Horizon Zero Dawn’s world is vast and filled with mysteries and lore to uncover. One can expect to spend at least several days exploring it in its entirety, and that doesn’t include time spent in battle, riding mounts, or collecting resources. Because so many newcomers will be checking out the first Horizon game, we’ve put together a guide on how long it will take to finish.
Creators of PlayStation’s acclaimed Killzone series, Guerrilla Games, developed Horizon Zero Dawn, an exhilarating action role-playing game exclusively for the PlayStation 4 System but later ported to PC as well.
You’ll play as hunter Aloy in a vibrant and lush world, where you’ll encounter mysterious mechanical creatures. Investigate tribal societies, ancient artifacts, and cutting-edge technologies to discover the secrets that will determine the future of our planet and all life. But how long does it take to beat? Let’s find out
How Long to Beat Horizon Zero Dawn?
Horizon Zero Dawn can be completed in the same amount of time whether you rush through it or play it to the end like a completionist. Depending on the player’s speed and skill, the latter can take up to twice as long as the former.
Horizon Zero Dawn can be completed in 20 hours or less if you play it at the recommended speed. If the player only makes a straight line between each main objective, they will be frequently slowed down by story beats, traversal, getting lost, and dealing with the deadly machines of Horizon Zero Dawn.
Instead, if you want to complete the game in its entirety, it will take you between 40 and 60 hours, which is about twice as long. While the main storyline may be completed, there is a wealth of additional content to be found, including sidequests, mounts to hunt, and an extensive skill tree.
There is no reason to feel pressured into completing every game to the best of your ability. If the player is not a speedrunner, they should go above and beyond the minimum requirements. An ideal playthrough of Horizon Zero Dawn includes time to appreciate the game’s beautiful landscapes.
How Fast Can You Beat Horizon Zero Dawn?
Here’s a detailed overview of how fast you can beat Horizon Zero Dawn based on average gameplay timing:
| Game Type | Average Time | Mean Time | Rushed Gameplay | Leasure Gameplay |
| Only Main Story | 30 hours | 30.5 hours | 20 hours | 45 hours |
| Main Story and Extras | 55 hours | 52 hours | 32 hours | 125 hours or 5 Days |
| Complete Everything | 57 hours | 55 hours | 52 hours | 6 days or 144 hours |
Is Horizon Zero Dawn a Difficult Game?
To begin, in Horizon Zero Dawn, players can choose from four different levels of difficulty: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard (the most difficult setting).
The difficulty of the game will be determined primarily by the setting you choose. As for whether or not it’s hard to play, the answer is YES. A lot of deaths are to be expected, even on Easy (we are not sure, since our game is set to Normal).
Our human frailty, when confronted with these mysterious machines, is a major theme in this game. This screenshot captures the essence of this concept:
So what we are trying to say here is, in terms of gameplay difficulty, it’s necessary because of the story. As a teenage girl with a bow and arrow, fighting a massive, fire-spouting, steel-clad monster would be difficult, so it’s difficult in the game.
Further, there are no tutorials in Horizon Zero Dawn, but that’s actually a good thing because it enhances the story and atmosphere of the world. In the end, you’re on your own, and you could die at any moment.
In the end, playing Horizon Zero Dawn on Easy or Very Hard difficulty is worthwhile. However, we strongly recommend you to give more difficult games a try. When you finally defeat a difficult foe who has repeatedly killed you, you will feel immense satisfaction.
Is Horizon Zero Dawn Available on PC?
Horizon Zero Dawn is available on PC since 7th August 2020. You need to purchase the game from Steam store or Epic Games store whichever is convenient for you. However, the minimum and recommended PC specs needed to run this game may differ. Here we have listed the minimum and recommended PC specs to run Horizon Zero Dawn on PC:
Minimum System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 or 11
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX 6300
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 3GB or AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage Space: 100GB
Recommended System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 or 11 64 Bit
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K or Ryzen 5 1500X
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage Space: 100GB
With your PC checking the minimum system requirements tab, you will be able to run the game at 1080p 30FPS without lags. Scaling the settings a bit higher may result in lags and stuttering.
At the same time, if your PC has the recommended set of system requirements, you will be able to run the game on 1080p max settings along with 60FPS and ultra graphics details.
About Horizon Zero Dawn Gameplay
At some point in the distant future, humanity has regressed to its Stone Age state, and that’s the setting for Horizon Zero Dawn. For the first time in human history, humans will be forced to fight off massive animal-like robots.
As Aloy, the game’s protagonist, you set out to discover how humanity came to be in its current state. It’s imperative that you stop a threat that could spell the end of civilization.
Horizon Zero Dawn will look familiar to fans of open-world games like Far Cry and the most recent Assassin’s Creed game. Main missions, side missions, and collectibles can be found all over the map.
In time, you’ll find and craft new and improved hunting gear. In addition, you’ll build relationships with the various tribes and feel as if you’re making a difference in the world. In addition, you’ll face off against enormous robotic creatures that will put your fighting prowess to the test.
