How Long Does It Take to Complete Burning Shores DLC? A Deep Dive
Alright, future explorers of the Burning Shores! Let’s cut straight to the chase. The Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West offers a volcanic, action-packed extension to Aloy’s journey, but just how much time are you going to need to dedicate to experience it all? The answer, as with most things in gaming, depends on your play style.
- Main Story Focus: If you’re laser-focused on the core narrative, expect to spend approximately 6-8 hours completing the main quests.
- Completionist Run: For those who want to uncover every secret, complete every side quest, and collect every trinket, be prepared to invest around 15-18 hours.
- Average Player: Most players, balancing story and side content, will likely clock in around 12-15 hours.
It is an experience that provides quality content with a relatively small investment of your time, allowing you to continue Aloy’s adventure with minimal interruption to your schedule.
Dive Deeper: Understanding Playtime Factors
While the above estimates provide a solid guideline, several factors can influence your playtime in the Burning Shores:
- Difficulty Setting: Playing on Ultra Hard will, naturally, increase the time it takes to complete encounters and may lead to more frequent reloads.
- Skill Level: Experienced Horizon players will likely navigate the challenges more efficiently than newcomers.
- Exploration Habits: Some players meticulously explore every nook and cranny, while others stick to the beaten path. Your exploration style significantly impacts playtime.
- Pre-DLC Completion: Having completed all possible missions and collectables in the original Forbidden West will mean you are fully equipped with skill points and items, so you can spend less time grinding during the Burning Shores DLC.
- Side Quest Engagement: Burning Shores offers a range of engaging side quests that add depth to the world and story. Engaging with these will increase your playtime but also enrich your overall experience.
Preparing for the Burning Shores
Before diving into the DLC, consider the following:
- Level Up: Reaching at least level 50 is highly recommended. This will give you access to more skill points and increase Aloy’s health, making you more resilient against the tougher machines.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Ensure your weapons and outfits are upgraded to their maximum potential. Visit the various merchants in the Forbidden West to see what resources you need to acquire for upgrading your gear.
- Complete Main Story: You must complete the main story of Horizon Forbidden West, up to and including the “Singularity” mission, to access the Burning Shores content.
- Skill Point Allocation: Strategically allocate your skill points to enhance your combat prowess and exploration abilities. The Valor Surge abilities can also make battles easier to handle.
FAQs: Your Burning Shores Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Burning Shores experience:
Q1: What is the download size of the Burning Shores DLC?
The download size is approximately 16GB. This means you won’t need to clear a massive amount of space on your PS5.
Q2: What is the level cap in Burning Shores?
The level cap remains at 50, but the Burning Shores offers new skills to unlock, providing a new sense of progression.
Q3: Is Burning Shores harder than the main game?
Yes, many players find the Burning Shores to be more challenging than the main game, especially on higher difficulty settings. The machines are tougher, and the battles are more demanding.
Q4: How many main quests are in Burning Shores?
There are five main quests in the Burning Shores DLC.
Q5: Are there side quests in Burning Shores?
Yes, there are three world-building side quests to discover, in addition to various collectibles and activities. These side quests greatly contribute to the lore and world-building of the game, and provide valuable rewards.
Q6: Is Burning Shores bigger than Frozen Wilds?
While opinions vary, most players agree that Frozen Wilds felt larger and had more to do. The Burning Shores, however, focuses on a denser, more focused experience.
Q7: Will there be another DLC after Burning Shores?
It is unlikely that Horizon Forbidden West will receive another DLC, according to current information.
Q8: How big is the map of Burning Shores?
The map size of the Burning Shores is approximately 5.56 km².
Q9: Do you fight a Horus in Burning Shores?
Yes, you confront a Horus in the Burning Shores DLC’s penultimate quest, “His Final Act.” This is a major highlight of the DLC.
Q10: Can I play Burning Shores without beating the main game?
No, you must complete the main story of Horizon Forbidden West to access the Burning Shores content.
Q11: Why is Burning Shores not triggering?
The most common reason is not having completed the “Singularity” mission in the main game. Ensure you’ve finished the entire Horizon Forbidden West story.
Q12: What is the last quest of Burning Shores?
The final quest involves meeting with Seyka at the beach, providing closure to their shared journey.
Q13: How do you get 100% completion in Burning Shores?
Achieving 100% requires completing all main and side quests, scanning all new machines, finding all collectibles, and unlocking all 18 new skills.
Q14: Is Nemesis in Burning Shores?
While not directly featured, the Burning Shores further develops the impending threat of Nemesis, setting the stage for the next installment.
Q15: Is the Horizon DLC worth it?
Absolutely! The Burning Shores is a crucial part of the Horizon story, introducing compelling characters and expanding the lore in a meaningful way. This is exemplified in the relationship between Seyka and Aloy, and how they play off of each other to develop each other further.
Concluding Thoughts
The Burning Shores DLC offers a compelling and engaging extension to Horizon Forbidden West. Whether you’re a speedrunner focused on the main story or a completionist eager to uncover every secret, the DLC provides a worthwhile experience. The duration of your adventure will depend on your individual play style and goals, but the quality of the content is undeniable. Remember to level up, upgrade your gear, and prepare for a challenging but rewarding journey to the volcanic ruins of Los Angeles. Happy hunting!
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