Horizon Forbidden West: 10 Things The Game DOESN'T TELL YOU

TL;DR

Discover key features and tips for enhancing your gameplay in Horizon Forbidden West.

Transcript

(logo beeps) - [Falcon] "Horizon Forbidden West" is here, and while it's a sequel, it introduces a lot of interesting dynamics. Hi, folks, it's Falcon, and today on Gameranx, 10 Things "Horizon Forbidden West" Doesn't Tell You. Starting off at number 10, you can turn on quick swap for weapons in the control settings. Now, being able to quickly swap... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔫 Quick weapon swapping, though hidden, is an essential feature that enhances combat efficiency in Horizon Forbidden West.
• 🛄 Motion-aiming can greatly increase accuracy for players who are willing to adapt to using gyro controls for aiming.
• 🌲 The expanded skill tree offers opportunities for players to enhance their abilities significantly, with certain skills being prioritized for early acquisition.
• 🗺️ Fast travel in the game is much more accessible, reducing the burdensome mechanics of previous installments, allowing players to traverse the world freely.
• 💨 Players can utilize fast travel even when submerged underwater, providing a unique way to gather underwater resources without drowning.
• 🎮 Reloading the game can change weather conditions, making it a useful trick to manage gameplay circumstances that are otherwise unfavorable.
• 👾 Inventory management is vital in the game, and players have the ability to customize their quick select menu for efficiency.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Quick Swap feature and how can players enable it?

The Quick Swap feature allows players to swiftly switch between the two most recently used weapons in Horizon Forbidden West. To enable it, navigate to the game's control settings under "Weapons" and find the "Weapon Quick Swap" option to turn it on. This feature enhances combat efficiency and is essential for players who frequently switch weapons and ammo types during gameplay.

Q: Why is the motion-aiming option significant and how does it function?

Motion aiming utilizes the PlayStation controller's gyro features to improve aiming accuracy, similar to its implementation in games like Splatoon. While it requires a bit of adaptation, it can significantly enhance precision shooting in Horizon Forbidden West for those who prefer a more tactile aiming method. Players can enable this feature in the control settings, just above the quick weapon swap option.

Q: What are some vital skills players should acquire early in the game?

Early acquisition of skills like Triple Notch in the Hunter tree and crafting skills such as Ammo Expert can greatly enhance gameplay. Triple Notch allows players to shoot three arrows simultaneously, effective for targeting weak spots on machines. Crafting skills reduce resource costs, increasing efficiency in gathering essential materials, making early investment into these skills a smart strategy.

Q: How has fast travel been updated in Horizon Forbidden West?

Fast travel mechanics in Horizon Forbidden West have been simplified, allowing players to fast-travel without the previously required Fast Travel Packs. Players can now travel instantly to discovered campfires or settlements by interacting with them. Packs are only needed if players wish to travel without using a campfire, making navigation considerably easier and more spontaneous throughout the game.

Q: What are some tips for managing weather conditions in-game?

If players find the weather unfavorable, a simple trick is to save the game, exit, and reload. The game's weather is randomly generated upon loading, meaning players can change rainy or foggy conditions to clear skies or better visibility by reloading their save. This can be particularly helpful during hunts where visibility is crucial.

Q: How can players optimize their inventory for quick access to items?

Players can organize their quick select menu to improve access to items like potions and smoke bombs. By opening the item crafting menu while holding down on the d-pad and pressing square, players can rearrange or remove items from their quick select list, ensuring that the most crucial items are easily accessible during gameplay.

Q: How can climbing be made easier in Horizon Forbidden West?

Climbing can be made significantly easier by enabling the "Climbing Annotations Always On" feature in the accessibility options. This setting displays yellow lines showing where players can climb, eliminating confusion about which surfaces are accessible. It's a practical option for those who struggle to recognize climbable surfaces in the environment.

Q: Does completing side quests affect the main storyline?

Yes, completing side quests in Horizon Forbidden West can affect the main storyline, often providing unique dialogue or scenes that can change depending on what side quests have been completed. While players are not locked out of the main story, completing these quests in conjunction with the main narrative can lead to richer storytelling and additional context within the game.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Horizon Forbidden West introduces various hidden features that significantly improve gameplay, such as quick weapon swapping and motion aiming options, which are often overlooked by players.

• The skill tree is more extensive than in the first game, encouraging early acquisition of essential skills like Triple Notch and crafting improvements to optimize resource management.

• Fast travel mechanics have been simplified, minimizing the need for crafting packs, and allowing easier navigation through the game world, while tips for managing weather and inventory enhance overall player experience.