Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerilla Games, took the gaming world by storm with its breathtaking graphics, captivating storyline, and immersive open-world experience. Released in 2017, this action-adventure RPG introduced players to Aloy, a young outcast on a quest to unravel the mysteries of her post-apocalyptic world. If you’ve finished playing Horizon Zero Dawn and are yearning for more games with similar elements, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 13 games like Horizon Zero Dawn that will satisfy your craving for adventure, exploration, and thrilling combat.
About Horizon Zero Dawn: A Sci-Fi Epic of Adventure and Mystery
Horizon Zero Dawn is an acclaimed action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures, the game takes players on an unforgettable journey as they assume the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter seeking answers about her past and the mysteries of the world she inhabits. With its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and compelling narrative, Horizon Zero Dawn has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
The Gameplay:
Horizon Zero Dawn offers a unique blend of open-world exploration, thrilling combat, and strategic gameplay mechanics. As Aloy, players must navigate the vast landscapes of a world overrun by robotic creatures known as “machines.” Aloy is armed with a versatile weapon called the “Focus,” which allows her to scan the environment, detect weak points in machines, and gather valuable information.
Combat in Horizon Zero Dawn is a dynamic and exhilarating experience. Players can employ a variety of weapons, including bows, slingshots, and tripwires, to engage in tactical battles against different types of machines. Each machine has its own strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors, adding depth and strategy to encounters. Aloy can also utilize stealth to her advantage, setting traps and ambushing enemies from the shadows.
Beyond combat, the game offers a plethora of exploration opportunities. Players can climb cliffs, traverse vast landscapes, and discover hidden locations filled with lore and valuable resources. The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is teeming with side quests, challenges, and collectibles, encouraging players to immerse themselves fully in the richly detailed environment.
The Storyline:
At the heart of Horizon Zero Dawn lies a captivating and mysterious storyline. Aloy’s journey unfolds in a world where humanity has regressed to tribal societies, and nature has reclaimed the ruins of a technologically advanced civilization. As Aloy, players gradually uncover the secrets of this world and the events that led to its downfall.
The game weaves together themes of identity, exploration, and the consequences of humanity’s actions. Aloy’s quest for answers takes her across different regions, each with its own distinct culture and challenges. Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and motivations. The narrative is expertly crafted, immersing players in a tale of survival, redemption, and the search for truth.
Visuals and Sound Design:
One of the standout aspects of Horizon Zero Dawn is its breathtaking visuals. The game presents a visually stunning world, filled with lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and sprawling ruins. The attention to detail in the environment and the design of the robotic creatures are awe-inspiring, creating a truly immersive experience. From the vibrant colors of the landscapes to the intricate animations of the machines, every aspect of the visual design contributes to the game’s atmospheric beauty.
Accompanying the visuals is an evocative soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the emotional impact of the story. The score, composed by Joris de Man, features a mix of orchestral and tribal elements, perfectly capturing the essence of the game’s world and the emotions it evokes.
Legacy and Reception:
Horizon Zero Dawn has received widespread critical acclaim and has become one of the most beloved titles of its generation. The game’s engaging gameplay, captivating storyline, and stunning visuals have garnered praise from players and critics alike. It has been lauded for its strong female protagonist, complex world-building, and the depth of its combat mechanics.
The success of Horizon Zero Dawn has also led to the release of an expansion called “The Frozen Wilds,” which further expands the game’s world and story. In addition, a PC version of the game was released in 2020, allowing a new audience to experience the wonders of this epic adventure.
13 Games Like Horizon Zero Dawn
1. Days Gone: A Tale of Survival in the Zombie Apocalypse
As one of the recommendations frequently mentioned in various articles, Days Gone takes players into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of infected creatures. Developed by Bend Studio, this open-world action-adventure game follows the story of Deacon St. John, a bounty hunter navigating through a dangerous landscape while trying to find his missing wife. With its compelling narrative and intense survival gameplay, Days Gone offers a thrilling experience reminiscent of Horizon Zero Dawn.
2. Monster Hunter Rise: The Hunt for Mechanical Beasts
In Monster Hunter Rise, players step into the shoes of a skilled hunter tasked with taking down gigantic mechanical monsters. Developed and published by Capcom, this action RPG provides an adrenaline-fueled experience as you track and battle formidable creatures using a range of weapons and tactics. With its focus on exploration, hunting, and upgrading equipment, Monster Hunter Rise shares similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn in terms of its epic battles and immersive gameplay.
3. Fallout: New Vegas: A Deep Role-Playing Journey
Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The game features a rich narrative, deep role-playing mechanics, and a morally ambiguous world where choices have far-reaching consequences. As the protagonist, players embark on a quest for survival, encountering various factions and engaging in intense combat. If you enjoyed the intricate storytelling and role-playing aspects of Horizon Zero Dawn, Fallout: New Vegas is definitely worth exploring.
4. Grand Theft Auto 5: An Engaging Open-World Adventure
Grand Theft Auto 5, developed by Rockstar North, is an open-world game that needs no introduction. With its vast and highly detailed virtual world, engaging gameplay, and gripping storyline, GTA 5 has become a benchmark for open-world games. While it may not share the same post-apocalyptic setting as Horizon Zero Dawn, its immersive world and action-packed gameplay make it an appealing choice for fans of Aloy’s adventure.
5. Ghost of Tsushima: A Beautiful Blend of Open World and Combat
Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, transports players to feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion. As Jin Sakai, a samurai-turned-ghost, players engage in intense combat and stealth missions to liberate the island of Tsushima. With its breathtaking open-world environment, stunning visuals, and strategic combat mechanics, Ghost of Tsushima provides a similar level of immersion and exploration found in Horizon Zero Dawn.
6. Unreal 2: The Awakening: Sci-Fi Elements and Intense Gameplay
Unreal 2: The Awakening, developed by Legend Entertainment, offers a sci-fi experience with upgraded visuals and engaging gameplay. While it may not share the same open-world structure as Horizon Zero Dawn, Unreal 2 immerses players in a thrilling first-person shooter journey filled with alien creatures and intense combat. If you’re a fan of the sci-fi elements and fast-paced action found in Horizon Zero Dawn, this game might be worth a try.
7. Fallout 4: An Immersive Open-World Adventure
Fallout 4, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, takes players into a post-apocalyptic Boston where they must navigate a vast and dangerous wasteland in search of their missing child. With its captivating storyline, expansive open world, and immersive gameplay mechanics, Fallout 4 offers a similar experience to Horizon Zero Dawn. Engage in intense battles, explore a world full of secrets, and make choices that shape your journey in this highly acclaimed RPG.
8. No Man’s Sky: Endless Exploration in a Vast Universe
No Man’s Sky, developed by Hello Games, is a unique open-world exploration game set in a procedurally generated universe. Players can freely explore countless planets, discover new species, mine resources, and engage in space combat. With its constant updates and the potential for user-created content, No Man’s Sky has evolved into a remarkable experience that shares the spirit of exploration found in Horizon Zero Dawn.
9. Marvel’s Spider-Man: A Spectacular Open-World Adventure
Marvel’s Spider-Man, developed by Insomniac Games, offers players the chance to swing through the bustling streets of New York City as the iconic superhero. With its open-world setting, engaging storyline, and fluid web-slinging mechanics, this game provides an immersive experience for fans of exploration and adventure. While it may not have the same post-apocalyptic backdrop as Horizon Zero Dawn, Marvel’s Spider-Man offers a thrilling open-world adventure with its own unique charm.
10. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain: Tactical Espionage and Open-World Freedom
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, developed by Kojima Productions, introduces players to an expansive open-world environment where they can tackle missions using stealth, tactical combat, and strategic planning. With its emphasis on player freedom and immersive storytelling, Metal Gear Solid 5 shares similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn in terms of its open-world structure and engaging gameplay mechanics.
11. Far Cry Primal: Survival in Prehistoric Times
Far Cry Primal, developed by Ubisoft, provides a unique twist on the open-world first-person shooter genre. Set in the Stone Age, players must navigate a harsh and dangerous world, hunt for resources, and fend off predators. With its immersive setting and emphasis on survival, Far Cry Primal offers a different yet equally captivating experience for fans of Horizon Zero Dawn.
12. The Uncharted Series: Adventurous Action-Adventure
The Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog, offers a thrilling blend of action, adventure, and exploration. Reminiscent of the Tomb Raider franchise, these games follow the story of Nathan Drake, a charismatic treasure hunter who embarks on daring expeditions around the world. With its engaging gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and cinematic storytelling, the Uncharted series provides an experience that fans of Horizon Zero Dawn are sure to enjoy.
13. Assassin’s Creed Origins: A Journey into Ancient Egypt
Assassin’s Creed Origins, developed by Ubisoft, transports players to Ancient Egypt during the time of the pharaohs. As Bayek, a skilled assassin, players embark on a quest for justice, unraveling a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the region. With its expansive open world, historical setting, and engaging combat mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Origins offers a captivating experience for fans of immersive open-world adventures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Horizon Zero Dawn and are craving more games with similar elements, this comprehensive list of 13 games provides a range of options to satisfy your thirst for adventure, exploration, and thrilling combat. Whether you’re drawn to the post-apocalyptic setting, immersive open-world environments, or captivating storylines, these games offer a variety of experiences that will keep you engaged for hours on end. From Days Gone and Monster Hunter Rise to Far Cry Primal and Assassin’s Creed Origins, each game on this list brings its own unique blend of gameplay mechanics, visual aesthetics, and immersive storytelling. So, gear up, prepare for epic battles, and embark on new journeys in these exceptional games that capture the spirit of Horizon Zero Dawn.
