Delving into the Volcanic Depths: Just How Big is Horizon Forbidden West’s Burning Shores?
The world of Horizon Forbidden West is already vast and breathtaking, but the Burning Shores DLC adds a whole new dimension to Aloy’s adventures. Players often ask: Just how big is this new area? Let’s dive into the specifics. The Burning Shores map size is approximately 5.56 square kilometers (2.15 square miles). While this might seem smaller than the base game’s sprawling landscape, the volcanic archipelago offers a dense and varied experience, packed with secrets, challenges, and stunning vistas.
Exploring the Scale and Scope of the Burning Shores
While the numerical size gives us a concrete understanding, the perceived size of the Burning Shores is influenced by several factors. Unlike the mainland’s sprawling plains, the Burning Shores is a series of interconnected islands, many of which are surrounded by water. This geographical feature affects traversal, making the use of Aloy’s Sunwing mount crucial for efficient exploration.
Furthermore, the density of content within the Burning Shores contributes to its perceived size. Every island is teeming with detail, from the remnants of old Los Angeles to hidden facilities, challenging combat encounters, and engaging side quests. The verticality of the volcanic terrain also adds depth to the environment, creating a sense of exploration that belies its actual size.
Comparing the Burning Shores to Other Horizon Expansions
Many players compare the Burning Shores to the Frozen Wilds, the expansion for Horizon Zero Dawn. While opinions vary, a common sentiment is that the Frozen Wilds felt larger, even if that might not be strictly true in terms of square kilometers. This perception could be due to the Frozen Wilds having more distinct biomes and less reliance on aerial traversal. The dense forests and snowy mountains of the Cut presented a different kind of exploration compared to the open skies and scattered islands of the Burning Shores.
However, the Burning Shores leverages the technological advancements of the PS5 to deliver a visually stunning and technically impressive experience. The volcanic landscape is rendered with incredible detail, and the lighting effects create a truly immersive atmosphere. This graphical fidelity enhances the overall experience, making the Burning Shores feel like a significant expansion, even if it’s not the largest in terms of raw map size.
Factors Influencing Playtime and Exploration
The time it takes to complete the Burning Shores varies greatly depending on playstyle. Focusing solely on the main quests will take around 7 hours, while completing all side quests, collectibles, and challenges can extend playtime to 15-20 hours. Players who enjoy thorough exploration and hunting for secrets will find plenty to keep them engaged in the Burning Shores. The challenging combat encounters, particularly the new machines introduced in the DLC, can also add to the playtime, as players may need to experiment with different strategies and equipment.
Ultimately, the “size” of the Burning Shores isn’t just about the map area. It’s about the density of content, the quality of the environment, and the overall experience. The Burning Shores offers a compelling and worthwhile addition to the Horizon Forbidden West universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horizon Burning Shores
How big is the Burning Shores map compared to the Frozen Wilds?
The Burning Shores map is almost twice as big as the Frozen Wilds map, but much of it is water. The islands feel smaller, and the aerial traversal makes it faster to explore.
What is the download size of the Burning Shores DLC?
The Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC clocks in at around 16GB.
How many hours does it take to complete the Burning Shores?
When focusing on the main objectives, Horizon Forbidden West – Burning Shores is about 7 hours in length. For 100% completion, expect to spend around 16 hours.
What level should I be to play Burning Shores?
It’s recommended to be at least Level 50 before starting the Burning Shores, as the DLC features some of the toughest machines in the game.
When can I play Burning Shores?
You can play Burning Shores after completing the main story of Horizon Forbidden West. It is also only available on PS5.
Does Burning Shores look better than the base game?
Yes, Burning Shores looks even better than the base game, leveraging the power of the PS5 to deliver stunning visuals and detailed environments.
Is Burning Shores harder than the main game?
Yes, Burning Shores is generally considered harder than the main game, featuring tougher machines and challenging combat encounters.
How many main missions are in Burning Shores?
Burning Shores features five main quests, along with three world-building side quests and several collectibles.
How many Devotee Outposts are in Burning Shores?
There are three Devotee Outposts to discover in the Burning Shores DLC.
How many cauldrons are in Burning Shores?
There is one Cauldron in the Burning Shores DLC: Cauldron: THETA. Completing it unlocks the Bilegut Override.
What is the best armor in Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores?
The 2 Quen Marine armor offers the best overall protection of the Burning Shores sets.
Is Horizon Forbidden West bigger than Skyrim?
In terms of map size, Skyrim’s map is around 15 square miles, while Forbidden West’s is approximately 5 square miles, meaning that Skyrim has a larger map.
Where does Burning Shores take place?
Burning Shores takes place in a volcanic archipelago formed from the ruins of Los Angeles, located south of No Man’s Land.
How much does Burning Shores cost?
The Burning Shores DLC is priced at $19.99 USD.
What new machines are introduced in Burning Shores?
The Burning Shores introduces several new machines, including the Waterwing which enables underwater exploration and the formidable Horus Titan, a massive combat machine.
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