Finding Your Perfect Horizon: Choosing the Right Difficulty
So, you’re about to dive into the breathtaking world of Horizon, and you’re wondering which difficulty setting is right for you. Fear not, intrepid adventurer! The short answer is: Normal difficulty is generally recommended for most players, especially those familiar with action games. It provides a balanced experience, offering a challenge without being overly punishing. However, the beauty of the Horizon games lies in their flexibility – you can adjust the difficulty at any time without penalty, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Understanding the Horizon Difficulty Spectrum
The Horizon series, encompassing Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, offers a range of difficulty options to cater to different playstyles and skill levels. From a relaxed narrative experience to a grueling test of skill, there’s a setting for everyone. Let’s break down the common difficulty levels:
- Story: Designed for players who primarily want to experience the narrative and explore the world without significant combat challenges.
- Easy: Offers a more forgiving combat experience, allowing players to focus on exploration and story progression. A good choice for beginners or those unfamiliar with action games.
- Normal: Provides a balanced experience, offering a fair challenge for most players familiar with action games. Enemies are reasonably tough, but with strategic play, you can overcome them.
- Hard: Increases the enemy aggression and damage output, demanding precise timing and tactical thinking. A good choice for experienced action game players seeking a greater challenge.
- Very Hard: Further amplifies the difficulty, requiring mastery of the game’s mechanics and meticulous planning.
- Ultra Hard: The ultimate test of skill, demanding perfect execution and in-depth knowledge of enemy weaknesses. Available only in New Game Plus and features locked difficulty setting with no change allowed!
Why Normal is Often the Best Starting Point
Normal difficulty strikes a sweet spot. It challenges you to learn the game’s combat mechanics, experiment with different weapons and tactics, and strategically target enemy weak points. This difficulty allows you to make mistakes and learn from them without being constantly overwhelmed. It also makes victories against formidable machines like Thunderjaws and Stormbirds feel truly rewarding.
Adapting the Difficulty to Your Experience
The best part about the Horizon games is their flexibility. You can adjust the difficulty on the fly based on your experience. If you find Normal too easy, bump it up to Hard. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to drop down to Easy or Story. There’s no shame in adjusting the difficulty to match your skill level and enjoyment. The goal is to have fun and experience the amazing world the developers have created.
Remember, the article indicates difficulty only changes damage given, and received. Everything else remains the same.
Considering Your Playstyle
- Exploration Focused: If you’re primarily interested in exploring the beautiful landscapes and uncovering the lore, Easy or Story mode might be a good fit.
- Combat Enthusiast: If you thrive on challenging combat encounters and enjoy mastering intricate combat systems, Hard or Very Hard mode will provide a thrilling experience.
- Balanced Approach: If you want to enjoy both the story and combat without either being too overwhelming, Normal difficulty is the way to go.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!
Ultimately, the “best” difficulty is the one that provides you with the most enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance. You might start on Normal and then adjust it up or down based on your progress and preferences.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Horizon Difficulties
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of difficulty in the Horizon games:
Is Horizon a hard game?
It can be initially, especially if you’re unfamiliar with action RPG combat systems. Learning to dodge effectively (mostly rolling!) and experimenting with different weapons and strategies is crucial. Once you understand the mechanics, the game becomes significantly easier.
Does difficulty matter for trophies in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Fortunately, no! The difficulty setting does not affect your ability to earn trophies in Horizon Zero Dawn. You can play on any difficulty and still unlock the Platinum trophy.
Does difficulty affect trophies in Horizon Forbidden West?
Similar to its predecessor, Horizon Forbidden West also doesn’t tie any trophies to specific difficulty settings. Feel free to choose whatever difficulty level suits your playstyle.
What difficulty should I play Forbidden West on if I’ve played Zero Dawn?
If you’ve completed Horizon Zero Dawn and are comfortable with action games, Normal is a solid starting point for Horizon Forbidden West.
Is Horizon Forbidden West a hard platinum?
Compared to many modern games, the Platinum trophy in Horizon Forbidden West is relatively straightforward. Most trophies unlock naturally through gameplay or require partial completion of activities.
What is the hardest trophy to get in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Ultra Hard Completed has the potential to be the most challenging trophy in Horizon Zero Dawn, but it depends on your approach. You can tackle it in New Game Plus, potentially after playing through the game on an easier difficulty first.
Is there any missable trophy in Horizon Zero Dawn?
No, there are no missable trophies in Horizon Zero Dawn. After completing the final mission, the game resets to before the final mission, allowing you to complete any remaining tasks.
What is the hardest creature to beat in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Thunderjaw is widely considered the most dangerous machine in Horizon Zero Dawn. Its massive size, powerful attacks, and armored plating make it a formidable opponent.
Should I play Horizon on easy?
- Easy is a great option if you want to focus on the story, explore the world, and enjoy a less challenging combat experience.
Is Horizon a AAA game?
Yes, the Horizon series is considered a AAA title, known for its high production values, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. This is a go-to tactic for Sony, making their games stand out.
Which Horizon should I play first?
Horizon Zero Dawn should definitely be played before Horizon Forbidden West. The story of Zero Dawn introduces the world, characters, and lore that are essential for understanding the events of Forbidden West.
How hard is Horizon Zero Dawn very hard?
Very Hard difficulty demands precision and strategic thinking. Mastering dodging, weapon types, and enemy weaknesses is crucial for survival.
Do your choices actually matter in Horizon Zero Dawn?
While dialogue choices don’t drastically alter the main story, they influence Aloy’s personality and can affect interactions with other characters.
How many endings does Horizon Zero Dawn have?
Horizon Zero Dawn has a single, definitive ending. However, completing side quests before the final mission unlocks additional dialogue and a trophy.
What is the most powerful outfit in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Shield-Weaver armor is arguably the best outfit in Horizon Zero Dawn, providing a protective energy shield that absorbs damage. It’s obtained through a lengthy side quest.
Ultimately, the Horizon series is more than just a game; it’s an interactive narrative that allows you to learn and grow as a player. Organizations like the Games Learning Society advocate for the educational value of video games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more on the educational potential of gaming.