Horizon Forbidden West: Claiming Your Pre-Order Treasures – A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve ventured into the lush, perilous world of Horizon Forbidden West and you’re itching to get your hands on those sweet pre-order bonus items? You’re not alone! Many players find themselves wondering exactly how to unlock and access the goodies they secured by pre-ordering. Here’s the definitive answer, and everything else you need to know:

To claim your Horizon Forbidden West pre-order bonus, you’ll generally need to progress past the introductory sequence and reach the open world. After this initial period (which, as the marketing blurb always warns, can take a few hours), your items will be waiting for you in your Stash. The Stash is a chest with infinite inventory space found at Settlements and Shelters throughout the game.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics and address some frequently asked questions!

Accessing Your Pre-Order Content: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlocking your pre-order bonuses isn’t always intuitive, so follow these steps to ensure you’re properly equipped:

1. Redeem Your Code (If Applicable): If you purchased a physical edition of Horizon Forbidden West, you should have received a voucher with a code. This code needs to be redeemed on the PlayStation Store. Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS4 or PS5, scroll to the bottom of the sidebar, and select “Redeem Codes”. Enter your code carefully and follow the on-screen instructions. If you purchased a digital version, this step is usually handled automatically upon downloading the game.

2. Progress Through the Intro: Be patient! As mentioned above, pre-order content isn’t available right from the start. You’ll need to play through the game’s opening sequence until Aloy reaches the open world. This serves both narrative purposes and prevents players from being overwhelmed with items too early.

3. Locate a Settlement or Shelter: Once you’re in the open world, start exploring and find a Settlement or Shelter. These locations are marked on your map.

4. Find the Stash: At the Settlement or Shelter, look for a chest labeled “Stash”. This is where all your bonus content, including your pre-order items, will be waiting. The stash looks like a supply crate.

5. Claim Your Items: Interact with the Stash, and you’ll be able to transfer your pre-order bonus items into your inventory.

6. Equip and Enjoy! Once the items are in your inventory, you can equip your new outfit (like the Nora Legacy Outfit), your new weapon (like the Nora Legacy Spear), and any other bonus items you received.

Important Considerations

• Deluxe Edition Content: If you purchased a Deluxe Edition of Horizon Forbidden West, the process is the same. The Deluxe Edition items will also be located in your Stash.
• Burning Shores DLC Bonuses: If you pre-ordered the Burning Shores DLC, your bonuses, such as the Blacktide Dye Outfit and Blacktide Sharpshot Bow, will be available from the first dye merchant and the first merchant in the Burning Shores region, respectively.
• Check for Updates: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, bonus content delivery is tied to specific game updates.
• Contact Support: If you’ve followed all these steps and still can’t find your pre-order bonuses, contact PlayStation Support. There may be an issue with your account or code redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers about claiming pre-order and bonus content in Horizon Forbidden West:

H3 FAQ 1: I redeemed my code, but I don’t see the items in my Stash. What should I do?

Answer: Double-check that you redeemed the code on the correct PlayStation account (the one you’re playing Horizon Forbidden West on). Also, make sure you’ve progressed far enough into the game to reach the open world and a Settlement or Shelter. If you’ve done both and still don’t see your items, try restarting your PS5 or PS4. If the problem persists, contact PlayStation Support.

H3 FAQ 2: Where can I find a Settlement or Shelter early in the game?

Answer: The first major Settlement you’ll encounter is Chainscrape. Follow the main storyline, and you’ll naturally progress to this location. Shelters are smaller and scattered around the map.

H3 FAQ 3: What if I accidentally sold or dismantled my pre-order bonus items?

Answer: Don’t worry! Because pre-order bonus items come from the Stash, these items are re-claimable. You can always go back to your Stash at any Settlement or Shelter and grab another copy!

H3 FAQ 4: I purchased the game digitally. Do I still need to redeem a code?

Answer: No. If you purchased the game digitally, the bonus content should be automatically associated with your PlayStation account and available in your Stash once you reach the open world.

H3 FAQ 5: Is there a level requirement for using pre-order bonus weapons or armor?

Answer: Most pre-order bonus items are designed to be usable early in the game, so there are typically no high-level requirements. However, some weapons may be slightly more effective later on, but that’s more about game balance than level restrictions.

H3 FAQ 6: I pre-ordered the game, but I haven’t received my Nora Legacy Outfit/Spear. Where are they?

Answer: The Nora Legacy Outfit and Nora Legacy Spear are the standard pre-order bonuses. They should be available in your Stash after you reach the open world. If not, follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier: Check your code redemption, progress in the story, restart your console, and contact support if needed.

H3 FAQ 7: Are pre-order bonus items exclusive to pre-orders forever?

Answer: In some instances, pre-order bonus items become available for purchase separately at a later date, usually through the PlayStation Store. However, this is not guaranteed, and some items may remain exclusive to those who pre-ordered the game.

H3 FAQ 8: Does the time of day or weather affect the availability of the bonus items?

Answer: No. The availability of pre-order bonus items is not affected by the time of day or weather in the game. They should be consistently available in your Stash once you meet the requirements.

H3 FAQ 9: Can I transfer my pre-order bonus items to another player?

Answer: No. Pre-order bonus items are tied to your PlayStation account and cannot be transferred to another player.

H3 FAQ 10: I upgraded from the PS4 version to the PS5 version. Will I still have my pre-order bonuses?

Answer: Yes, assuming you use the same PlayStation account. Your pre-order bonuses are associated with your account, not the specific game version.

H3 FAQ 11: What’s the difference between pre-order bonuses and Deluxe Edition content?

Answer: Pre-order bonuses are incentives for purchasing the game before its release. Deluxe Edition content is extra digital goodies included with a more expensive version of the game. Both types of content will be found in your Stash.

H3 FAQ 12: I’m still in the tutorial area. When can I access my pre-order bonuses?

Answer: You’ll need to complete the initial tutorial area and reach the open world before your pre-order bonuses become available. This usually involves completing a few early main story quests.

H3 FAQ 13: Is there a limit to how many times I can claim items from the Stash?

Answer: No, there is no limit. The Stash contains an infinite supply of your bonus items. If you lose or sell them, you can always retrieve them again.

H3 FAQ 14: How do I upgrade my weapons and armor in Horizon Forbidden West?

Answer: You can upgrade your weapons and armor at workbenches, which are typically found in Settlements and Shelters. Upgrading requires specific resources that you gather throughout the game by hunting machines, looting containers, and completing quests.

H3 FAQ 15: What is the story behind the Horizon series and how does it relate to learning in video games?

Answer: The Horizon series presents a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative where humanity rebuilds after a catastrophic event, grappling with remnants of the old world and evolving alongside advanced machine life. This offers opportunities for learning about history, science, and the impact of technology on society. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) actively explore how such engaging game narratives and mechanics can foster learning and critical thinking skills. As the GamesLearningSociety.org explains, games are extremely valuable tools for education and learning, especially when designed and delivered effectively.

By following these guidelines and consulting the FAQs, you should be well-equipped to claim your pre-order treasures and embark on an even more immersive adventure in the world of Horizon Forbidden West! Now get out there, explore the Forbidden West, and look stylish doing it!