Will Burning Shores DLC Be Free? Unveiling the Cost and Value of Aloy’s Latest Adventure
No, the Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West is not free. It is a paid expansion that offers a significant addition to the base game’s storyline, introducing new characters, a new region to explore, and challenging new enemies. The DLC typically costs around $20 USD, depending on the platform and any ongoing promotions.
As a seasoned gamer who’s been following Aloy’s journey since Zero Dawn, I understand the question’s underlying concern: is the content worth the price? Let’s dive into the specifics to help you decide if venturing into the Burning Shores is the right choice for you. The expansion promises to be well worth the investment for both new players and those who’ve played the original.
Diving Deeper: What Makes Burning Shores Worth the Cost?
The price tag, while not exorbitant, does warrant scrutiny. What do you get for your money? Here’s a breakdown:
- A New Region to Explore: The Burning Shores takes Aloy to the volcanic archipelago of Los Angeles, a visually stunning and drastically different environment from the Forbidden West. This new map, though smaller than the main game’s, is packed with secrets, challenges, and unique locations.
- An Engaging New Story: The DLC picks up directly after the events of Horizon Forbidden West, providing a continuation of Aloy’s narrative and resolving some lingering plot threads. Expect new characters, intriguing mysteries, and a compelling main storyline.
- Challenging New Machines: The Burning Shores introduces several new machine types, each requiring different strategies and tactics to defeat. These encounters add a fresh layer of challenge to the combat system.
- A Memorable Boss Fight: Many reviewers and players have lauded the final boss fight in the Burning Shores as one of the best in the entire Horizon series. It’s a spectacle of scale and destruction that truly tests your skills.
- Enhanced Graphics and Performance (PS5 Exclusive): As a PS5-exclusive DLC, Burning Shores takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities, offering improved visuals, faster loading times, and a smoother overall experience.
The exclusivity and level of optimization alone are strong arguments for the PS5 version. The team at GamesLearningSociety.org might even analyze the game’s design with respect to the PS5’s unique hardware! It’s also important to realize that it adds to the world-building narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Burning Shores
Here are 15 commonly asked questions about the Burning Shores DLC, providing further insights into its content, gameplay, and value:
1. How much does Burning Shores cost?
The Burning Shores DLC typically costs $20 USD. Prices may vary slightly depending on regional pricing and platform promotions.
2. Is Burning Shores only available on PS5?
Yes, the Burning Shores DLC is exclusively available on the PlayStation 5.
3. Do I need the base game to play Burning Shores?
Yes, you must own Horizon Forbidden West to play the Burning Shores DLC.
4. How long is the Burning Shores DLC?
The main story of Burning Shores takes around 6-8 hours to complete. Completionists aiming for 100% can expect to spend around 16 hours exploring everything the DLC has to offer.
5. What level should I be to start Burning Shores?
The first main quest in Burning Shores has a recommended level of 38, but the final quest is level 50. Having the DLC installed increases the level cap of the game to level 60.
6. Where does the story of Burning Shores fit into the overall Horizon timeline?
Burning Shores picks up immediately after the events of Horizon Forbidden West. You need to complete the final main story quest, “Singularity,” in the base game to access the DLC.
7. What new machines are introduced in Burning Shores?
The DLC introduces several new machines, including the Waterwing, Bilegut, Stingermaw, and a menacing variation of the Horus Titan (also referred to as Metal Devil).
8. Who is the main antagonist in Burning Shores?
The main antagonist is Walter Londra, a former member of the Far Zenith group.
9. How big is the map in Burning Shores?
While smaller than the map in Forbidden West, the Burning Shores map covers an estimated 5.56 km².
10. Is Burning Shores bigger than The Frozen Wilds (from Horizon Zero Dawn)?
While Burning Shores might not be as large as the primary map in Forbidden West, it’s significantly larger than The Frozen Wilds DLC from Horizon Zero Dawn. The file size alone – around 15GB for Burning Shores compared to Frozen Wilds‘s smaller footprint – indicates a more substantial and detailed experience.
11. What are the pre-order bonuses for Burning Shores?
Pre-ordering the Burning Shores DLC granted players access to the Blacktide Sharpshot Bow, the Blacktide Quen Commander Outfit, and the Blacktide Dye. These items are no longer obtainable if you did not pre-order.
12. Why is Burning Shores exclusive to PS5?
The developers have stated that the PS5 exclusivity allows them to push the technical and graphical boundaries of the Horizon universe. The game uses advanced cloud rendering techniques and more detailed environments that are only possible on the PS5’s hardware.
13. Is Burning Shores worth buying?
For Horizon fans, the Burning Shores is highly recommended. It offers a compelling new storyline, a visually stunning environment, challenging gameplay, and a truly memorable boss fight. The improved graphics on PS5 further enhance the experience.
14. What is the best bow in Horizon Burning Shores?
Many players consider the Blacktide Sharpshot Bow (if obtained through pre-order) a top-tier choice. In addition, the DLC introduces other powerful bows and weapons that are worth experimenting with.
15. How do I access the Burning Shores content in the game?
To access the Burning Shores content, you must first complete the main story of Horizon Forbidden West. Once you’ve finished the “Singularity” quest, you’ll receive a call from Sylens, triggering the start of the DLC’s storyline.
Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Expansion for Horizon Fans
While the Burning Shores DLC is not free, the content it provides, including a new area to explore, an engaging story, challenging new enemies, and improved graphics, makes it a worthwhile purchase for fans of Horizon Forbidden West. If you’re looking to continue Aloy’s journey and experience a visually stunning and action-packed adventure, the Burning Shores is definitely worth the investment. Just be sure to complete the main story of Horizon Forbidden West first, and prepare for a thrilling experience!
Horizon’s world-building and gameplay also showcase interesting concepts of game-based learning, which are actively researched in the Games Learning Society. This organization is dedicated to developing and studying how to best learn through the design and use of games. Visit them at GamesLearningSociety.org!