Horizon Forbidden Westmay not be arriving until 2022, but Guerrilla Games still plans to reveal details about the hotly anticipated PlayStation exclusive up until launch. That includes unveiling expected content reveals likeHorizon Forbidden West’s new setting, but also unexpected changes or additions, too. The latest example could have a meaningful impact on howHorizon Forbidden Westis played, as Guerrilla says it will be attaching skills to the game’s outfits for Aloy.
In a lengthy post shared on the official PlayStation Blog, Guerrilla Community Lead Bo de Vries introduces the change without giving away too much detail. InHorizon Forbidden West, players will be able to select different outfits forprotagonist Aloy, similar toHorizon Zero Dawn. However, inHorizon Forbidden Westoutfits will have what Guerrilla describes as “skills.” These skills will augment Aloy’s abilities in different ways.
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Further, de Vries explains that players inHorizon Forbidden Westwill be able to “maximize” skills through progression. This process happens through a “new and improved Skill Tree,” which de Vries decides not to elaborate further on at this point in time.Horizon Zero Dawnalso has a Skills Tree, separated into four sections: Prowler, Brave, Forager, and Traveler (introduced inThe Frozen Wildsexpansion). Skills are gained by earning Skill Points through leveling up via fighting enemies and completing quests/activities.
There’s obviously a lot left to the imagination by de Vries' description. On one hand, they confirm thatHorizon Forbidden Westwill feature a Skill Tree like in the original game. On the other hand, exactly whatGuerrillameans by outfits having attached skills that can boost abilities is entirely unclear. For example, it could mean that certain outfits unlock entirely new abilities separate from the Skill Tree’s skills, or it could mean altering skills from the Skill tree so they’re more powerful or offer different utility.
Regardless of how outfit skills work, it’s a much more intriguing system than what was inHorizon Zero Dawnon paper.Horizon Zero Dawnoutfitsoffered up different resistances, including separate ranged and melee attack defenses, as well as defense against fire, ice, shock, and corruption. Outfits also influence a player’s stealth. It’s possibleHorizon Forbidden West’s outfits will have these stats in addition to its skills, of course, but skills seem like much more involved of a mechanic.
It just goes to show that Guerrilla is reevaluating many ofHorizon Zero Dawn’s gameplay mechanicsfor the development of its sequel. It’ll be exciting to see what other ways Guerrilla is working to makeHorizon Forbidden Westa more interesting, involved gameplay experience.
Horizon Forbidden Westreleases June 09, 2025, on PS4 and PS5.
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