Can I Go Back to Burning Shores? Everything You Need to Know About Horizon Forbidden West’s Stunning DLC
Yes, absolutely! Once you’ve accessed the Burning Shores DLC in Horizon Forbidden West, you can freely travel back and forth between the Burning Shores and the main map of the Forbidden West. The only restriction is that you can’t fast travel while you’re actively engaged in a quest. Once you’re in a free-roaming state, you can go wherever you like. Think of it as a seamless expansion of Aloy’s world, ready for you to explore at your leisure. This interconnectedness allows you to experience the full scope of the narrative and take on challenges at your own pace. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigation and answers frequently asked questions.
Exploring the Seamless World of Burning Shores
Free Roaming and Fast Travel
The beauty of Burning Shores lies in its integration with the existing world of Horizon Forbidden West. You’re not artificially locked into one area after starting the DLC. Once you’ve completed the initial quest in the Burning Shores storyline, which introduces you to Seyka and involves a fight against Widemaws and Burrowers, the entirety of both maps opens up.
This means you can tackle side quests, hunt down collectibles, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery of either region whenever you wish. To fast travel, simply open your map and select a discovered campfire or settlement. The ability to move freely between both zones is essential for completing all content.
Burning Shores: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the prerequisites for accessing Burning Shores?
To access the Burning Shores DLC, you must have completed the main questline of Horizon Forbidden West, up to and including the final quest, “Singularity.” This ensures you’re at the appropriate level and have the necessary context for the story. You will also need the PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West, as the DLC is exclusive to that platform.
2. How do I start the Burning Shores questline?
After completing “Singularity” in Horizon Forbidden West, you will receive a notification to meet Sylens at Tilda’s Mansion. Simply head there and interact with Sylens to kick off the Burning Shores adventure. Be prepared for a new journey that builds directly upon the ending of the main game.
3. Is there a level requirement for Burning Shores?
While the first main quest in Burning Shores has a recommended level of 38, the final quest is designed for players at level 50. The Burning Shores DLC raises the level cap from 50 to 60. It’s recommended that you are close to these levels to have a balanced and enjoyable experience.
4. Does Burning Shores change Aloy’s abilities or gear?
Burning Shores doesn’t artificially weaken Aloy. You’re just as strong at the start of the DLC as you were at the end of Forbidden West. You keep all your existing weapons, skills, and gear, but you can also acquire new and powerful upgrades and weapons within the Burning Shores region.
5. How long does it take to complete Burning Shores?
If you focus solely on the main story quests, Burning Shores will take around 7 hours to complete. However, if you aim for 100% completion, including side quests and collectibles, expect to spend around 16 hours exploring and conquering the new challenges.
6. How many main quests and side quests are in Burning Shores?
Burning Shores features five main quests that continue Aloy’s story. In addition, there are three world-building side quests that allow you to delve deeper into the lore and explore the new region and its characters.
7. What happens after I finish the main story in Burning Shores?
After completing the main Burning Shores storyline, you can continue to explore the region, complete any remaining side quests, and collect any outstanding collectibles. Sylens will contact you, prompting a return to the Base to discuss Londra’s data, offering a glimpse into what may come next.
8. Can I fly in Burning Shores?
Yes! Early on in the Burning Shores storyline, you’ll unlock the ability to fly on a Waterwing mount for the majority of the expansion. This makes traversing the volcanic archipelago significantly faster and more enjoyable compared to the early game of Forbidden West.
9. Does Burning Shores introduce new machines?
Yes, Burning Shores introduces a variety of new machines, including the Waterwing (your flying mount) and the challenging Bilegut. These new machines require different strategies and tactics to defeat, adding a fresh layer of combat to the game.
10. How much does Burning Shores cost?
The Burning Shores DLC is priced at $19.99 USD. It is a digital-only expansion, meaning you’ll need to purchase and download it through the PlayStation Store. It’s a valuable addition to the game for the price, considering the amount of content it adds.
11. Where is Erend after Burning Shores?
After completing the Burning Shores DLC and Erend’s side mission involving Asera, Erend leaves a note at Hidden Ember. He’s on his way back to the Claim to build support for Aloy, stopping in Meridian to deliver focuses to various allies along the way.
12. Will there be another DLC after Burning Shores?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a second DLC for Horizon Forbidden West. While the Burning Shores is substantial and demonstrates the potential for further expansions, Guerilla Games has not announced any additional content. The scope of Burning Shores underscores just how vast the world of Horizon Forbidden West is. Game developers could create several more similar-sized expansions taking place in the same world.
13. Is Burning Shores considered canon?
Absolutely! Despite being an optional piece of content, Burning Shores is considered canon and an important part of the overall Horizon narrative. It directly continues the story from the end of Forbidden West and provides valuable context and character development.
14. What’s the hardest fight in Forbidden West (including Burning Shores)?
While Forbidden West featured challenging encounters like Regalla, the final boss fight in Burning Shores against Walter Londra in the Horus machine is arguably the most difficult. It requires utilizing all of Aloy’s skills and weapons to overcome a formidable opponent. However, players looking for more about the educational aspect of gameplay might find valuable insights on sites like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
15. What are some of the hardest machines to beat in Forbidden West and Burning Shores?
Some of the most challenging machines in both Forbidden West and Burning Shores include:
- Rockbreaker: Requires strategic targeting of its weak points.
- Tideripper: Large, aquatic machine that demands careful positioning.
- Stormbird: Fast and agile aerial machine that requires quick reflexes.
- Bilegut: Unique to Burning Shores, this machine uses corrosive attacks.
- Slitherfang: Large snake-like machine that can quickly overwhelm players.
- Slaughterspine: Powerful machine with devastating ranged attacks.
- Specter: Agile and versatile machine with cloaking capabilities.
- Dreadwing: Stealthy and deadly flying machine with elemental attacks.
- Thunderjaw: Classic Horizon machine with a wide array of attacks.
Burning Shores: Is It Worth Returning?
In summary, the ability to travel back and forth between the Burning Shores and the main map of Horizon Forbidden West is seamless and unrestricted (outside of active quests). This freedom allows you to experience the full scope of the game, tackle challenges at your own pace, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of both regions. With a compelling storyline, new machines, and expanded gameplay mechanics, Burning Shores is a must-play for any Horizon fan. Enjoy exploring!