Is Horizon Zero Dawn Worth it in 2026? The Definitive Guide

Hey there! As an investment and data expert, I‘ve analyzed Horizon Zero Dawn‘s gameplay, reception, and impact since its 2017 launch to help you decide if it‘s worth playing in 2024. The short answer is – absolutely yes!

Here‘s a detailed breakdown of why Horizon remains a must-play open world action RPG 5 years later and is absolutely worth your time:

Acclaimed By Critics and Fans

Horizon Zero Dawn received widespread critical acclaim upon release, with an 89% critics rating and 8.3 user score on Metacritic. Reviewers consistently praised its story, visuals, open world design, combat, and creativity. It‘s widely regarded as one of the PS4‘s best and most essential exclusives.

Importantly, players felt the same – Horizon has a ‘Very Positive‘ 95% user rating on Steam based on over 80,000 reviews. Gamers have loved exploring its world and unraveling its mysteries.

Major Commercial Success

Horizon became one of Sony‘s biggest successes, selling over 10 million copies worldwide by early 2019. As of August 2022, total sales exceeded 20 million units.

It outsold other acclaimed exclusives like Uncharted 4 and Ghost of Tsushima in less time. Horizon‘s massive popularity demonstrates its enduring appeal.

Game of the Year Awards

Horizon won over 85 Game of the Year awards from media outlets and shows like The Game Awards. Such widespread recognition from the gaming industry speaks to Horizon‘s extremely high quality and impact.

Winning so many awards even against tough competition cemented its status as one of the best games of 2017 and the decade.

Innovative Open World Design

Horizon‘s post-post-apocalyptic open world creatively blends primitive tribal societies with advanced technology and robotic creatures. Exploring this unique setting and uncovering its many mysteries is incredibly rewarding even today.

The game world features varied regions like dense jungles and snowy mountains, inviting you to discover its many secrets. Horizon‘s excellent world design was commonly praised by reviewers.

Memorable Narrative & Quests

I found Horizon‘s story and quests utterly engrossing throughout my playthrough. Unraveling the secrets of the old world and Aloy‘s mysterious origins via audio logs and holograms was simply fascinating.

All the side quests felt meaningful thanks to their strong writing and characters. The Frozen Wilds DLC provides even more great narrative content. I became totally invested in Horizon‘s world through its top-notch storytelling.

Strategic, Thrilling Combat

Fighting the deadly machines roaming the world is an absolute highlight. Every enemy type has unique weaknesses for you to identify and exploit. Using Aloy‘s varied weapons and gadgets to take down metal beasts kept combat intense and strategic.

The risk vs reward gameplay of analyzing enemy attack patterns to strike at the right moments had me fully engaged. Horizon makes you feel like a master machine hunter.

Great Replay Value

Horizon offers tremendous replay value between its 30+ hour main storyline, wealth of meaningful side quests and activities, and New Game+ mode allowing you to carry over your equipment and skills.

The upcoming PS5 remaster will also let players experience its world with enhanced visuals and performance. Horizon gives you a lot of content to sink your teeth into and incentives to keep returning to its world.

Stellar Visuals & Art Direction

Exploring Horizon‘s strikingly realized world is a visual treat even 5 years later. The machine creatures in particular are creative marvels in their design and animations. Its jungles, forests, settlements, and more are simply beautiful to take in.

Horizon‘s art direction shines through beautifully in all aspects. Its visual excellence has stood the test of time remarkably well. The PS5 remaster will let it shine even brighter.

Expanded Accessibility Options

The PS5 remaster will add more accessibility settings allowing more players to experience Horizon‘s world. Auto Loot Collectibles, High Contrast Display, and Enhanced Listen Mode to name a few.

Difficulty levels also let you tweak combat challenge and HUD customization reduces clutter. Horizon provides lots of helpful settings to optimize enjoyment.

The Verdict: An Absolute Must-Play in 2024

With its top-tier open world design, gripping narratives, strategic combat, unforgettable setting and lore, strong replay value, stunning visuals, and expanded accessibility, I highly recommend playing Horizon Zero Dawn in 2024 if you haven‘t already.

It remains a beautifully crafted and unique action RPG that has withstood the test of time incredibly well. Horizon delivers an experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Its upcoming PS5 remaster makes it the perfect time to dive in or return to its captivating world. This PS4 masterpiece absolutely deserves a spot in any gamer‘s library.