Is Horizon Forbidden West Split Screen? The Definitive Answer & FAQs
No, Horizon Forbidden West does not feature split-screen multiplayer. It is primarily designed as a single-player, story-driven open-world action RPG experience. While the game offers a vast and immersive world to explore, brimming with challenging combat and intricate quests, it’s all meant to be enjoyed solo.
Understanding Horizon Forbidden West’s Focus
The development of Horizon Forbidden West centered around creating a deeply immersive and visually stunning single-player experience. This focus allowed the developers, Guerrilla Games, to push the boundaries of the PlayStation 5’s hardware, delivering breathtaking graphics, detailed environments, and a compelling narrative. Implementing split-screen would have likely required significant compromises to graphical fidelity and overall performance, detracting from the intended experience.
Exploring Alternatives: Single-Player Immersion and the “Co-Pilot” Mode
While split-screen is absent, Horizon Forbidden West compensates with a rich single-player campaign. The sheer depth of the story, the engaging characters, and the challenging gameplay provide ample entertainment for solo players. The world is meticulously crafted, encouraging exploration and discovery.
It’s also worth mentioning the “Co-Pilot” mode. While not split-screen, this accessibility feature allows two players to control Aloy simultaneously using two controllers connected to the same console. This mirrored control scheme can be helpful for players with disabilities or for collaborative gameplay in a unique way, though it is not a traditional multiplayer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horizon Forbidden West and Multiplayer
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more clarity regarding multiplayer options and related aspects of Horizon Forbidden West:
1. Is Horizon Forbidden West a Multiplayer Game?
No, Horizon Forbidden West is not a multiplayer game. It is a single-player experience designed to be enjoyed independently. The focus is on the narrative and Aloy’s journey through the Forbidden West.
2. Does Horizon Forbidden West have Co-op?
There is no cooperative (co-op) mode in Horizon Forbidden West, either online or local. The game is designed for solo exploration and gameplay.
3. Can you play Horizon Forbidden West with a friend?
Aside from the “Co-Pilot” accessibility feature, you cannot play Horizon Forbidden West directly with a friend in the traditional sense of multiplayer gaming. The “Co-Pilot” feature allows mirrored control between two controllers, but it isn’t co-op.
4. Do you need PlayStation Plus to play Horizon Forbidden West?
No, a PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to play Horizon Forbidden West. Since it’s a single-player game with no online multiplayer components, you can enjoy the entire experience offline without needing PS Plus.
5. What is Machine Strike in Horizon Forbidden West?
Machine Strike is a board game within the Horizon world, played by characters in the game. It’s a turn-based strategy game that Aloy can play with NPCs. It’s a fun diversion, but not a form of multiplayer with other players.
6. Is there a Horizon game with multiplayer?
Currently, neither Horizon Zero Dawn nor Horizon Forbidden West features traditional multiplayer. While Guerrilla Games has not ruled out the possibility of multiplayer in future Horizon titles, there are no concrete plans or announcements as of now. Keep an eye on Games Learning Society for future updates.
7. What is the “Co-Pilot” mode in Horizon Forbidden West?
Co-Pilot mode is an accessibility feature that allows two players to control Aloy simultaneously using two controllers. The controls are mirrored, meaning both players have equal input, but inputs can cancel each other out. It’s primarily designed as an accessibility option, not a multiplayer mode.
8. How does the Co-Pilot mode work?
To use Co-Pilot mode, connect two controllers to your PlayStation console and log in with two separate user profiles. Then, enable the Co-Pilot setting in the game’s accessibility menu. Both controllers will then control Aloy’s actions.
9. Can you play Horizon Forbidden West offline?
Yes, you can play Horizon Forbidden West entirely offline. An internet connection is only required for initial downloads, updates, and optional features like sharing screenshots or videos.
10. Is Horizon Forbidden West a direct sequel to Zero Dawn?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West is a direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. It picks up shortly after the events of the first game and continues Aloy’s journey, making understanding the story and lore of Zero Dawn highly recommended.
11. Should I play Horizon Zero Dawn before Forbidden West?
Yes, absolutely. Playing Horizon Zero Dawn before Forbidden West is highly recommended. The story, characters, and world-building in Zero Dawn provide crucial context for understanding the events and narrative of Forbidden West.
12. Is Horizon Forbidden West better than Zero Dawn?
This is subjective, but most agree that Forbidden West improves upon Zero Dawn in many ways, including graphics, gameplay mechanics, and world size. However, some players prefer the story and characters of Zero Dawn.
13. Will there be DLC for Horizon Forbidden West with multiplayer?
There have been released the Burning Shores DLC, however, there are no plans to introduce multiplayer through DLC. Any future multiplayer content would likely be part of a new Horizon game.
14. Are there any romance options in Horizon Forbidden West?
No, there are no romance options in Horizon Forbidden West. Aloy encounters many interesting characters, but the focus is on her mission and personal growth, not romantic relationships.
15. Is Horizon Forbidden West worth buying?
For fans of single-player action RPGs, Horizon Forbidden West is absolutely worth buying. The stunning visuals, engaging story, challenging gameplay, and vast open world make it a truly immersive and memorable experience. Just remember it is strictly a single-player game.
Conclusion: Embracing the Single-Player Journey
While the absence of split-screen might be a disappointment for some, Horizon Forbidden West stands as a testament to the power of the single-player experience. Its focus on narrative, character development, and immersive gameplay creates a captivating journey that is well worth embarking on. Dive into the Forbidden West, explore its secrets, and experience the world through Aloy’s eyes – you won’t be disappointed. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great source for staying up to date on similar games.