The highly anticipated Horizon Forbidden West finally arrived, continuing Aloy’s adventure in a stunning post-apocalyptic world. Fans were eager to jump back into this universe, and one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind was: how does the map size compare to its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn? Let’s delve into the details of the Forbidden West map and see what upgrades Guerrilla Games has in store for players.
Horizon Forbidden West vs. Zero Dawn: A Map Size Comparison
While the exact dimensions of the Horizon Forbidden West map are still being explored by players, game director Mathijs de Jonge himself has stated that the map is “a little bit bigger” than Zero Dawn. However, the focus for Forbidden West wasn’t just raw size. Instead, Guerrilla Games prioritized increasing the map’s density and filling it with richer content. This means players can expect a world that feels more alive, packed with more to discover in every corner, even if the overall surface area isn’t dramatically larger. The emphasis is on a more detailed and engaging experience rather than simply a bigger empty space.
Horizon Forbidden West in-game map showcasing diverse terrains and points of interest, highlighting the game's open-world environment and map density compared to Horizon Zero Dawn.
Exploring the Vast Landscapes of the Forbidden West
Like Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West‘s map is inspired by real-world locations, specifically the western United States. Players will begin their journey in The Daunt, based on Yosemite Valley, and progress towards The Long Coast, inspired by the San Francisco Bay Area. As you explore, the map initially starts with a fog of war, encouraging exploration and discovery. To reveal points of interest and the surrounding landscape, players can once again utilize Tallnecks – the iconic giraffe-like machines – to survey and unlock sections of the map. Beyond just size, the Forbidden West map promises greater diversity in its environments, alongside new and varied machine creatures. Expect to encounter everything from giant snapping turtles to elephant-like machines roaming these enhanced landscapes.
Horizon Forbidden West Map Compared to Skyrim
When discussing open-world game sizes, Skyrim often serves as a benchmark. While Skyrim boasts a significantly larger map, approximately 15 square miles compared to Forbidden West‘s estimated five square miles, the sheer size isn’t the only factor in an immersive open-world experience. Skyrim is renowned for hundreds of hours of gameplay, but Horizon Forbidden West focuses on a more narrative-driven experience, with an average playthrough around 40 hours. Therefore, while Skyrim offers vastness, Horizon Forbidden West aims for a denser, more detail-oriented world that complements its story and gameplay.
In conclusion, while Horizon Forbidden West offers a map that is only slightly larger than Horizon Zero Dawn, the key improvement lies in its increased density and content richness. The developers have focused on creating a world that is more engaging and rewarding to explore, promising a captivating adventure for players diving into Aloy’s latest quest. Horizon Forbidden West is available now for players ready to explore its enhanced open world.
