The Horizon Forbidden West 1.13 patch notes (opens in new tab) were published to the Horizon subreddit earlier today, and like usual, contained a long list of fixed player-reported issues in the game. Along with all the fixes, Guerrilla also likes to let fans know about the issues it is aware of but hasn’t quite managed to fix yet, and this time, it contains the shimmering issue so many players have been experiencing since launch. 

Found in the ‘known issues’ section of the patch notes, Guerrilla has said: “Please note that these issues are not yet fixed in this patch, but our teams are aware of them and they’re being investigated.” Right below this, the first note for this section reads: “The team continues to make tweaks to the game’s content with the goal to reduce visual shimmering.” 

If you weren’t aware, players first started reporting issues with shimmering in the game almost immediately after its release. At the time, Guerrilla suggested a quick fix that had players literally just turning the game off and on again, which for some did seem to fix the problem. Just over a month later though, Guerrilla shared another post to Reddit that recommended for players to change their TV settings as several issues are dependent on the make/brand of TV.

Clearly, the shimmering (as well as other visual issues) aren’t as easy to resolve as the developer originally thought. Still, it’s nice to know that the team at Guerrilla is working hard to fix the issues despite the game launching almost three months ago. You can read a full list of fixes in Horizon Forbidden West from the main quest, side quests, machines, and more via the link above. 

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After all, underwater levels have earned a negative reputation as a result of often having frustrating controls, stressful time limits, and other restrictions that make them feel like a chore. When I first found out there were sections in Horizon Forbidden West that take you below the water’s surface, I can’t say I was looking forward to them. Happily, upon taking my very first deep dive, I quickly warmed to the idea. It’s been a pleasant surprise to discover just how enjoyable it is to use the new diving mask in Guerrilla Games’ latest adventure. Controlling Aloy as she swims is so much fun, and the introduction of underwater sections also opens up the world in a new and exciting way that I just can’t get enough of. With so much to see and discover in the oceans and rivers, I find myself actively wanting to take the plunge whenever I get the chance. 

Hidden depth 

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How Horizon Forbidden West humanizes the end of the world

It takes quite some time to get your hands on the diving mask in Horizon Forbidden West, but it comes along as part of the main story. In the lead-up to this point, I had encountered several underwater locations that were blocked off to me and I couldn’t help but be intrigued. It’s a bit like finding a sealed box you can’t open, and you’re just dying to find the key to see what’s inside. In fact, there was even a rather fascinating side quest I couldn’t complete since it required me to dive into the depths for an extended period. In a way, I think these blocked-off locations heightened my sense of anticipation, which began to steadily outweigh the apprehension I had initially felt about the prospect of underwater sections. 

When you do get the diving mask out in the desert lands of Horizon Forbidden West, you put it to the test right away. With the task of diving down through a flooded elevator shaft that’s part of an old-world structure, I quickly adjusted to the change in the environment and how Aloy moves. While I did feel a touch claustrophobic below the water’s surface in certain enclosed spaces, I was already enjoying myself within the first five minutes of underwater exploration. 

This is partly thanks to the way Aloy can dart nimbly through the water, and I was relieved to find that it was easy to guide her in any direction I wanted without some of the usual frustrations. For the most part, swimming in games tries to account for the physics of being underwater, which can make movement feel slow and awkward. In Horizon Forbidden West, you of course don’t move as fast as you can on land, but swimming doesn’t feel like such a slog thanks to the game’s smooth controls and Aloy’s fluid motions. 

The main reason Horizon Forbidden West’s undersea locations have won me over, though, is that you can take your time. The panic of running out of oxygen is entirely removed thanks to the diving mask, so you don’t have to worry about finding pockets of air or racing to the water’s surface to catch your breath. So many underwater levels in games feel like sections you just want to get through quickly in order to avoid drowning, which is why I so often associate them with a feeling of panic and unease. As Aloy, all of those fears are gone. The only disadvantage you have is that you can’t fight any machines that are swimming around the same location. When spotted, you either have to zip away or take cover in some nearby kelp.  

Underwater world  

While water levels and locales may not always deliver in terms of execution, I can see why the idea of them in games is appealing. Seas and oceans can set a visually striking and diverse scene, with a different ecosystem where you encounter enemies and challenges that wouldn’t otherwise work on land. There’s also something mysterious and otherworldly about the deep depths – it feels so far removed from the life we know. When it comes to Horizon Forbidden West, the underwater locations are home to sunken buildings and areas you want to explore. So much of the old world is hidden below the water’s surface, and it adds an additional layer of exploration and environmental storytelling. 

During my journey with Aloy in the Forbidden West, nothing has pleasantly surprised me quite as much as the underwater sections. From exploring sunken caverns to swimming through ancient buildings submerged in the depths of the ocean, the underwater world is just as fascinating as the one above sea level. And thanks to Aloy’s adept movements and the handy introduction of the diving mask, Horizon Forbidden West is helping me get over my rocky relationship with underwater levels. Sure, I may never be able to forget that one Sonic track, but when I’m venturing through the depths of the ocean, surrounded by remnants of a forgotten time, it couldn’t be further from my mind. 

Want to read more? Here’s how Horizon Forbidden West nails its open world by making every side quest matter.

The post Why underwater sections in Horizon Forbidden West succeed where most fail appeared first on Game News.

LittleSix posted a video on YouTube that sees them kill each of Horizon Forbidden West’s enemies using a rock. From the lowly Grazer to the mighty Tremortusk, every enemy type is taken out with a simple stone. You can see Aloy in full swing in the video below. 

Whittling down enemies’ health bars to the exact point necessary for a rock to finish them off clearly took a lot of skill and dedication. And, as the player reveals on the Horizon subreddit (opens in new tab), things didn’t always go smoothly:

“I can’t tell you the sheer number of times I got a machine low, only for an extraneous factor to kill it. Passing NPC’s who decide to ‘help’, my ropecaster suddenly doing damage, getting a critical hit when I didn’t want one, accidentally placing a trap, environmental kills that were the machine’s own doing, my mount deciding to attack, machines despawning, even had a dust devil kill a Dreadwing.”

A forbidden area of the Forbidden West has been discovered, which players think could be the site of future DLC.

There’s a lot to do in Aloy’s latest adventure, and quests, whether big or small, are worth completing. Find out how Horizon Forbidden West nails its open world by making every side quest matter.

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Horizon Forbidden West was released on February 18 and still has fans excited months later, not only because of its stunning visuals but also its sheer attention to detail. Redditor iced327 shared a video (thanks Game Rant (opens in new tab)) of him soaring above the landscape on the back of a Sunwing. In the short 29-second video, Aloy rides with a little owl companion, which mimics the Sunwing’s movements before flying away. This seemingly isn’t a one-off occurrence either as other players have reported this happening with other birds, such as pelicans. However, it is still very endearing and a nice touch from the creators.

i_was_gliding_above_the_mountains_when_i_noticed from r/horizon

Flying has been a huge hit with Horizon Forbidden West players, as it’s a new feature that came as an exciting surprise. It has made exploration and traveling much easier, due to the size of the map. Players would like the third instalment in the series to incorporate aerial fighting mechanics and maybe even a few mid-air boss fights. Aloy can fight on her other mounts, but can’t actually fight from the back of a Sunwing yet.

Developer Guerilla has added other cool and exciting things in the game that can be discovered with some digging. For example, there are three God of War totems to be found, which unlock a face paint that gives Aloy Kratos’ iconic red Mark of War, which very much suits her fierce nature. Another fun fact is that all the machines in the game have a logo from the cauldrons they were made in. 

Here are some other upcoming PS5 games to get excited about for this year and beyond.

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Over the past weekend, a player posting on the official Horizon subreddit drew attention to their heroic feat. You can see the full clip just below, in which the player utilizes four different bows to topple the incredibly powerful Daemonic Thunderjaw in right around 12 seconds. 

This is a staggering achievement, and as the player notes, could well be a world record. Not only that, but the player is actually accomplishing this feat on the ‘Ultra Hard’ difficulty, which if you don’t already know, is the single hardest difficulty setting that Guerrilla’s 2017 action-RPG offered.

In fact, the user even explains in the comments section how they pulled it off. Striking the Daemonic Thunderjaw in the heart deals four times the regular damage, and also takes 2.5 times more damage when it’s suffering from the frozen status effect, leading to massive damage output when combined with triple arrows.

We’re yet to see anything like this from the Horizon Forbidden West player base, but it probably won’t take long to come around. Guerrilla’s action-packed sequel with Aloy has only just been out for a little over a month right now, and there’s tonnes to see and do throughout the Forbidden West itself. Perhaps someone will figure out how to take down a Tremortusk even quicker than this.

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The post Horizon Zero Dawn player topples its toughest enemy in 12 seconds appeared first on Game News.

As someone who’s greatly intrigued by the history of the world Guerrilla Games has created, I relish the chance to learn more by exploring relic ruins, and every time I finish a smaller errand or side quest, I feel like I’ve gained something  – be a better understanding of the setting or a useful reward. As a result, I’ve spent the majority of my time so far in Horizon Forbidden West actively delaying my pursuit of the main story for as long as I can. After all, when the side quests are this enjoyable, it’s no surprise I find myself wanting to seek out more.

There are some spoilers ahead for an early Horizon Forbidden West side quest, The Roots that Bind. 

Close encounters

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How the remnants of the old world in Horizon Forbidden West awakens a sense of wonder

One Horizon Forbidden West side quest I can’t stop thinking about revolves around the Utaru tribe in an area known as Plainsong. After finishing up a mini-questline in the opening portion of the adventure, I could hardly wait to see what awaited me here. Following an encounter with an Utaru local known as Nel, I was assigned the quest ‘The Roots that Bind’, and was initially tasked with venturing north to take on a group of attacking rebels. On the surface, I must admit, it didn’t sound especially notable as far as side quests go. 

When I met Kue after the fight, though, the whole thing took a more meaningful turn that carried significant weight. Every Utaru wears a small pouch of seeds they’re given at birth that is important to them, I came to learn, which are then planted at death. The seeds are how the tribe remember their loved ones and “celebrate their place in the cycle”. Kue spoke of a small white flower his daughter called Wintersong that she carried right up until her last breath. Now, those flowers are planted in the earth of Riverhym, the location I had just helped to protect, and I quickly realised how much this place means to Kue and the others. The fight I’d just helped them win against the rebels suddenly felt like it had real purpose. And, after hearing such a story, I was all the more invested in seeing out the rest of the quest.

When it comes to great side quests, the best examples are often those that hold meaning – they aren’t just included for the sake of offering you something else to do. Mass Effect 2 delivers in this respect thanks to its high-stakes suicide mission, for example, whereby every side quest you do as Commander Shepard to recruit and help out your crew increases your chances of survival – which in turn brings added weight and a real purpose to everything you do. The Witcher 3 also includes fantastic, in-depth side quests that were all too easy to get invested in thanks to their engrossing storytelling; whereas Red Dead Redemption 2’s random encounters make its Wild West setting feel so alive. 

Horizon Forbidden West’s side quests are memorable for the stories they tell, how significant they often feel, and the manner in which they build a more complete picture of the setting and its people. But what really sets the side quests apart is the way the world reacts to your involvement with them. Depending on the nature of the side quest, there are times when you can return to a location and see how your actions have impacted the area and its residents. The missions you’ve completed can even come up in conversation with people you meet later down the line, which reinforces the idea that what you’re doing has an impact – so much so, that others are taking notice. 

As a big fan of RPGs, I’m certainly no stranger to filler quests that puff out big sprawling worlds. I think that’s why I’ve especially enjoyed exploring Horizon Forbidden West. Everything feels like it has a purpose, a meaning. A lot of the side quests I’ve encountered so far in Horizon Forbidden West play out like the Roots that Bind. I think they’ll go one way, but I end up being completely taken aback by just how much depth there is to each story. When I returned to Riverhym a short while later, I stood before the white flowers Kue spoke of. Knowing the meaning behind those flowers made my efforts worthwhile – a small detail that let me know I’d successfully helped protect a place that truly matters to those who reside there. 

Starting off the adventure for yourself? Check out these Horizon Forbidden West tips for toppling technological titans.

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Yesterday, a post on the official Horizon Forbidden West subreddit surfaced, bringing to light a brand new exploit to obtain money quickly and easily in Guerrilla’s sequel. In short, the entire play hinges on overriding a Bristleback while out exploring the open world of the Forbidden West.

Then, you merely need to dismount the mechanical beast. When left to its own devices, the Bristleback will begin foraging for goods underground, just like it did before you overrode it, and will chuck up containers full of Metal Shards, the currency used throughout Aloy’s sequel.

One commenter underneath the post even claims that the machine will periodically dig up Ingots for you, although it’s admittedly a pretty slow process. Another commenter reckons players should override an entire herd of Bristlebacks and turn them into a Metal Shard farm, but some doubt whether this is possible, since you can only have a limited number of machine allies at any one point in Forbidden West.

No matter the number of machines though, this is a really good tip for anyone in the early hours of Horizon Forbidden West in particular. Overriding Bristlebacks is unlocked pretty early, so get your machine friend digging up dough for you as soon as possible.

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Subscribe to PLAY Magazine here (opens in new tab) to save on the cover price, get exclusive covers, and have it delivered to your door or device every month.

 Horizon Forbidden West

We’ve had quite the wait for Horizon Zero Dawn’s sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, and the game itself is just as massive. Hitting both PS5 and PS4, it’s on the former it really shines. Guerrilla’s Decima engine is a technical marvel, and if you want to see some of the most detailed and amazing environments and models around you’ll want to grab this. As for the rest of the game? It’s a bit more of the same. But we get into what that means and why that might still excite you in our huge review.

 Elden Ring

Like Horizon, the other huge release in this issue is also an open world. But in quite a different way. Evolving Dark Souls into a wider environment results in a very different beast, and while it’s rougher around the edges than Horizon, its ambition makes it feel like little else before it. Journeying across the dark fantasy world (which George RR Martin contributed towards), it’s a brutal quest that feels like your own. Also, I love the screenshot that’s the main image here taken by yours truly. The visuals in this series are always on point in times like these.

 GhostWire: Tokyo

As for full-on PS5 console exclusives, next on the menu is GhostWire Tokyo, from some of the same developers behind Resident Evil. We perform a séance on this issue to explore the world of ghosts and yokai, and tell you just why these action-packed exorcisms throughout modern day Tokyo are so compelling. And yes, ghost cats sell you food. ’nuff said.

Moss Book 2

Don’t worry, there will be plenty of news about PSVR2 to come, but as we wait the release of the beefed up new hardware there’s no reason to let your older PSVR gather dust. Moss Book II is giving more than enough reason to strap it back onto your face, and we talk to the developers about how they’re continuing to push the technology that powers their immersive, mousey quest.

 Granblue Fantasy Relink (and more previews too)

With PlatinumGames having handed off development duty, Granblue Fantasy Relink has returned from the shadows with a hefty new update (and a 2022 release date target). Based on the mobile sensation that boasts some former Final Fantasy talent, this console hack and slash version looks like plenty of fun, especially in co-op. We also bring you hands-on impressions across the likes of Mina The Hollower, Mask Of The Rose, Rumbleverse, and beyond.

Bizarre but brilliant big Bungie buyout

We never thought we’d see the day when PlayStation would acquire the Halo devs (especially considering they shrugged off previous deals with both Microsoft and Activision), but here we are. Just as Destiny 2’s huge Witch Queen expansion lands, we analyse just what the new partnership means for both companies, and why the two seem to be set on continuing to operate mostly independently.

Subscribe and save

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You can subscribe to the print edition, digital version, or save even more with the print/digital bundle – whatever you choose, you’ll be receiving an unprecedented trove of dedicated PlayStation coverage every month. We can’t do it without you!

The post Horizon Forbidden West leads PLAY’s review special appeared first on Game News.

Redditor /u/slasher_lash (opens in new tab) took to the Horizon subreddit (opens in new tab) to demonstrate that you can rack up some absolutely gnarly damage if you approach combat the right way in Aloy’s latest adventure. 

In a brief clip, slasher_lash shows off Aloy one-shotting a Burrower that’s sitting and minding its own business. He draws back on Aloy’s Warden Sharpshooter Bow using Brace Shot with stealth damage and concentration damage factored in, and poof! After taking 1438 points of pure destruction to the head, the Burrower is no more. 

stacking_stealth_damage_concentration_damage_with from r/horizon

Afterward, Aloy turns her attention to a random lookout near a cave entrance with the same setup, doing a massive 1037 points of damage and kissing that poor guard goodbye. 

As Redditor /u/Whyisthereasnake (opens in new tab)points out in the replies, there are damage multipliers in play here, which could partially answer how much damage is being done in the clip. Monster health varies throughout difficulty models, with Story mode giving you the best advantage when it comes to hitting enemies where it hurts and Hard and Very Hard modes taking up to 50% of your damage capabilities away. 

Still, even without factoring in how slasher_lash was playing their version of Horizon Forbidden West, you’ve got to admit damage in the four digits definitely does look like, as they originally stated, a tactical nuke. Some battles can get downright hairy and lengthy, even when you’re just moving from point A to point B. A shot like this could certainly speed things up considerably. 

It’s well worth trying out the next time you jump into the wilds as Aloy. There are plenty of machines waiting for you to rain straight hellfire down upon them. 

Be sure to check out our full Horizon Forbidden West review to see what Aloy’s been up to since the first game. 

The post The right Horizon Forbidden West buffs let you one-shot machines left and right appeared first on Game News.

In an interview with GamesRadar+, narrative director Ben McCaw and senior writer Annie Kitain discussed several of Horizon Forbidden West’s key story points and revealed that, in one case, “getting that [character] right took many drafts and revisions and rethinking.” 

If you haven’t yet played Horizon Forbidden West and really don’t want to know anything ahead of time, we suggest you don’t read the original interview or this news story for now.

**Horizon Forbidden West spoilers below**

We asked how hard it was to balance the relationship between Aloy and clone Beta, to which McCaw responded: “This was the most difficult one [to write]. Getting that right took many drafts and revisions and rethinking. But it was critical. It’s the emotional core of the game.

“It’s also, so to speak, the alpha example of the problem that Aloy faces, which is that she wants to love the world, but she doesn’t necessarily love everyone in it,” McCaw continued. “Including this kind of reflection of herself.”

Kitain then added: “Beta represents all of Aloy’s conflicts about wanting to be like Elisabet, wanting to connect to others, but feeling isolated. All of that coming together into one person. It’s Aloy trying to deal with that.”

The team sometimes referred to Beta early in the game as a dark mirror for Aloy: “Where you look in the mirror, and you just don’t like what you see.” 

“Mostly because Beta’s essentially frightened, and abused,” McCaw went on. “And those are things that Aloy wants to bury in herself; her upbringing, her fear. So we wanted that to hurt a little bit, to sting to have to see that, but then to have her accept those things as well.”

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