and memorable. The narrative keeps interest by revealing past events and mysteries.
• Tactical, machine-focused combat (60 mentions) - Reviewers praise a tactical combat loop that rewards planning and exploiting machine weaknesses. Weapons, traps, and gadgets require strategy and careful positioning. Battles feel satisfying when a plan comes together. Some reviews note that combat can feel repetitive if you don’t focus on machine-specific weaknesses.
• Content and edition quality (The Frozen Wilds and Complete Edition) (25 mentions) - The Complete Edition includes The Frozen Wilds DLC, adding new regions, tougher enemies, and extra story. This content, along with the PC improvements, extends the game's value. Reviewers mention the DLC as a strong addition and a good reason to replay. The edition is recommended for players who want more depth.
• Aloy as a strong protagonist (20 mentions) - Many reviews describe Aloy as a capable, believable heroine. Her portrayal is highlighted as a key aspect of the game's appeal. Several responses note that she offers agency and avoids heavy messaging.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Repetitive side quests and grinding (50 mentions) - Many reviewers mention that side quests can feel repetitive and grindy. There is a sense of filler tasks that don’t provide meaningful rewards. The open world activities can loop without introducing new challenges. This affects pacing and can make exploration feel like a duty.
• Dialogue and writing quality (30 mentions) - Some reviewers find the dialogue flat or cringy. Character writing is often criticized as shallow or predictable. This can reduce immersion for some players.
• Facial animations and character models (25 mentions) - Several reviewers complain about facial animations and human models. Expressions can feel wooden and eyes may look odd. The remaster fixes some issues but this remains a common critique.
• Climbing and movement feel clunky (25 mentions) - Climbing and parkour mechanics are described as not smooth. Movement can feel outdated or awkward in places. This can break immersion for some players.
• Inventory management and resource handling (15 mentions) - Several reviews mention limited inventory space and awkward resource management. Dismantling items is frequent and can disrupt the flow. This can be a minor but persistent annoyance for some players.

Compared Games

• Breath of the Wild (2 mentions) - Multiple reviewers compare Horizon to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, noting both feature large open worlds and exploration. Horizon is praised for its machine combat and story, while BotW is noted for its exploration approach. The comparison highlights differences in mechanics and pacing.