7 Epic Reasons Horizon Forbidden West PS5 Is a Must-Play Masterpiece in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 5 feels next-gen in every way.
- The world is bigger, brighter, and more alive than ever.
- Combat is deeper and more tactical than the first game.
- The DualSense controller adds real immersion.
- Side quests are meaningful, not filler.
- The story hits harder than I expected.
- It’s still one of the best-looking games you can play today.
Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 delivers stunning graphics, smooth performance, deep combat, and an emotional story. With improved mechanics, smarter enemies, and true next-gen features, it stands out as one of the best action RPGs available today.
Introduction: The Moment I Knew This Game Was Special
I still remember booting up Horizon Forbidden West for the first time. The screen faded in. Aloy stood on a cliff. The wind moved through her hair. And I just sat there.
Not playing.
Just staring.
I thought, “Okay… this is going to ruin other games for me.”
As someone who has played way too many open-world games (and abandoned half of them), I didn’t expect to be pulled in this hard. But this one? It grabbed me by the collar and said, “You’re not leaving.”
Let’s talk about why.
1. The World Feels Truly Next-Gen
A Living, Breathing Playground
The Horizon Forbidden West is not just big. It feels alive.
You explore forests, deserts, ruins, underwater cities, and beaches that honestly made me want to book a vacation. Every area looks handcrafted.
On PS5, you get:
- 4K visuals
- Super smooth performance
- Fast loading times (blink and you miss it)
- Detailed lighting and weather effects
I fast traveled just to test loading speeds. It was that fast.
World Design Comparison
| Feature | Horizon Zero Dawn | Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) |
|---|---|---|
| Map Size | Large | Much Larger |
| Underwater Exploration | No | Yes |
| Settlement Detail | Good | Deep and Lively |
| Side Activity Variety | Decent | Excellent |
It’s not just bigger. It’s smarter.
2. Combat That Makes You Think
I used to play the first game like a reckless hero. Shoot arrows. Roll. Repeat.
That doesn’t work as well here.
Smarter Machines, Smarter You
Enemies are tougher and more tactical. Machines have new parts to target. Some fly. Some burrow underground. Some move in packs.
You actually need to:
- Scan enemies carefully
- Target weak spots
- Use the right elemental weapons
- Plan before charging in
I learned this the hard way when I charged a giant machine thinking I was unstoppable. I was not. I got flattened.
Lesson learned.
3. DualSense Features Are Game-Changing
The PS5 controller adds something special.
When you pull back your bow, you feel tension in the trigger.
When machines stomp nearby, you feel the vibration.
When it rains, you feel subtle feedback in your hands.
It’s not a gimmick. It makes the world feel real.
4. Aloy Feels More Human Than Ever
Aloy isn’t just a hero. She’s tired. She’s frustrated. She carries the weight of the world.
And it shows.
Her character growth in Horizon Forbidden West feels natural. She struggles to trust people. She wants to fix everything alone. I related to that a little too much.
The side characters are stronger too. Conversations feel real. Facial animations are massively improved.
This isn’t just an action game. It’s emotional.
5. Side Quests That Actually Matter
Also Read This Article On 10 Powerful Reasons to Play Horizon Zero Dawn Today
Let’s be honest. Most open-world side quests feel like chores.
“Go here.”
“Kill this.”
“Come back.”
But here? Many side quests feel like mini stories.
You’ll:
- Help rebuild settlements
- Solve personal conflicts
- Explore hidden ruins
- Make meaningful choices
Some side quests felt as important as the main story. That’s rare.
6. Exploration Is Rewarding (And Dangerous)
Climbing is better. Swimming is new. Flying later in the game feels incredible.
You’re constantly discovering:
- Hidden ruins
- Rare machines
- Secret loot
- Lore about the old world
Underwater sections especially surprised me. They are tense. You can’t always fight back. I genuinely felt nervous swimming past giant machines.
And I loved it.
7. It Still Looks Better Than Most Games in 2026
Even years after release, Horizon Forbidden West still competes visually with newer titles.
Lighting. Water physics. Character detail. It’s elite.
And on PS5, you can choose between:
- Performance Mode (smooth gameplay)
- Resolution Mode (ultra sharp visuals)
I stuck with Performance Mode because smooth combat matters more to me. But both look fantastic.
Graphics and Performance Overview
| Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Dynamic 4K | 60 FPS | Combat and smooth play |
| Resolution | 4K | 30 FPS | Visual showcase |
What Could Be Better?
Also Read This Article On Ancient Armory in Horizon Zero Dawn: 7 Powerful Secrets to Unlock the Shield-Weaver Armor
No game is perfect.
Here are a few small issues:
- Some climbing sections still feel guided
- The inventory can get overwhelming
- A few dialogue moments feel long
But honestly? These are minor compared to everything the game does right.
Why Horizon Forbidden West PS5 Is Worth Playing Today
If you:
- Love open-world games
- Enjoy strategic combat
- Care about story
- Want a true next-gen experience
This game checks every box.
Even if you played it at launch, it holds up incredibly well. And if you haven’t played it yet? You’re in for something special.
Summary
Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 is more than just a sequel. It’s a refined, deeper, and more emotional experience. The world feels alive, combat demands strategy, and the visuals still impress years later. From meaningful side quests to immersive DualSense features, it truly feels like a next-gen adventure. If you’re looking for an open-world action RPG that delivers both heart and spectacle, this is one you should not miss.
FAQs
Yes. The PS5 version offers better graphics, faster loading, smoother performance, and immersive DualSense features.
It helps for story context, but you can still enjoy Forbidden West on its own.
The main story takes around 30–35 hours. With side content, it can easily go beyond 60 hours.
Yes. It features a massive open world filled with diverse environments, machines, and side activities.
It can be challenging, especially on higher difficulties, but it rewards strategy and planning.
