:Horizon Zero Dawn

{{Infobox video game

| image = Horizon Zero Dawn.jpg

| developer = Guerrilla Games{{efn|Windows version ported by Virtuos, with additional work by Nixxes Software{{Cite web |last=Santa Maria |first=Alex |date=9 August 2020 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn's Poor PC Performance Is Developer's Top Priority |url=https://screenrant.com/horizon-zero-dawn-pc-steam-guerrilla-games-priority/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116190347/https://screenrant.com/horizon-zero-dawn-pc-steam-guerrilla-games-priority/ |archive-date=16 January 2023 |access-date=16 January 2023 |website=Screen Rant |publisher=Valnet Inc.}}{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=16 December 2021 |title=Nixxes Responsible for Recent Horizon Zero Dawn PC Patches |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2021/12/nixxes-responsible-for-recent-horizon-zero-dawn-pc-patches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116190349/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2021/12/nixxes-responsible-for-recent-horizon-zero-dawn-pc-patches |archive-date=16 January 2023 |access-date=16 January 2023 |website=Push Square |publisher=Gamer Network}}}}

| publisher = Sony Interactive Entertainment

| director = Mathijs de Jonge

| producer = Lambert Wolterbeek Muller

| programmer = Michiel van der Leeuw

| artist = Jan-Bart van Beek

| writer = {{Unbulleted list|John Gonzalez|Ben McCaw}}

| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Joris de Man|The Flight|Niels van der Leest|Jonathan Williams}}

| series = Horizon

| engine = Decima

| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|PlayStation 4|Windows}}Remaster
{{Unbulleted list|PlayStation 5|Windows}}

| released = PlayStation 4{{Video game release|NA|28 February 2017|PAL|1 March 2017|JP|2 March 2017}}Windows{{Video game release|WW|7 August 2020}}Remaster
PlayStation 5, Windows
{{Video game release|WW|31 October 2024}}

| genre = Action role-playing

| modes = Single-player

| title = Horizon Zero Dawn

}}

Horizon Zero Dawn is a 2017 action role-playing game{{Cite web |last=Hulst |first=Herman |date=15 June 2016 |title=We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new third-person action RPG, Horizon Zero Dawn! |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2015/06/15/announcing-horizon-zero-dawn/|website=PlayStation |publisher=PlayStation Blog}} developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. A port to Windows was released in 2020 as the first in a series of PlayStation exclusive video games arriving on Microsoft Windows. The first installment in the Horizon video game series, it follows Aloy, a young hunter in a world overrun by machines, who sets out to uncover her past. The player uses ranged weapons, a spear and stealth to combat mechanical creatures and other enemy forces. A skill tree provides the player with new abilities and bonuses. The player can explore the open world to discover locations and take on side quests.

Horizon Zero Dawn is Guerrilla Games' first intellectual property since Killzone in 2004 and its first role-playing video game. Development began in 2011 after the completion of Killzone 3, with director Mathijs de Jonge considering it the riskiest idea pitched at the time. The game engine, Decima, was developed for Killzone: Shadow Fall and altered for Horizon Zero Dawn. Being set in a post-apocalyptic setting, anthropologists were consulted to authenticate the world's decay over a millennium. The soundtrack was led by composer Joris de Man, featuring contributions from the Flight.

Horizon Zero Dawn was praised by critics for its open world, story, visuals, combat, characterization, and the performance of voice actress Ashly Burch; however, the dialogue, melee combat, and character models received some criticism. The game won numerous awards and sold over 24.3 million units by April 2023. An expansion, The Frozen Wilds, was released in November 2017. A sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, was released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on 18 February 2022. Events in the game are reinterpreted in Lego Horizon Adventures, which was released in November 2024. A remastered version of the game was released for Windows and PlayStation 5 in October 2024.

Gameplay

File:Horizon Zero Dawn gameplay.jpg

Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game played from a third-person view.{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=27 June 2016 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn appears to be a proper RPG, and an exciting one |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/27/horizon-zero-dawn-appears-to-be-a-proper-rpg-and-an-exciting-one/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160701231558/https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/27/horizon-zero-dawn-appears-to-be-a-proper-rpg-and-an-exciting-one/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |website=VG247 |publisher=Videogaming247 Ltd}}{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=24 June 2015 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn aims to fill the open-world gap between GTA and Skyrim |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8834897/horizon-zero-dawn-e3-2015-preview-gta-skyrim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150624150901/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8834897/horizon-zero-dawn-e3-2015-preview-gta-skyrim |archive-date=24 June 2015 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} Players take control of Aloy, a hunter who ventures through a post-apocalyptic land ruled by robotic creatures.{{Cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=16 June 2015 |title=Robot dinos, archery and mystery in 'Horizon: Zero Dawn' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/horizon-zero-dawn-first-demo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150618135855/http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/17/horizon-zero-dawn-first-demo/ |archive-date=18 June 2015 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL}}{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=14 June 2016 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn and the Thrill of the Hunt |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-and-the-thrill-of-the-hunt/1100-6440905/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604031858/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-and-the-thrill-of-the-hunt/1100-6440905/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}} Aloy can kill enemies in a variety of ways – shooting them with arrows,{{Cite web |last=Hulst |first=Hermen |date=16 June 2015 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn announced for PS4, from Guerrilla Games |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2015/06/16/horizon-zero-dawn-announced-for-ps4-from-guerrilla-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150618135817/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2015/06/16/horizon-zero-dawn-announced-for-ps4-from-guerrilla-games/ |archive-date=18 June 2015 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} setting traps such as tripwires using the Tripcaster,{{Cite web |last=Welsh |first=Oli |date=30 July 2015 |title=Looking to the Horizon: how Guerrilla moved on |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-30-looking-to-the-horizon-how-guerrilla-moved-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604032143/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-30-looking-to-the-horizon-how-guerrilla-moved-on |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}{{Cite video game |title=Horizon Zero Dawn |developer=Guerrilla Games |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |platform=PlayStation 4 |date=28 February 2017}} using explosives,{{Cite web |last=USgamer Team |date=12 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Guide: How to Get the Best Weapons in the Game |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-how-to-get-the-best-weapons-in-the-game-12-04-2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050543/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-how-to-get-the-best-weapons-in-the-game-12-04-2017 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=USgamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} and a spear.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=30 January 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn hands-on |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/30/14435128/horizon-zero-dawn-hands-on-ps4-pre-review-preview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170130171734/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/30/14435128/horizon-zero-dawn-hands-on-ps4-pre-review-preview |archive-date=30 January 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} Machine components, including electricity and the metal they are composed of, are vital to Aloy's survival; she can loot their remains for crafting resources. Ammo, resource satchels, pouches, quivers, resistance, antidotes, health potions, and traps can all be crafted.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=27 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn guide to crafting and resources |url=https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14702294/crafting-resources-currency-potions-traps-merchants-trading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045945/https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14702294/crafting-resources-currency-potions-traps-merchants-trading |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} Weapons have modification slots for dealing more damage. Aloy wears a Focus, a small earpiece that scans machines to determine their susceptibilities, identify their location, their level, and the nature of loot they will drop. One machine, the Stalker, can enable cloaking technology to avert the gaze of Aloy's Focus scan.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=1 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn guide: How to kill every machine |url=https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/3/1/14745474/machines-rockbreaker-behemoth-thunderjaw-stormbird-deathbringer-tallneck-corrupted-machines-cauldron#LJUIlg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045635/https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/3/1/14745474/machines-rockbreaker-behemoth-thunderjaw-stormbird-deathbringer-tallneck-corrupted-machines-cauldron%23LJUIlg |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} Machines attack with defensive and offensive measures, and in either case react to a perceived threat by charging at it with brute force or projectiles. Exhibiting the behaviour of wild animals, some machines are inclined to move in herds, and others, with the ability to fly, do so in flocks. Unless hacked with the Override Tool, or sufficiently hit with corruption arrows, machines do not exert aggressive force against each other. Aloy also engages in battle with human enemies, such as bandits and the Eclipse cult.{{Cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=7 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: To Curse the Darkness – Infiltrate the Eclipse Base, find the Derelict Tallneck and crash the Eclipse Focus Network |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-walkthrough-guide-tips-4932?page=17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050451/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-walkthrough-guide-tips-4932?page=17 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}

Aloy can dodge, sprint, slide, or roll to evade her enemies' advances.{{Cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=7 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn walkthrough: Guide and tips for completing the post-apocalyptic adventure |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-walkthrough-guide-tips-4932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050331/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-walkthrough-guide-tips-4932 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} Hiding in foliage to ambush nearby enemies can ensure immediate takedowns. Swimming may reach enemies stealthily or places otherwise unreachable on foot. She is able to hack a selection of machines with the Override Tool, some of which can be turned into makeshift mounts.{{Cite web |last=Mahboubian-Jones |first=Justin |date=22 June 2016 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn's monsters can become your BFF |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a798806/horizon-zero-dawn-hackable-robots/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604030236/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a798806/horizon-zero-dawn-hackable-robots/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications}} Explorable ruins called Cauldrons unlock additional machines to override. The skill tree has three categories: "Prowler" concerns stealth, "Brave" improves combat, and "Forager" increases healing and gathering capabilities.{{Cite web |last=McAllister |first=Gillen |date=30 January 2017 |title=19 new things we discovered from playing Horizon Zero Dawn |url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/01/30/19-new-things-we-discovered-from-playing-horizon-zero-dawn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604033421/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/01/30/19-new-things-we-discovered-from-playing-horizon-zero-dawn/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} Upgrades in each category result in more adept use of the skills learned, with "Prowler" leading to silent takedowns, "Brave" to aiming a bow in slow motion, and "Forager" to an enlarged medicine pouch.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=27 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn beginner's guide |url=https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14676748/beginners-hud-leveling-skills-buyweapons-inventory-items |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170228060139/http://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14676748/beginners-hud-leveling-skills-buyweapons-inventory-items |archive-date=28 February 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}{{Cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |date=28 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: Beginner Tips, Upgrade Guides, And Other Valuable Lessons |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/02/28/horizon-zero-dawn-beginner-tips-upgrade-guides-and-other-valuable-lessons.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045051/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/02/28/horizon-zero-dawn-beginner-tips-upgrade-guides-and-other-valuable-lessons.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2017}} Aloy attains experience points from individual kills and completing quests.{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=David |date=23 February 2017 |title=6 ways to get easy XP in Horizon: Zero Dawn |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/6-ways-to-get-easy-xp-in-horizon-zero-dawn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050041/http://www.gamesradar.com/6-ways-to-get-easy-xp-in-horizon-zero-dawn/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc}} The Frozen Wilds added "Traveler", which unlocks the ability to jump off a mount to attack enemies.{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=1 November 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: Frozen Wild's new skill tree is focused on making your mount more useful |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-frozen-wilds-new-skill-tree-is-focused-on-making-your-mount-more-useful/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180303020739/https://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-frozen-wilds-new-skill-tree-is-focused-on-making-your-mount-more-useful/ |archive-date=3 March 2018 |website=GamesRadar}} The game has a seamless open world with a day-night cycle and dynamic weather system.{{Cite web |last=Fulton |first=Will |date=17 June 2015 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn is even better than the mind-blowing trailer made you think |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/horizon-zero-dawn-impressions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150618135837/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/horizon-zero-dawn-impressions/ |archive-date=18 June 2015 |website=Digital Trends}}{{Cite web |last=Te |first=Zorine |date=16 June 2015 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn Is Prehistoric and Modern All At Once |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-is-prehistoric-and-modern-all-at/1100-6428257/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708150847/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-is-prehistoric-and-modern-all-at/1100-6428257/ |archive-date=8 July 2015 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=16 June 2015 |title=What is Guerrilla Games' Horizon: Zero Dawn? |url=https://www.vg247.com/2015/06/16/what-is-horizon-zero-dawn-e3-2015-screenshots-ps4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160701231550/https://www.vg247.com/2015/06/16/what-is-horizon-zero-dawn-e3-2015-screenshots-ps4/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |website=VG247 |publisher=Videogaming247 Ltd}}

The map is composed of forest, jungle, desert, and snowy mountain regions.{{Cite web |last=Prell |first=Sam |date=9 February 2017 |title=Leaked Horizon: Zero Dawn map looks huge and gives us hints at what Aloy will encounter |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-horizon-zero-dawn-map-looks-huge-and-gives-us-hints-at-what-aloy-will-encounter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045734/http://www.gamesradar.com/leaked-horizon-zero-dawn-map-looks-huge-and-gives-us-hints-at-what-aloy-will-encounter/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc}}{{Cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=7 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Override Cauldron locations – how to ride machines with Sigma, Rho, Xi, and Zeta mounts |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-override-cauldrons-locations-mounts-sigma-rho-xi-and-zeta-unlocks-locations-and-maps-4932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045852/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-07-horizon-zero-dawn-override-cauldrons-locations-mounts-sigma-rho-xi-and-zeta-unlocks-locations-and-maps-4932 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} Mountainous terrain is traversed with the employment of parkour, and aided by the use of zip-lines. Corrupted Zones constitute areas that heighten difficulty and are populated by corrupted machines that behave with more aggression. To uncover more of the map, Aloy must scale large giraffe-like machines known as Tallnecks.{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=30 January 2017 |title=Sony's Horizon: Zero Dawn recharges the open-world genre with herd mentality |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/four-hours-of-horizon-zero-dawn-made-me-crazy-with-anticipation-for-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604033539/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/four-hours-of-horizon-zero-dawn-made-me-crazy-with-anticipation-for-more/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast}} Save points and fast travel can be accessed by interacting with campfires, once discovered. The quest structure unfolds to accommodate the exploration of tribes, while the main story covers the entire world.{{Cite web |last=Lemne |first=Bengt |date=6 July 2016 |title=Guerrilla Games on Horizon: Zero Dawn's quest structure |url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/435743/Guerrilla+Games+on+Horizon+Zero+Dawns+quest+structure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604031624/http://www.gamereactor.eu/news/435743/Guerrilla+Games+on+Horizon+Zero+Dawns+quest+structure/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Gamereactor |publisher=Gamez Publishing A/S}} Side quests involve Aloy completing tasks, like gathering materials, coming to the aid of individuals in danger of being killed, solving mysteries, assuming control of bandit camps, eliminating criminals and more difficult machines, accomplishing various challenges at any of the five Hunting Grounds,{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=27 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn quest guide |url=https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14715386/quests-main-side-errands-bandit-camps-tallnecks-hunting-grounds-cauldrons-corrupted-zones-tutorial |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050220/https://www.polygon.com/horizon-zero-dawn-guide-walkthrough/2017/2/27/14715386/quests-main-side-errands-bandit-camps-tallnecks-hunting-grounds-cauldrons-corrupted-zones-tutorial |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} and obtaining an ancient armour that makes Aloy almost impervious to damage.{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffrey |date=27 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn how to get the best weapons and outfit |url=https://www.polygon.com/playstation/2017/2/27/14739074/best-weapon-armor-outfit-modification-slot-shield-weaver-power-cell-quests-locations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170301152835/http://www.polygon.com/playstation/2017/2/27/14739074/best-weapon-armor-outfit-modification-slot-shield-weaver-power-cell-quests-locations |archive-date=1 March 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} A dialogue wheel is used to communicate with non-player characters.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=14 June 2016 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn gameplay demo shown at E3 |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/14/horizon-zero-dawn-gameplay-demo-shown-at-e3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160701231541/https://www.vg247.com/2016/06/14/horizon-zero-dawn-gameplay-demo-shown-at-e3/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |website=VG247 |publisher=Videogaming247 Ltd}} Collectibles include vantages that offer visual information of the Old World, metal flowers that contain poetry, and old relics, such as ancient mugs and tribal artefacts.{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=9 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn collectibles: vantages, ancient vessels, metal flowers and Banuk artifacts |url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/03/09/horizon-zero-dawn-collectibles-vantages-ancient-vessels-metal-flowers-banuk-artifacts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604045155/https://www.vg247.com/2017/03/09/horizon-zero-dawn-collectibles-vantages-ancient-vessels-metal-flowers-banuk-artifacts/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=VG247 |publisher=Videogaming247 Ltd}}

Synopsis

= Setting =

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic United States, between the states of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, in the 31st century. Humans live in scattered, primitive tribes with varying levels of technological development. Their technologically advanced predecessors are remembered as the "Old Ones." Large robotic machines dominate the Earth. For the most part, they peacefully coexist with humans, who occasionally hunt them for parts. However, a phenomenon known as the "Derangement" has caused machines to become more aggressive toward humans, and larger and deadlier machines have begun to appear. Four tribes are prominently featured: the Nora, the Banuk, the Carja, and the Oseram. The Nora are fierce matriarchal hunter-gatherers who live in the mountains and worship their deity, the "All-Mother." The Carja are an empire of desert-dwelling city builders who worship the Sun. The Banuk consists of wandering clans made up of hunters and shamans who live in snowy mountains (Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park) and worship the "blue light" of the machines. The Oseram are tinkerers and salvagers known for their advanced weapons, metalworking, brewing, and talent as warriors. There are also mentions of the Forbidden West, as well as some members of tribes from it, including the Utaru, an agrarian tribe, and the Tenakth, a warrior tribe.{{cite web|title= Horizon Forbidden West: The First Preview |first= Jonathon |last= Dornbush |date= 25 January 2022 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/horizon-forbidden-west-hands-on-preview-ps5 |access-date= August 13, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240813132419/https://www.ign.com/articles/horizon-forbidden-west-hands-on-preview-ps5 |archive-date= August 13, 2024 |url-status=live}}

= Plot =

Aloy (Ashly Burch) is cast out from the Nora tribe at birth and raised by a fellow outcast named Rost (JB Blanc). As a child (Ava Potter), Aloy obtains a Focus, an augmented reality device that gives her special perceptive abilities. Aloy becomes curious about her origins and is told by Rost that if she wins the Proving, a competition to earn the right to become a member of the Nora, the tribe's Matriarchs might concede this information. Aloy spends some years training in combat and survival under Rost's instruction.

After coming of age, Aloy participates in the Proving; she wins the competition, but masked cultists attack the Nora. Rost sacrifices himself to save Aloy from their leader, Helis (Crispin Freeman). When Aloy awakens, the Matriarchs explain that Aloy was found as an infant before a sealed door within the Nora's sacred mountain and that these suspicious origins were the reason for her being an outcast. The Matriarchs name Aloy a "Seeker," allowing her to leave their lands in pursuit of the cultists. Aloy eventually learns that the cultists are part of a splinter Carja faction called the Eclipse and that Aloy was targeted due to her resemblance to an Old World scientist named Elisabet Sobeck (also voiced by Burch). Aloy locates the ruined corporate campus of Faro Automated Solutions and discovers that the Old World was destroyed nearly a thousand years ago after Faro lost control of its automated peacekeeper military robots. The robots, which could self-replicate and consume biomass, overran the planet and engulfed the biosphere, stripping Earth of life. Zero Dawn, a project spearheaded by Sobeck, was initiated to create an automated terraforming system to eventually deactivate the Faro robots and restore life to Earth over a period of centuries.{{Cite video game |title=Horizon Zero Dawn |developer=Guerrilla Games |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |platform=PlayStation 4 |level=Credits |date=28 February 2017}}

Aloy is contacted by Sylens (Lance Reddick), a secretive Banuk figure interested in uncovering the fate of the Old Ones. Aloy learns that Sobeck was sent to a decommissioned Orbital Launch Base to complete Zero Dawn, located under the Citadel, the center of Eclipse power. Inside the base, Aloy learns that Zero Dawn was a vast underground system of databases, factories, and cloning facilities controlled by a single artificial intelligence, GAIA (Lesley Ewen), and her subsystems. Once all life had been extinguished, GAIA developed a countermeasure to deactivate the Faro robots and build her own animalistic machines to restore the Earth's biosphere. Once the planet was habitable again, GAIA's next goal was to reseed life on Earth based on stored DNA and teach the first human clones not to repeat their predecessors' mistakes. However, Faro's founder and CEO, Theodor Faro, sabotaged APOLLO, the subsystem containing humanity's history, as he wished for mankind to be free of the mistakes of the past. The new generation of humans was consequently reduced to a tribal, subsistence society. The Eclipse are secretly controlled by HADES (John Gonzalez), another of GAIA's subsystems designed to enact controlled extinction if the outcome of Zero Dawn was not favourable for human existence. Reaching Sobeck's office, Aloy obtains a registry to give her access to the door beneath the Nora's mountain. She is captured by Helis and sentenced to death at the Citadel, but escapes with the help of Sylens. Aloy helps the Nora fight off the Eclipse and unlocks the mountain's door.

She finds a recording from GAIA, revealing that a signal of unknown origin caused HADES to activate and seize control of her functions; as a last resort, GAIA attempted to stop HADES by self-destructing, but failed and lost control of the other subsystems. Without GAIA to maintain the terraforming process, the entire system began to break down, leading to the Derangement. As a contingency plan, GAIA created a clone of Sobeck in the form of Aloy, hoping she would find GAIA's message, destroy HADES, and restore GAIA's functions. Aloy learns that Sobeck sacrificed her life to ensure the Faro robots would not find GAIA. Aloy manages to obtain the master override to destroy HADES. Sylens reveals that he founded the Eclipse, initially tempted by HADES' promises of knowledge when he discovered it. They surmise that HADES intends to send a signal to reactivate the Faro robots to extinguish life on Earth. Aloy kills Helis and helps fight off machines before stabbing HADES and activating the master override, ending the war. She journeys to Sobeck's old home, finds her corpse, and mourns her predecessor. In a post-credits scene, HADES is trapped by Sylens, who intends to interrogate HADES to find out who sent the signal that activated it.

== ''The Frozen Wilds'' ==

Aloy travels to the "Cut," the home of the Banuk tribe, after hearing word of dangerous machines appearing and a mountain belching smoke. She learns from Aratak (Richard Neil), chieftain of the largest Banuk clan, that the Banuk have been attempting to battle a "Daemon" on the mountain, "Thunder's Drum," which has corrupted the machines of the Cut. However, their first attack failed, and their shaman, Ourea, disappeared afterward. Aloy searches for Ourea, coming across strange robotic towers that control and repair the corrupted machines. She finds Ourea (Necar Zadegan) in an Old World facility that had been converted into a Banuk shrine and is housing an artificial intelligence the shaman calls the "Spirit." Aloy is able to make contact with the Spirit, which warns Ourea that the Daemon is blocking its transmissions before being cut off. Aloy and Ourea agree to work together to save the Spirit. Per Ourea's advice, Aloy defeats Aratak in a hunting competition, taking his place as chieftain. She also discovers that Aratak and Ourea are siblings.{{Cite video game |title=The Frozen Wilds |developer=Guerrilla Games |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment |platform=PlayStation 4 |date=7 November 2017}}

Aloy, Ourea, and Aratak head for Thunder's Drum. They infiltrate the Old World facility built inside the mountain, where Aloy discovers that the Spirit is actually CYAN (Laurel Lefkow), a highly advanced AI designed to prevent the Yellowstone Caldera from erupting. Travelling further inside, they discover that the Daemon has already overtaken much of the facility. However, CYAN suggests using lava from the caldera to destroy the infected areas while preserving the facility. It is also revealed that the Daemon is, in fact, HEPHAESTUS (Stefan Ashton Frank), another of GAIA's subsystems designed to manufacture machines. The group fights through HEPHAESTUS' defences, and Ourea sacrifices herself to override CYAN's core, allowing it to escape. CYAN transfers its core systems to an auxiliary data center and initiates self-destruction of the facility. Aloy and Aratak narrowly escape. Aloy returns to the Banuk Shrine, where CYAN is waiting; the AI provides additional information about the Old World but warns that HEPHAESTUS is still active somewhere and will continue to build machines explicitly designed to kill humans, which is why it tried to seize control of CYAN and its facilities. Returning Aratak to his previous position as Chieftain, Aloy departs the Cut.

Development

Guerrilla Games began developing Horizon Zero Dawn following the release of Killzone 3 in 2011.{{Cite web |last=Sliva |first=Marty |date=17 June 2015 |title=E3 2015: Horizon: Zero Dawn's Incredible Balance of Action and RPG |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-horizon-zero-dawns-incredible-balance-of-action-and-rpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621015333/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/17/e3-2015-horizon-zero-dawns-incredible-balance-of-action-and-rpg |archive-date=21 June 2015 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}} When conceiving the idea for a new game, about 40 concepts were pitched. Among these was Horizon Zero Dawn, which game director Mathijs de Jonge considered "the most risky" of the concepts and was pitched in 2010 by art director Jan-Bart van Beek.{{Cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=26 June 2015 |title=The Origins & World Of Horizon Zero Dawn |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/26/the-origins-and-world-of-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710053337/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/26/the-origins-and-world-of-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx |archive-date=10 July 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Harrison |date=3 February 2017 |title=1 Hour with Horizon Zero Dawn: A total noob's perspective |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/03/horizon-zero-dawn-noobs-hands-on/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604034049/https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/03/horizon-zero-dawn-noobs-hands-on/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesBeat}} When this concept was chosen, a team of 10–20 began building prototypes of the game. Approximately 20 different stories were written, exploring various concepts, such as different player characters. John Gonzalez, who previously acted as lead writer for Fallout: New Vegas (2010), was hired to write the game's story as narrative director, with Ben McCaw as lead writer. The main elements of the story and the character of Aloy remained intact since early development.{{Cite web |last=Roding |first=Jeroen |date=2 November 2017 |title=Building a Tribe: How Guerrilla Created the Banuk |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/11/02/building-a-tribe-how-guerrilla-created-the-banuk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103232222/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/11/02/building-a-tribe-how-guerrilla-created-the-banuk/ |archive-date=3 November 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} Upon the completion of Killzone: Shadow Fall in late 2013, the remainder of the staff began working on Horizon Zero Dawn.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 September 2013 |title=Killzone dev Guerrilla confirms work on new IP has begun |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-30-killzone-dev-guerrilla-confirms-work-on-new-ip-has-begun |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702094338/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-30-killzone-dev-guerrilla-confirms-work-on-new-ip-has-begun |archive-date=2 July 2015 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} Guerrilla cancelled another game to allow the entire team to focus on the development of Horizon.{{Cite web |last=Scammell |first=David |date=19 September 2016 |title=Guerrilla cancelled work on a second project to focus on Horizon: Zero Dawn |url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/horizon_zero_dawn/news/guerrilla_cancelled_work_on_a_second_project_to_focus_on_horizon_zero_dawn.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604043611/https://www.videogamer.com/news/guerrilla-cancelled-work-on-a-second-project-to-focus-on-horizon-zero-dawn |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=VideoGamer.com}} Sony would later admit to being reluctant about having the main character be female and conducted focus testing to see if such a decision was marketable.{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=18 June 2015 |title=Sony was worried about a female protagonist in Killzone dev's new IP |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/18/8802349/sony-was-worried-about-a-female-protagonist-in-killzone-devs-new-ip |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150619141208/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/18/8802349/sony-was-worried-about-a-female-protagonist-in-killzone-devs-new-ip |archive-date=19 June 2015 |website=Polygon}} The game had an estimated budget of over {{€}}45 million.{{Cite news |last=Kist |first=Reinier |date=26 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: hoe de grootste Nederlandse mediaproductie tot stand kwam |url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/02/26/hoe-de-grootste-mediaproductie-van-nederland-is-gemaakt-6962270-a1547873 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171008124123/https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/02/26/hoe-de-grootste-mediaproductie-van-nederland-is-gemaakt-6962270-a1547873 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |website=NRC Handelsblad |language=nl}}

The game's concept explores the juxtaposition between the danger and beauty of the world, particularly analysing the concept of humanity not being the dominant species. The team aimed to emphasise the game's exploration element by featuring a quest system, as well as including items throughout the world that can be used to craft or replenish health. The team wished for the game to have a simple user interface design, specifically avoiding complicated menus for crafting, and considered the game to be a technical challenge.{{Cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=26 June 2015 |title=The Origins & World Of Horizon Zero Dawn |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/26/the-origins-and-world-of-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629182118/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/26/the-origins-and-world-of-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |archive-date=29 June 2015}} They felt that the game engine, Decima,{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Jem |date=4 April 2017 |title=Decima Engine: New Horizons |url=http://www.develop-online.net/interview/decima-engine-new-horizons/0231345 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044444/http://www.develop-online.net/interview/decima-engine-new-horizons/0231345 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Develop |publisher=NewBay Media}} which was designed for games such as the Killzone series and was previously used for Killzone: Shadow Fall,{{Cite web |last=Scammell |first=David |date=18 June 2015 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn is 1080p/30fps, runs on modified version of Killzone: Shadow Fall engine |url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/horizon_zero_dawn/news/horizon_zero_dawn_is_1080p_30fps_runs_on_modified_version_of_killzone_shadow_fall_engine.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150625085027/http://www.videogamer.com/ps4/horizon_zero_dawn/news/horizon_zero_dawn_is_1080p_30fps_runs_on_modified_version_of_killzone_shadow_fall_engine.html |archive-date=25 June 2015 |website=VideoGamer.com}} was difficult to alter for Horizon, in terms of draw distance and loading. To discover how some game elements work differently in open world games, the team sought help from talent in the design, art and technical fields. In extrapolating the game world, Guerrilla turned to anthropologists and researched the formation of tribal cultures as well as how building materials would decay over a millennium. The game's quest system and narrative design took inspiration from role-playing video games, ranging from the "Relaxed" quest design of RPG Maker games to the "Strict" quest design of hack and slash games. They defined "Relaxed" quest design as having few centralized systems for managing quest progression, and "Strict" quest design as having a rigid structure and predefined elements, with the team deciding the latter.{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=28 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn's Quest Design Was Inspired By Everything From Vampire the Masquerade to Skyrim |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/horizon-zero-dawns-quest-design-was-inspired-by-everything-from-vampire-the-masquerade-to-skyrim |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044244/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/horizon-zero-dawns-quest-design-was-inspired-by-everything-from-vampire-the-masquerade-to-skyrim |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=USgamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}{{Cite web |title=GDC Vault – Building Non-linear Narratives in 'Horizon: Zero Dawn' |url=http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1024158/Building-Non-linear-Narratives-in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044342/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1024158/Building-Non-linear-Narratives-in |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GDC Vault |publisher=UBM plc}}

File:Joris de Man at Game Music Connect 2013.png used experimental instrumentation in the score.]]

Lance Reddick and Ashly Burch's involvement was revealed in January 2017.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aoife |date=30 January 2017 |title=Can Horizon: Zero Dawn really be a AAA game without cynicism? |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-01-30-can-horizon-zero-dawn-really-be-a-aaa-game-without-cynicism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604032953/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-01-30-can-horizon-zero-dawn-really-be-a-aaa-game-without-cynicism |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}{{Cite magazine |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=11 January 2017 |title=New Horizon Zero Dawn Trailer Reveals More Of Aloy's Weird World |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/horizon_zero_dawn/b/playstation4/archive/2017/01/11/new-horizon-zero-dawn-trailer-reveals-more-of-aloys-weird-world.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604032809/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/horizon_zero_dawn/b/playstation4/archive/2017/01/11/new-horizon-zero-dawn-trailer-reveals-more-of-aloys-weird-world.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2017}} Burch voiced Aloy, whose likeness was portrayed by Hannah Hoekstra,{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Ben |date=1 March 2017 |title=How Horizon Zero Dawn's game world was inspired by Planet Earth, tribal culture, and a Dutch actress |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tech-gaming/how-horizon-zero-dawn-s-stunning-game-world-was-inspired-by-planet-earth-tribal-culture-and-a-dutch-a3478901.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604033716/http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tech-gaming/how-horizon-zero-dawn-s-stunning-game-world-was-inspired-by-planet-earth-tribal-culture-and-a-dutch-a3478901.html |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=London Evening Standard}} and motion capture was performed by Amanda Piery in London. Following an auditioning process in 2014, Burch was called in to do the E3 2015 trailer and proceeded to work on the game for two years in Los Angeles, providing facial motion capture as well.{{Cite web |last=Schreier |first=Jason |date=13 April 2017 |title=Podcast: The Voice Of Horizon Zero Dawn |url=http://kotaku.com/podcast-the-voice-of-horizon-zero-dawn-1794293589 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050831/http://kotaku.com/podcast-the-voice-of-horizon-zero-dawn-1794293589 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Kotaku |publisher=Univision Communications}}

The game's soundtrack was composed by Joris de Man, the Flight, Niels van der Leest, and Jonathan Williams, with vocalist Julie Elven serving as the primary performer.{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Emily |date=16 June 2016 |title=Composers revealed for Horizon Zero Dawn |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/demanhorizonzerodawn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160704093134/http://www.vgmonline.net/demanhorizonzerodawn/ |archive-date=4 July 2016 |website=Video Game Music Online}}{{Cite web |last=Roding |first=Jeroen |date=6 December 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn soundtrack white vinyl edition box set launches today |url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/12/06/horizon-zero-dawn-soundtrack-white-vinyl-edition-box-set-launches-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623010448/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/12/06/horizon-zero-dawn-soundtrack-white-vinyl-edition-box-set-launches-today/ |archive-date=23 June 2018 |access-date=1 April 2018 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} Lucas van Tol, music supervisor and senior sound designer, provided the composers with a game design document, insisting on an intimate sound for the score. For the tribal theme, they experimented with bows on piano wire and resonator guitars (with layered tracks of harmonicas on top of the latter) and playing cellos with plectrums or the back of a bow to convey how contemporary instruments would be played by someone to whom the instruments were unknown; de Man also used a contrabass flute and made synth pads from blowing on a Thai bamboo flute, noting "distant pads and ambiences, and wide, spread out chords seemed to work well". Circuit-bent synthesizers and percussive loops, run through impulse responses of metal and iron being beaten, were devoted to making a thematic identifier for the machines based on technology and metal. Van Tol required that the music be supplied in stems so that different pieces could be combined. The positive response to the first E3 trailer's main theme led it to be included in the main menu. The composers also did the motion capture for diegetic music vignettes, portraying in-game tribal musicians.{{Cite magazine |last=Cleaver |first=Sean |date=26 May 2017 |title=Behind the music of Horizon Zero Dawn |url=http://www.develop-online.net/interview/behind-the-music-of-horizon-zero-dawn/0232846 |url-status=live |magazine=Develop |publisher=NewBay Media |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044804/http://www.develop-online.net/interview/behind-the-music-of-horizon-zero-dawn/0232846 |archive-date=4 June 2017}}{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=29 May 2017 |title=Q&A: Creating Horizon: Zero Dawn's neo-prehistoric soundtrack |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/298532/QA_Creating_Horizon_Zero_Dawns_neoprehistoric_soundtrack.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044901/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/298532/QA_Creating_Horizon_Zero_Dawns_neoprehistoric_soundtrack.php |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Gamasutra |publisher=UBM plc}} The four-hour soundtrack was released via digital music platforms on 10 March 2017.{{Cite web |last=Greening |first=Chris |date=4 March 2017 |title=Four-hour soundtrack for Horizon Zero Dawn pre-released on Spotify |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/four-hour-soundtrack-for-horizon-zero-dawn-pre-released-on-spotify/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604043722/http://www.vgmonline.net/four-hour-soundtrack-for-horizon-zero-dawn-pre-released-on-spotify/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Video Game Music Online}}{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=6 March 2017 |title=Listen To Horizon Zero Dawn's Amazing Soundtrack Right Here |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/listen-to-horizon-zero-dawns-amazing-soundtrack-ri/1100-6448451/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604043927/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/listen-to-horizon-zero-dawns-amazing-soundtrack-ri/1100-6448451/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}

Release

The concept art as well as the game's codename, Horizon, were leaked in September 2014.{{Cite web |last=Karmali |first=Luke |date=16 September 2014 |title=Guerrilla Games New Project Could Feature Robot Dinosaurs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/16/guerilla-games-new-project-could-feature-robot-dinosaurs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150618135850/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/16/guerilla-games-new-project-could-feature-robot-dinosaurs |archive-date=18 June 2015 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}} Horizon Zero Dawn was officially announced during Sony's E3 2015 press conference.{{Cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=15 June 2015 |title=Killzone Creators Announce Horizon: Zero Dawn |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/15/killzone-creators-announce-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703061206/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/15/killzone-creators-announce-horizon-zero-dawn.aspx |archive-date=3 July 2015}} The game was featured as the cover story in the September 2015 issue of Edge and the October 2016 issue of Game Informer.{{Cite magazine |date=September 2015 |title=Edge #283 |magazine=Edge |location=Front cover |publisher=Future plc}}{{Cite magazine |last=Wallace |first=Kimberley |date=6 September 2016 |title=October Cover Revealed – Horizon Zero Dawn |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/09/06/october-cover-story-revealed-horizon-zero-dawn-.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604103520/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/09/06/october-cover-story-revealed-horizon-zero-dawn-.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2017}} At E3 2016, Sony had a life-sized cosplay version of one of the machines greet the trade show attendees.{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=14 June 2016 |title=This Horizon: Zero Dawn cosplay is wreaking havoc at E3 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/14/this-horizon-zero-dawn-cosplay-is-wreaking-havoc-at-e3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050733/https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/14/this-horizon-zero-dawn-cosplay-is-wreaking-havoc-at-e3/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesBeat}} Originally set to be released in 2016, the game was delayed to February 2017 to be further polished.{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=6 June 2016 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn delayed to February 2017 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/6/11867182/horizon-zero-dawn-release-date-ps4-delay-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160606153034/http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/6/11867182/horizon-zero-dawn-release-date-ps4-delay-trailer |archive-date=6 June 2016 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} It was released to manufacturing in late January 2017,{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=31 January 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn Goes Gold |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-goes-gold/1100-6447412/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604033955/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-goes-gold/1100-6447412/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}} and launched to North American markets on 28 February 2017, in Europe, Australia and New Zealand on 1 March and Asia on 2 March for the PlayStation 4.{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=16 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn sales top 2.6M units in under two weeks |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/16/14945792/horizon-zero-dawn-launch-sales-ps4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042326/https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/16/14945792/horizon-zero-dawn-launch-sales-ps4 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Alex |date=21 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn's Photo Mode Is Great Fun |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/horizon-zero-dawns-photo-mode-is-great-fun/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171204140810/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/02/horizon-zero-dawns-photo-mode-is-great-fun/ |archive-date=4 December 2017 |website=Kotaku}} Horizon Zero Dawn is forward compatible with the PS4 Pro,{{Cite web |last=Prell |first=Sam |date=9 September 2015 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn in 4K is the trailer you need to see if you're thinking about a PS4 Pro |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-in-4k-is-the-trailer-you-need-to-see-if-youre-thinking-about-a-ps4-pro/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604032250/http://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-in-4k-is-the-trailer-you-need-to-see-if-youre-thinking-about-a-ps4-pro/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc}} allowing it to run up to 4K resolution.{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=2 October 2016 |title=Inside PlayStation 4 Pro: How Sony made the first 4K games console |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-inside-playstation-4-pro-how-sony-made-a-4k-games-machine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161027185125/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-inside-playstation-4-pro-how-sony-made-a-4k-games-machine |archive-date=27 October 2016 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} In April 2017, a making-of documentary was released on Dutch public television.{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=17 April 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn's new documentary shows how Guerrilla made such an impactful game |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/17/horizon-zero-dawns-new-documentary-shows-how-guerrilla-made-such-an-impactful-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604050646/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/17/horizon-zero-dawns-new-documentary-shows-how-guerrilla-made-such-an-impactful-game/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesBeat}} By March 2017, a story expansion had already been set in motion.{{Cite web |last=Mahboubian-Jones |first=Justin |date=17 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn to receive an expansion |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a823703/horizon-zero-dawn-to-receive-an-expansion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042235/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a823703/horizon-zero-dawn-to-receive-an-expansion/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications}} New Game Plus, an Ultra Hard difficulty mode, additional trophies and aesthetic features were introduced with a patch released in July 2017.{{Cite web |last=Krishna |first=Swapna |date=7 July 2017 |title=Play 'Horizon Zero Dawn' all over again with New Game+ |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/07/horizon-zero-dawn-new-game-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170708014130/https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/07/horizon-zero-dawn-new-game-plus/ |archive-date=8 July 2017 |website=Engadget}} The expansion, The Frozen Wilds, was released on 7 November 2017.{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=12 June 2017 |title=E3 2017: Horizon Zero Dawn Expansion Gets A Snowy First Trailer |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2017-horizon-zero-dawn-expansion-gets-a-snowy-f/1100-6450849/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170613011705/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2017-horizon-zero-dawn-expansion-gets-a-snowy-f/1100-6450849/ |archive-date=13 June 2017 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}{{Cite web |last=Roding |first=Jeroen |date=7 August 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds Launches November 7 |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/08/07/horizon-zero-dawn-the-frozen-wilds-launches-november-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170816220218/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/08/07/horizon-zero-dawn-the-frozen-wilds-launches-november-7/ |archive-date=16 August 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog}} {{Anchor|Complete Edition}}The Complete Edition, which contains the base game, The Frozen Wilds, and all additional downloadable content (DLC), was released for the PlayStation 4 on 5 December 2017 and Windows via Steam and Epic Games Store on 7 August 2020 and GOG on 24 November 2020.{{Cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |date=4 October 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition bundles the vanilla game and Frozen Wilds for the holidays |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition-bundles-the-vanilla-game-and-frozen-wilds-for-the-holidays/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171008122437/http://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition-bundles-the-vanilla-game-and-frozen-wilds-for-the-holidays/ |archive-date=8 October 2017 |website=GamesRadar}}{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=3 July 2020 |title=Sony's PS4 hit Horizon Zero Dawn is coming to PC on August 7th |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/3/21312588/horizon-zero-dawn-pc-release-date-august-7-features-sony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200705215153/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/3/21312588/horizon-zero-dawn-pc-release-date-august-7-features-sony |archive-date=5 July 2020 |website=The Verge}} A tabletop game adaptation is being developed by Steamforged Games.{{Cite web |last=Avard |first=Alex |date=3 August 2018 |title=An official Horizon Zero Dawn board game is in the works, with adorable robot dino figures and everything |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/an-official-horizon-zero-dawn-board-game-is-in-the-works-with-adorable-robot-dino-figures-and-everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180816085812/https://www.gamesradar.com/an-official-horizon-zero-dawn-board-game-is-in-the-works-with-adorable-robot-dino-figures-and-everything/ |archive-date=16 August 2018 |website=GamesRadar}} A remastered version of the game, titled Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, was released for Windows and PlayStation 5 on October 31, 2024, featuring more than 10 hours of re-recorded dialogues and various graphical improvements, including visual fidelity being upgraded to match the quality of the sequel Horizon Forbidden West.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/gaming/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-arrives-october-31-on-ps5-and-pc-052407167.html|title=Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered arrives October 31 on PS5 and PC|first=Mariella|last=Moon|date=September 25, 2024|accessdate=September 25, 2024|work=Engadget}}

Reception

=Critical reception=

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PS4: 89/100{{Cite web |title=Horizon Zero Dawn for PlayStation 4 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/horizon-zero-dawn/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604034216/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/horizon-zero-dawn |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
PC: 84/100{{cite web |title=Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124192222/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition |archive-date=24 January 2022 |access-date=7 August 2020 |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive}}
PC (Remastered): 86/100{{cite web |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (PC Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom, Inc.}}
PS5 (Remastered): 85/100{{cite web |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom, Inc.}}

| OC = 94%{{Cite web |title= Horizon Zero Dawn |url= https://opencritic.com/game/2862/horizon-zero-dawn |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119210148/https://opencritic.com/game/2862/horizon-zero-dawn |archive-date= 19 January 2025 |access-date= 19 January 2025 |work=OpenCritic |publisher=Valnet |language=en}}

| Destruct = 7.5/10{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=20 February 2017 |title=Review: Horizon Zero Dawn |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-horizon-zero-dawn-416881.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604034349/https://www.destructoid.com/review-horizon-zero-dawn-416881.phtml |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Destructoid |publisher=ModernMethod}}

| EGM = 9/10{{Cite magazine |last=Buchholtz |first=Matt |date=22 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn review |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |url-status=live |magazine=EGMNow |publisher=EGM Media, LLC |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604035814/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |archive-date=4 June 2017}}

| GI = 8.75/10{{Cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |date=20 February 2017 |title=Hunting Bigger Game – Horizon Zero Dawn – PlayStation 4 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/horizon_zero_dawn/b/playstation4/archive/2017/02/20/horizon-zero-dawn-review-game-informer.aspx |url-status=dead |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604035911/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/horizon_zero_dawn/b/playstation4/archive/2017/02/20/horizon-zero-dawn-review-game-informer.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2017}}

| GSpot = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Peter |date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/1900-6416620/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170220081923/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/1900-6416620/ |archive-date=20 February 2017 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}

| GRadar = 4.5/5{{Cite web |last=Delahunty-Light |first=Zoe |date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn review: "A world that begs you to explore every corner" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604040123/http://www.gamesradar.com/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc}}

| GB = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann|date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn Review |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/1900-759/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170221172707/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review/1900-759/ |archive-date=21 February 2017 |website=Giant Bomb |publisher=CBS Interactive}}

| TG = 4/5{{cite newspaper|title= Horizon: Zero Dawn review – a stunning but barely evolved RPG contradiction |first= Dan |last= Silver |date= 20 February 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=1756-3224 |language= en |url= https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/20/horizon-zero-dawn-review-a-stunning-but-barely-evolved-rpg-contradiction |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119211221/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/20/horizon-zero-dawn-review-a-stunning-but-barely-evolved-rpg-contradiction |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

| IGN = 9.3/10{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Lucy |date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/20/horizon-zero-dawn-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170404032551/http://in.ign.com/horizon-zero-dawn/104758/review/horizon-zero-dawn-review |archive-date=4 April 2017 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}

| PCGUS = 86/100{{Cite magazine|date=6 August 2020 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn PC review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002191504/https://www.pcgamer.com/horizon-zero-dawn-review/ |archive-date=2 October 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |first= Dave |last= Meikleham |magazine=PC Gamer |issn=1080-4471 }}

| PCGN = 7/10{{cite web|title= Horizon: Zero Dawn PC review - beautiful yet overly familiar |first= Malindy |last= Hetfeld |date= 5 August 2020 |work= PCGamesN |language= en |url= https://www.pcgamesn.com/horizon-zero-dawn/pc-review |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119210401/https://www.pcgamesn.com/horizon-zero-dawn/pc-review |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

| PCM = 4/5{{cite magazine|title= Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition (for PC) Review |first= Will |last= Greenwald |date= 5 August 2020 |magazine=PCMag |issn=0888-8507|language= en |url= https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition-for-pc |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119210733/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition-for-pc |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

| Poly = 9.5/10{{Cite web |last=Kollar |first=Philip |date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn review |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/20/14576092/horizon-zero-dawn-review-ps4-playstation-4-sony-guerrilla-games |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180704183808/https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/20/14576092/horizon-zero-dawn-review-ps4-playstation-4-sony-guerrilla-games |archive-date= 4 July 2018 |access-date= January 19, 2025 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}}

}}

Horizon Zero Dawn received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Destructoid{{'}}s Chris Carter commended Ashly Burch and Lance Reddick for their performances, with the character of Aloy receiving credit for maintaining a "captivating" and "interesting" consistency in the narrative and action sequences. Carter also lauded the focus on exploration and discovery, which he said grew more effective as he traversed more of the land. The game world itself was subject to compliment for its "beautiful" day-night cycle and weather system. According to Carter, the challenging nature of the machines and varied methods with which to battle them brought a real sense of fun to the combat. Matt Buchholtz of Electronic Gaming Monthly likewise praised Burch as well as the game world, which he found to be mesmerizing. Considered the most powerful part of the game, the Focus feature gained approval for complementing the combat in a way that "forces you to become a hunter". Writing for Game Informer, Jeff Marchiafava opined that, unlike with other open world video games, searching for audio logs and emails provided the plot with a "remarkable sense of discovery". He was thankful that story-based missions dominated the overall experience, arguing that they worked to detail the world and inspired gameplay variation.

Peter Brown at GameSpot reflected on Aloy's character development with amazement. One constant thrill to Brown came from combating the machines, which he said took the spotlight and never lost its flair. He appreciated also that the main quests encouraged one to explore the environment. Zoe Delahunty-Light, writing for GamesRadar+, was fascinated with the intricacies of the world and found integral value in the lore scattered among the ruins. She echoed Brown's view that fighting machines maintained excitement throughout. Giant Bomb{{'}}s Jeff Gerstmann declared Horizon Zero Dawn as "a near-perfect story" with a satisfying conclusion, and emphasised that it contained substantial depth. Lucy O'Brien at IGN admired its weight in meaning, while welcoming the charm of the protagonist's personality. A considerable impression was made with the combat, which was stated as the most compelling accomplishment. Writing for Polygon, Philip Kollar applauded the game as what he dubbed the "refutation" of Guerrilla Games' past work, a change of pace he described as "refreshing". Aloy was observed to be perfectly coupled with the story in that she offered the curiosity to seek out its many mysteries. Kollar perceived the Focus as "key to combat" and the machines as engaging foes in battle. Colm Ahern of VideoGamer.com wrote in his verdict, "Destroying large robot beasts while frantically switching between weapons is intoxicating, but the strength of Horizon Zero Dawn is in Aloy's engaging quest to find out who she really is".{{Cite web |last=Ahern |first=Colm |date=20 February 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Review |url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042145/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/horizon-zero-dawn-review |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=VideoGamer.com}}

Conversely, Carter saw the characters beyond Aloy and Sylens as uninteresting and bland in their designs. He also disparaged the human artificial intelligence as being worse than that of the machines. To Buchholtz, the weapon system in relation to ammunition appeared convoluted; the ability to only purchase one item at a time "a massive oversight"; and Aloy's ability to only grab marked ledges was confusing for a "parkour master". Marchiafava's only major criticism was that it held too familiar roots with established open world formula. Although Brown drew enjoyment from other aspects of combat, he disparaged the melee for its ineffectiveness and simplicity. Delahunty-Light concurred that the melee fell short of its potential, and also took issue with the jumping mechanic. O'Brien felt the dialogue occasionally contradicted the otherwise intelligent narrative. Kollar bemoaned the character models as its one visual shortcoming.

Game director Yoko Taro listed it as one of his favourite PlayStation 4 games.{{Cite web |last=Taro |first=Yoko |author-link=Yoko Taro |date=11 July 2017 |title=Discover the Creators: Yoko Taro's Favorite PS4 Games |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/07/11/discover-the-creators-yoko-taros-favorite-ps4-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170711163205/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/07/11/discover-the-creators-yoko-taros-favorite-ps4-games/ |archive-date=11 July 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog}} Entertainment Weekly ranked it as the fourth best game of 2017,{{Cite magazine |last1=Morales |first1=Aaron |last2=Abrams |first2=Natalie |date=29 December 2017 |title=The Year's Best Games |url=https://ew.com/gaming/best-video-games-2017/4-horizon-zero-dawn-ps4/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |issue=1496–97 |pages=92–94 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180112085931/http://ew.com/gaming/best-video-games-2017/4-horizon-zero-dawn-ps4/ |archive-date=12 January 2018}} GamesRadar+ ranked it second on their list of the 25 Best Games of 2017,{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=22 December 2017 |title=The best games of 2017: Page 3 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-2017/3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180326131029/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-2017/3/ |archive-date=26 March 2018 |website=GamesRadar+}} and Eurogamer ranked it 31st on their list of the "Top 50 Games of 2017".{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=27 December 2017 |title=Eurogamer's Top 50 Games of 2017: 40–31 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-27-eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2017-40-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171228181319/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-27-eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2017-40-31 |archive-date=28 December 2017 |website=Eurogamer}} The Verge named Horizon Zero Dawn as one of the 15 Best Games of 2017.{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=15 December 2017 |title=The 15 best games of 2017 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/15/16776632/best-games-2017-zelda-mario-pubg-destiny |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215151914/https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/15/16776632/best-games-2017-zelda-mario-pubg-destiny |archive-date=15 December 2017 |website=The Verge}} In Game Informer{{'}}s Reader's Choice Best of 2017 Awards, it took the lead for "Best Sony Game", coming up in second place for both "Best Action Game" and "Game of the Year".{{Cite magazine |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=4 January 2018 |title=Reader's Choice Best of 2017 Awards |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180112085439/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx |archive-date=12 January 2018}}{{Cite magazine |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=4 January 2018 |title=Reader's Choice Best of 2017 Awards (Page 5) |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5 |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180112085309/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5 |archive-date=12 January 2018}} Game Informer also awarded it "Best Sony Exclusive" in their Best of 2017 Awards, and also gave it the awards for "Best Story" and "Best Character" (Aloy) in their 2017 Action Game of the Year Awards.{{Cite magazine |last=Staff |date=4 January 2018 |title=Game Informer's Best Of 2017 Awards |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180108234532/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx |archive-date=8 January 2018}}{{Cite magazine |last=Miller |first=Matt |date=5 January 2018 |title=2017 Action Game of the Year Awards |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/05/2017-action-game-of-the-year-awards.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180108234348/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/05/2017-action-game-of-the-year-awards.aspx |archive-date=8 January 2018}} EGMNow ranked the game third in their list of 25 Best Games of 2017,{{Cite magazine |last=Staff |date=31 December 2017 |title=EGM's Best of 2017: Part Five: #5 ~ #1 |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/features/egms-best-of-2017-part-five-5-1/ |url-status=dead |magazine=EGMNow |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180114033231/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/features/egms-best-of-2017-part-five-5-1/ |archive-date=14 January 2018}} while Polygon ranked it eighth on their list of the 50 best games of 2017.{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=18 December 2017 |title=The 50 best games of 2017 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017-best-games/2017/12/18/16781674/best-video-games-2017-top-50-mario-pubg-zelda |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171221002547/https://www.polygon.com/2017-best-games/2017/12/18/16781674/best-video-games-2017-top-50-mario-pubg-zelda |archive-date=21 December 2017 |website=Polygon}} The game won the Gold Prize and Users Choice Prize at the 2017 PlayStation Awards.{{Cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=30 November 2017 |title=Here are the winners of the official PlayStation Awards 2017 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/here-are-the-winners-of-the-official-playstation-awards-2017-475479.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171203141342/https://www.destructoid.com/here-are-the-winners-of-the-official-playstation-awards-2017-475479.phtml |archive-date=3 December 2017 |website=Destructoid}} It was nominated for "Best PS4 Game" at Destructoid{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards 2017.{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=11 December 2017 |title=Nominees for Destructoid's Best PS4 Game of 2017 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-ps4-game-of-2017-476372.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180112085133/https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-ps4-game-of-2017-476372.phtml |archive-date=12 January 2018 |website=Destructoid}} It also won the awards for "Best PlayStation 4 Game" and "Best Graphics" at IGN{{'}}s Best of 2017 Awards,{{Cite web |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best PlayStation 4 Game |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_PlayStation_4_Game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204232151/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_PlayStation_4_Game |archive-date=4 December 2017 |website=IGN|date=29 November 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Graphics |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Graphics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222191054/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Graphics |archive-date=22 December 2017 |website=IGN|date=30 November 2017 }} whereas its other nominations were for "Game of the Year", "Best Action-Adventure Game", and "Best Art Direction".{{Cite web |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Game of the Year |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Game_of_the_Year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204232133/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Game_of_the_Year |archive-date=4 December 2017 |website=IGN|date=28 November 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Action-Adventure Game |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Action-Adventure_Game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211151302/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Action-Adventure_Game |archive-date=11 December 2017 |website=IGN|date=30 November 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Art Direction |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Art_Direction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216180159/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Art_Direction |archive-date=16 December 2017 |website=IGN|date=30 November 2017 }} It was nominated for "Best Looking Game" at Giant Bomb{{'}}s 2017 Game of the Year Awards.{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=25 December 2017 |title=Game of the Year 2017 Day One: Old, Disappointing, Shopkeepers, and Looks |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226024701/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/ |archive-date=26 December 2017 |website=Giant Bomb}} In 2018, it won the awards for Best PS4 Game, Best Performance for Ashly Burch, Best Art Direction, Best Soundtrack, Best Story, Best Post-Release Content, Best PlayStation Console Exclusive, and Best Use of PS4 Pro at PlayStation Blog's Game of the Year Awards.{{Cite web |last=Massongill |first=Justin |date=11 January 2018 |title=Game of the Year 2017: The Winners, As Voted By You |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/01/11/game-of-the-year-2017-the-winners-as-voted-by-you/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180119015124/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/01/11/game-of-the-year-2017-the-winners-as-voted-by-you/ |archive-date=19 January 2018 |website=PlayStation Blog}}

= Sales =

Horizon Zero Dawn was the best-selling game during its release week in the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Ben |date=6 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn beats Zelda to No.1 |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/horizon-zero-dawn-beats-zelda-to-no-1/0179703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170306130239/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/horizon-zero-dawn-beats-zelda-to-no-1/0179703 |archive-date=6 March 2017 |website=MVC |publisher=NewBay Media}} It surpassed No Man's Sky as the biggest launch of a new intellectual property on the PlayStation 4 and was the most successful launch of any kind on the platform since Uncharted 4: A Thief's End,{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=6 March 2017 |title=Horizon: Zero Dawn is Sony's biggest PS4 franchise debut |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-06-horizon-zero-dawn-is-sonys-biggest-ps4-franchise-debut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042544/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-06-horizon-zero-dawn-is-sonys-biggest-ps4-franchise-debut |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network}} as well as Guerrilla Games' biggest debut to date.{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=16 March 2017 |title=Record-breaking launch for Sony and Guerrilla |url=https://www.destructoid.com/guerrilla-games-is-working-on-more-horizon-zero-dawn-story-content-425460.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044555/https://www.destructoid.com/guerrilla-games-is-working-on-more-horizon-zero-dawn-story-content-425460.phtml |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Destructoid |publisher=ModernMethod}} The game sold close to 117,000 units in its first week in Japan, becoming the second best-selling game that week.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=8 March 2017 |title=Media Create Sales: 2/27/17 – 3/5/17 |url=http://gematsu.com/2017/03/media-create-sales-22717-3517 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042648/http://gematsu.com/2017/03/media-create-sales-22717-3517 |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Gematsu}} Horizon Zero Dawn was the second most downloaded game on the North American PlayStation Store for February. Because its launch day occurred on the last day of February, only one day of sales was counted.{{Cite web |last=Massongill |first=Justin |date=8 March 2017 |title=PlayStation Store: February's Top Downloads |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/03/08/playstation-store-februarys-top-downloads-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042801/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2017/03/08/playstation-store-februarys-top-downloads-2/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} Within two weeks it sold 2.6 million units.{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=16 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn sales top 2.6M units in under two weeks |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/16/14945792/horizon-zero-dawn-launch-sales-ps4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106102343/https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/16/14945792/horizon-zero-dawn-launch-sales-ps4 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |access-date=6 November 2021 |website=Polygon }}{{Cite web |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Sells 2.6 Million Copies In Two Weeks, Story Expansion Coming |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-sells-26-million-copies-in-two-w/1100-6448779/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111043202/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-sells-26-million-copies-in-two-w/1100-6448779/ |archive-date=11 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021 |website=GameSpot }}

It was the best-selling game in its week of release in Australia.{{Cite web |last=Grixti |first=Shannon |date=9 March 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Beats Zelda: Breath of the Wild To The Top Spot In Australia |url=http://press-start.com.au/features/2017/03/09/horizon-zero-dawn-beats-zelda-breath-wild-top-spot-australia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042904/http://press-start.com.au/features/2017/03/09/horizon-zero-dawn-beats-zelda-breath-wild-top-spot-australia/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Press Start |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo}} In March 2017, it was the second best-selling game in the UK and the highest-selling PlayStation 4 game.{{Cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=4 April 2017 |title=Ghost Recon: Wildlands was the UK's best-selling game of March |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-04-04-ghost-recon-wildlands-was-the-uks-best-selling-game-of-march |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044023/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-04-04-ghost-recon-wildlands-was-the-uks-best-selling-game-of-march |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network}} Horizon Zero Dawn was also the best-selling game on PlayStation Store that month.{{Cite web |last=Dutton |first=Fred |date=13 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn was the best-selling game on PlayStation Store in March |url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/04/13/horizon-zero-dawn-was-the-best-selling-game-on-playstation-store-in-march/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604044148/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/04/13/horizon-zero-dawn-was-the-best-selling-game-on-playstation-store-in-march/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment}} It was ranked number one in the UK sales chart in April 2017, while hitting eighth place in the Japanese chart.{{Cite web |date=24 April 2017 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn returns to UK number one – Games charts 22 April |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/04/24/horizon-zero-dawn-returns-to-uk-number-one-games-charts-22-april-6593956/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170604042955/http://metro.co.uk/2017/04/24/horizon-zero-dawn-returns-to-uk-number-one-games-charts-22-april-6593956/ |archive-date=4 June 2017 |website=Metro |publisher=DMG Media}} By February 2019, over 10 million units had been sold, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games.{{Cite web |last=Hulst |first=Hermen |date=28 February 2019 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Celebrates Second Anniversary, 10 Million Copies Sold Worldwide |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/02/28/horizon-zero-dawn-celebrates-second-anniversary-10-million-copies-sold-worldwide/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190301034206/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/02/28/horizon-zero-dawn-celebrates-second-anniversary-10-million-copies-sold-worldwide/ |archive-date=1 March 2019 |website=PlayStation Blog}}

In an effort to increase profitability, in 2020 Sony decided to begin porting their first-party titles to PC.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 August 2020 |title=Sony says expect more of its first-party PlayStation games on PC |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-30-sony-says-expect-more-of-its-first-party-playstation-games-on-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410073851/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-30-sony-says-expect-more-of-its-first-party-playstation-games-on-pc |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=Eurogamer}} Horizon Zero Dawn released on PC in August 2020 and had a successful launch, moving over 700,000 digital units.{{Cite web |date=25 September 2020 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn PC Launch Nearly As Large As Witcher 3's |url=https://gamerant.com/horizon-zero-dawn-witcher-3-pc-sales/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522160537/https://gamerant.com/horizon-zero-dawn-witcher-3-pc-sales/ |archive-date=22 May 2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |website=Game Rant}} By March 2022, that number had increased to about 2.4 million units.{{Cite web |title=Sony Business Segment Briefings 2022 Game and Network Services Segment |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/IR/library/presen/irday/pdf/2022/GNS_E.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526080546/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/IR/library/presen/irday/pdf/2022/GNS_E.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |website=www.sony.com}}

In May 2023, it was announced on the official PlayStation blog that as of 16 April 2023, the game had sold over 24.3 million units.{{cite web |last1=van Beek |first1=Jan-Bart |title=20 Years of Guerrilla: The Story of a PlayStation Studio |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2023/05/09/20-years-of-guerrilla-the-story-of-a-playstation-studio/ |website=PlayStation Blog |date=9 May 2023 |publisher=Sony |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719091627/https://blog.playstation.com/2023/05/09/20-years-of-guerrilla-the-story-of-a-playstation-studio/ |url-status=live }}

=Accolades=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="font-size: 95%; width: 100%;" \|+ Award nominations for Horizon Zero Dawn
scope="col" Width=20%\| Award ! scope="col" \| Date ! scope="col" \| Category ! scope="col" \| Recipient(s) ! scope="col" \| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" \| {{Ref heading\|multi=no}}
scope="row"\| Annie Awards \| 3 February 2018 \| Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Video Game \| Guerrilla, Richard Oud, Kevin Quaid, Niek Neervens, Jonathan Colin, PeerLemmers \| {{nom}} \| style="text-align:center;"\| {{cite magazine\|title= Annie Awards: ‘Coco’ Tops Animation Celebration \|first= Carolyn \|last= Giardina \|date= 3 February 2018 \|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter \|issn=0018-3660 \|language= en \|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-annie-award-winners-complete-list-1067856/best-animated-feature-55/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119151451/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-annie-award-winners-complete-list-1067856/best-animated-feature-55 \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
scope="row" rowspan="8"\| British Academy Games Awards \| rowspan="8"\| 12 April 2018 \| Artistic Achievement \| rowspan="7"\| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe \| {{Nom}} \|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="8"\| {{cite newspaper\|title= Bafta Game Awards 2018 nominations {{!}} Hellblade and Horizon Zero Dawn lead the way \|first= Tom \|last= Hoggins \|date= 15 March 2018 \|newspaper= The Daily Telegraph \|issn= 0307-1235 \|language= en \|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/bafta-game-awards-2018-nominations-hellblade-horizon-zero-dawn/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119152731/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/bafta-game-awards-2018-nominations-hellblade-horizon-zero-dawn/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite web\|title= ‘Edith Finch,’ ‘Hellblade’ Win Big at British Academy Games Awards \|date= 12 April 2018 \|magazine=Variety \|issn=0042-2738 \|language= en \|url= https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-winners-2018-1202752291/ \|access-date= February 5, 2023 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230205110344/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-winners-2018-1202752291/ \|archive-date= February 5, 2023 \|url-status=live}}
Audio Achievement \| {{Nom}}
Best Game \| {{Nom}}
Game Design \| {{Nom}}
Music \| {{Nom}}
Narrative \| {{Nom}}
Original Property \| {{won}}
Performer \| Ashly Burch as Aloy \| {{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="10"\| D.I.C.E. Awards \| rowspan="10"\| 22 February 2018 \| Game of the Year \| rowspan="9"\| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="10"\| {{cite web\|title= Horizon Zero Dawn Leads 2018 DICE Awards Nominees \|first= Alex \|last= Osborn \|date= 14 January 2018 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/13/horizon-zero-dawn-leads-2018-dice-awards-nominees \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119154100/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/13/horizon-zero-dawn-leads-2018-dice-awards-nominees \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite web\|title= Nintendo wins big at annual DICE Awards \|first= Colin \|last= Campbell \|date= 23 February 2018 \|work= Polygon \|language= en \|url= https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/23/17042618/dice-awards-winners-2018-aias \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119154150/https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/23/17042618/dice-awards-winners-2018-aias \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Adventure Game of the Year \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Animation \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition \| {{Nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Story \| {{Won}}
Outstanding Technical Achievement \| {{Won}}
Outstanding Achievement in Character \| Aloy \| {{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="3"\| E3 2016 Awards \| rowspan="3"\| 17 June 2016 \| Game of the Show \| rowspan="32"\| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment \| {{Nom}} \|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"\| {{cite web\|title= Best of E3 2016 Awards \|first= \|last= \|author-link= \|date= 15 June 2016 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/14/best-of-e3-2016-awards \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119162940/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/14/best-of-e3-2016-awards \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Action Game \| {{won}}
Best PlayStation 4 Game \| {{won}}
scope="row" rowspan="8"\| Game Audio Network Guild Awards \| rowspan="8"\| 22 March 2018{{cite web\|title= 2018 G.A.N.G. Awards Press Release \|first= Richard \|last= Savery \|date= 31 March 2018 \|work= Game Audio Network Guild Awards \|language= en \|url= https://www.audiogang.org/2018-g-a-n-g-awards-press-release/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119204651/https://www.audiogang.org/2018-g-a-n-g-awards-press-release/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=dead}} \| Audio of the Year \| {{Nom}} \|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="8"\| {{cite web\|title= 2018 G.A.N.G. Awards Winners \|work= Game Audio Network Guild Awards \|language= en \|url= https://www.audiogang.org/2018-awards/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119204656/https://www.audiogang.org/2018-awards/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=dead}}
Music of the Year \| {{Nom}}
Sound Design of the Year \| {{Nom}}
Best Original Soundtrack Album \| {{Nom}}
Best Cinematic/Cutscene Audio \| {{Nom}}
Best Dialogue \| {{Nom}}
Best Original Instrumental \| {{won}}
Best Original Choral Composition \| {{won}}
scope="row" rowspan="8"\| Game Critics Awards \| rowspan="4"\| 7 July 2015 \| Best of Show \| {{nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"\| {{cite web\|title= Star Wars Battlefront Leads Game Critics Awards Best of E3 Nominees \|first= Jordan \|last= Sirani \|date= July 1, 2015 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/30/star-wars-battlefront-leads-game-critics-awards-best-of-e3-nominees \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119161540/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/30/star-wars-battlefront-leads-game-critics-awards-best-of-e3-nominees \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite web\|title= Fallout 4 Wins Best of E3 2015 by Game Critics Awards \|first= Alex \|last= Osborn \|date= July 8, 2015 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/07/fallout-4-awarded-best-of-show-at-e3-2015-by-game-critics-awards \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119161621/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/07/fallout-4-awarded-best-of-show-at-e3-2015-by-game-critics-awards \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Original Game \| {{won}}
Best Console Game \| {{nom}}
Best Action/Adventure Game \| {{nom}}
rowspan="4"\| 5 July 2016{{cite web\|title= Nintendo’s Win at E3 Shows That It’s a Console Contender Again \|first= Mike \|last= Diver \|date= 6 July 2016 \|work= Vice News \|language= en \|url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/nintendos-win-at-e3-shows-that-its-a-console-contender-again/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119170145/https://www.vice.com/en/article/nintendos-win-at-e3-shows-that-its-a-console-contender-again/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} \| Best of Show \| {{nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"\| {{cite web \|last=Hussain \|first=Tamoor \|date=29 June 2016 \|title= All of 2016's Best of E3 nominees. \|url= http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1-leads-e3-game-critics-awards-nominee/1100-6441374/ \|language= en \|work= GameSpot \|publisher= Paramount Streaming \|access-date= November 27, 2024 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241127054548/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1-leads-e3-game-critics-awards-nominee/1100-6441374/ \|archive-date= November 27, 2024 \|url-status=live}} {{Cite web \|last=Pereira \|first=Chris \|date=5 July 2016 \|title= Here Are E3 2016's Game Critics Award Winners \|url= https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-e3-2016s-game-critics-award-winners/1100-6441502/ \|language= en \|work=GameSpot \|publisher=Paramount Streaming \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119162248/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-e3-2016s-game-critics-award-winners/1100-6441502/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Original Game \| {{won}}
Best Console Game \| {{nom}}
Best Action/Adventure Game \| {{nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="6"\| Game Developers Choice Awards \| rowspan="6"\| 21 March 2018 \| Best Audio \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"\| {{cite web\|title= Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn Lead GDC Award Nominees \|first= Alex \|last= Gilyadov \|date= 6 January 2018 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/05/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-horizon-zero-dawn-lead-gdc-award-nominees \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181606/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/05/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-horizon-zero-dawn-lead-gdc-award-nominees \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite web\|title= Breath of the Wild, Night in the Woods clean up at GDC Awards \|first= Allegra \|last= Fran \|date= 22 March 2018 \|work= Polygon \|language= en \|url= https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150706/gdc-awards-2018-igf-awards-2018-game-of-the-year \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181604/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150706/gdc-awards-2018-igf-awards-2018-game-of-the-year \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Design \| {{Nom}}
Best Narrative \| {{Nom}}
Best Technology \| {{Won}}
Best Visual Art \| {{Nom}}
Game of the Year \| {{Nom}}
scope="row"\| Gamescom Awards \| 19 August 2016 \| Best Preview/Vision \| {{won}} \| style="text-align:center;"\| {{Cite web\|title= Gamescom 2016 \|author= Multiple authors \|language= en \|date=21 August 2016 \|work=IGN \|url= https://www.ign.com/wikis/gamescom/Gamescom_2016 \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181553/https://www.ign.com/wikis/gamescom/Gamescom_2016 \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
scope="row" rowspan="7"\| Golden Joystick Awards \| 18 November 2016 \| Most Wanted Game \| {{nom}} \| style="text-align:center;"\|{{Cite web \|last=Loveridge \|first=Sam \|date= 15 September 2016 \|title= Golden Joystick Awards 2016 voting now open to the public \|language= en \|url= https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/golden-joystick-awards/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ \|work=Digital Spy \|publisher= Hearst Communications \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183553/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/golden-joystick-awards/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{Cite web \|last=Sheridan \|first=Connor \|date=18 November 2016 \|title=Overwatch scoops five awards, Firewatch wins Best Indie Game: Here are all the Golden Joystick 2016 winners \|language= en \|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ \|work=GamesRadar+ \|publisher=Future plc \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183529/https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
rowspan="6"\| 17 November 2017 \| Best Storytelling \| {{Won}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"\| {{cite web\|title= Golden Joystick Awards 2017 {{!}} Last chance to vote for your favourite video games of the year \|first= Hannah \|last= Dwan \|date= 3 November 2017 \|newspaper= The Daily Telegraph \|issn= 0307-1235\|language= en \|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joystick-awards-2017-last-chance-vote-favourite-video/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joystick-awards-2017-last-chance-vote-favourite-video/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite magazine\|title= Here are your 2017 Golden Joystick Award winners \|first= Andy \|last= Chalk \|date= 18 November 2017 \|magazine=PC Gamer \|issn=1080-4471\|language= en \|url= https://www.pcgamer.com/here-are-your-2017-golden-joystick-award-winners/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183552/https://www.pcgamer.com/here-are-your-2017-golden-joystick-award-winners/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Visual Design \| {{runner-up}}
Best PlayStation Game \| {{Won}}
Ultimate Game of the Year \| {{runner-up}}
Best Audio \| {{Nom}}
Best Gaming Performance \| Ashly Burch as Aloy \| {{Won}}
scope="row"\| Ivor Novello Awards \| 31 May 2018 \| Best Original Video Game Score \| Joris de Man, Joe Henson and Alexis Smith \| {{Won}} \| style="text-align:center;"\| {{cite web\|title= Ivor Novello Awards 2018: Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and More Nominated \|first= Mackenzie \|last= Cummings-Grady \|date= 24 April 2018 \|magazine=Billboard \|issn=0006-2510 \|language= en \|url= https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ivor-novello-awards-nominations-2018-ed-sheeran-8376402/\|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183555/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ivor-novello-awards-nominations-2018-ed-sheeran-8376402/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}} {{cite newspaper\|title= 2018 Ivor Novello awards: Dave track attacking Theresa May wins best song \|first= Ben \|last= Beaumont-Thomas \|date= 31 May 2018 \|newspaper=The Guardian \|issn=1756-3224 \|language= en \|url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/31/ivor-novello-awards-dave-stormzy-ed-sheeran-elbow \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183540/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/31/ivor-novello-awards-dave-stormzy-ed-sheeran-elbow \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
scope="row"\| Japan Game Awards \| 22 September 2017 \| Award for Excellence \| rowspan="14"\| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment \| {{won}} \| style="text-align:center;"\| {{cite web\|title= 日本ゲーム大賞2017が発表！年間作品部門の大賞は「ゼルダの伝説ブレスオブザワイルド」の手に！ \|first= Hiroaki \|last= Mabuchi \|date= September 22, 2017 \|work= IGN Japan \|language= Japanese \|url= https://jp.ign.com/tgs-2017/17627/news/2017 \|access-date= December 28, 2024 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241228084524/https://jp.ign.com/tgs-2017/17627/news/2017 \|archive-date= December 28, 2024 \|url-status=live}}
scope="row" rowspan="6"\| SXSW Gaming Awards \| rowspan="6"\| 17 March 2018 \| Excellence in Visual Achievement \| {{Won}} \|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"\| {{Cite web \|last=McNeill \|first=Andrew \|date= 31 January 2018 \|title= Here Are Your 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists! \|url= https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ \|language= en \|work=South by Southwest \|access-date= July 6, 2019 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190706132937/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ \|archive-date= July 6, 2019 \|url-status=dead}} {{Cite web \|date= 27 April 2018 \|title= Here are the 2018 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Awards Winners \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/26/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed \|author= IGN Studios \|language= en \|work=IGN \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119184222/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/26/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Excellence in Animation \| {{Nom}}
Most Promising New Intellectual Property \| {{Won}}
Excellence in Gameplay \| {{Nom}}
Excellence in Design \| {{Nom}}
Video Game of the Year \| {{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="8"\| The Game Awards \| 3 December 2015 \| rowspan="2"\| Most Anticipated Game \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;"\| {{cite web\|title= The Game Awards 2015 Nominees Revealed \|first= Alex \|last= Osborn \|date= 14 November 2015 \|work= IGN \|language= en \|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/the-game-awards-2015-nominees-revealed \|access-date= April 2, 2023 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230402022125/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/the-game-awards-2015-nominees-revealed \|archive-date= April 2, 2023 \|url-status=live}} {{cite magazine\|title= The Game Awards 2015 winners \|first= Jonathon \|last= Dornbush \|date= 3 December 2015 \|magazine=Entertainment Weekly \|issn=1049-0434 \|language= en \|url= https://ew.com/article/2015/12/03/game-awards-winners-2015/ \|access-date= December 17, 2023 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231217160032/https://ew.com/article/2015/12/03/game-awards-winners-2015/ \|archive-date= December 17, 2023 \|url-status=live}}
1 December 2016 \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;"\|{{Cite web \|last=Stark \|first=Chelsea \|date= 2 December 2016 \|language= en \|title= The Game Awards: Here's the full winners list \|url= https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners \|work=Polygon \|publisher=Vox Media \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119185745/https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
rowspan="6"\| 7 December 2017 \| Game of the Year \| {{Nom}} \|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"\|{{Cite web \|last=Alexander \|first=Julia \|date=7 December 2017 \|title=The Game Awards crowns The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild best game of 2017 \|language= en \|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 \|work=Polygon \|publisher=Vox Media \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119185746/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}
Best Game Direction \| {{Nom}}
Best Narrative \| {{Nom}}
Best Art Direction \| {{Nom}}
Best Action/Adventure Game \| {{Nom}}
Best Performance \| Ashly Burch as Aloy \| {{Nom}}
scope="row" rowspan="3"\| TIGA Games Industry Awards \| rowspan="3"\| 2 November 2017{{cite web\|title= TIGA Games Industry Awards 2017 Finalists Revealed \|first= Suzi \|last= Stephenson \|date= 21 September 2017 \|work= The Independent Game Developers' Association \|language= en \|url= https://tiga.org/news/tiga-games-industry-awards-2017-finalists-revealed \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119191138/https://tiga.org/news/tiga-games-industry-awards-2017-finalists-revealed \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=dead}} \| Audio Design \| rowspan="3"\| Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe \| {{nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"\| {{Cite web\|date= 2 November 2017 \|title=2017 Winners \|url=http://tiga.org/awards/2017-winners \|work= The Independent Game Developers' Association \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119190248/https://tiga.org/awards/2017-winners \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=dead}}
Diversity \| {{nom}}
Role Playing Game \| {{won}}
scope="row"\| Writers Guild of America Awards \| 11 February 2018 \| Outstanding Achievement in Videogame Writing \| John Gonzalez, Benjamin McCaw, Ben Schroder, Anne Toole; Dee Warrick, Meg Jayanth \| {{Won}} \|style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web\|title= WGA Awards: ‘Get Out,’ ‘Call Me by Your Name’ Among Winners \|first1= Hilary \|last1= Lewis \|first2= Scott \|last2= Huver \|first3= Kimberly \|last3= Nordyke \|date= 11 February 2018 \|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter \|issn=0018-3660 \|language= en \|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-wga-winners-full-list-1078506/ \|access-date= January 19, 2025 \|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119160813/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-wga-winners-full-list-1078506/ \|archive-date= January 19, 2025 \|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="font-size: 95%; width: 100%;"

|+ Award nominations for Horizon Zero Dawn

scope="col" Width=20%| Award

! scope="col" | Date

! scope="col" | Category

! scope="col" | Recipient(s)

! scope="col" | Result

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Ref heading|multi=no}}

scope="row"| Annie Awards

| 3 February 2018

| Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Video Game

| Guerrilla, Richard Oud, Kevin Quaid, Niek Neervens, Jonathan Colin, PeerLemmers

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite magazine|title= Annie Awards: ‘Coco’ Tops Animation Celebration |first= Carolyn |last= Giardina |date= 3 February 2018 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |issn=0018-3660 |language= en |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-annie-award-winners-complete-list-1067856/best-animated-feature-55/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119151451/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-annie-award-winners-complete-list-1067856/best-animated-feature-55 |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

scope="row" rowspan="8"| British Academy Games Awards

| rowspan="8"| 12 April 2018

| Artistic Achievement

| rowspan="7"| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe

| {{Nom}}

|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="8"| {{cite newspaper|title= Bafta Game Awards 2018 nominations {{!}} Hellblade and Horizon Zero Dawn lead the way |first= Tom |last= Hoggins |date= 15 March 2018 |newspaper= The Daily Telegraph |issn= 0307-1235 |language= en |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/bafta-game-awards-2018-nominations-hellblade-horizon-zero-dawn/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119152731/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/bafta-game-awards-2018-nominations-hellblade-horizon-zero-dawn/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web|title= ‘Edith Finch,’ ‘Hellblade’ Win Big at British Academy Games Awards |date= 12 April 2018 |magazine=Variety |issn=0042-2738 |language= en |url= https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-winners-2018-1202752291/ |access-date= February 5, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230205110344/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/british-academy-games-awards-winners-2018-1202752291/ |archive-date= February 5, 2023 |url-status=live}}

| {{Nom}}

| {{Nom}}

| {{Nom}}

| {{Nom}}

| {{Nom}}

| {{won}}

| Ashly Burch as Aloy

| {{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="10"| D.I.C.E. Awards

| rowspan="10"| 22 February 2018

| Game of the Year

| rowspan="9"| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment

| {{Nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="10"| {{cite web|title= Horizon Zero Dawn Leads 2018 DICE Awards Nominees |first= Alex |last= Osborn |date= 14 January 2018 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/13/horizon-zero-dawn-leads-2018-dice-awards-nominees |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119154100/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/13/horizon-zero-dawn-leads-2018-dice-awards-nominees |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web|title= Nintendo wins big at annual DICE Awards |first= Colin |last= Campbell |date= 23 February 2018 |work= Polygon |language= en |url= https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/23/17042618/dice-awards-winners-2018-aias |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119154150/https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/23/17042618/dice-awards-winners-2018-aias |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Adventure Game of the Year

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Animation

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

| {{Nom}}

Outstanding Achievement in Story

| {{Won}}

Outstanding Technical Achievement

| {{Won}}

Outstanding Achievement in Character

| Aloy

| {{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="3"| E3 2016 Awards

| rowspan="3"| 17 June 2016

| Game of the Show

| rowspan="32"| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment

| {{Nom}}

|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| {{cite web|title= Best of E3 2016 Awards |first= |last= |author-link= |date= 15 June 2016 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/14/best-of-e3-2016-awards |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119162940/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/14/best-of-e3-2016-awards |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Action Game

| {{won}}

Best PlayStation 4 Game

| {{won}}

scope="row" rowspan="8"| Game Audio Network Guild Awards

| rowspan="8"| 22 March 2018{{cite web|title= 2018 G.A.N.G. Awards Press Release |first= Richard |last= Savery |date= 31 March 2018 |work= Game Audio Network Guild Awards |language= en |url= https://www.audiogang.org/2018-g-a-n-g-awards-press-release/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119204651/https://www.audiogang.org/2018-g-a-n-g-awards-press-release/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=dead}}

| Audio of the Year

| {{Nom}}

|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="8"| {{cite web|title=

2018 G.A.N.G. Awards Winners |work= Game Audio Network Guild Awards |language= en |url= https://www.audiogang.org/2018-awards/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119204656/https://www.audiogang.org/2018-awards/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=dead}}

Music of the Year

| {{Nom}}

Sound Design of the Year

| {{Nom}}

Best Original Soundtrack Album

| {{Nom}}

Best Cinematic/Cutscene Audio

| {{Nom}}

Best Dialogue

| {{Nom}}

Best Original Instrumental

| {{won}}

Best Original Choral Composition

| {{won}}

scope="row" rowspan="8"| Game Critics Awards

| rowspan="4"| 7 July 2015

| Best of Show

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"| {{cite web|title= Star Wars Battlefront Leads Game Critics Awards Best of E3 Nominees |first= Jordan |last= Sirani |date= July 1, 2015 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/30/star-wars-battlefront-leads-game-critics-awards-best-of-e3-nominees |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119161540/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/30/star-wars-battlefront-leads-game-critics-awards-best-of-e3-nominees |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web|title= Fallout 4 Wins Best of E3 2015 by Game Critics Awards |first= Alex |last= Osborn |date= July 8, 2015 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/07/fallout-4-awarded-best-of-show-at-e3-2015-by-game-critics-awards |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119161621/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/07/fallout-4-awarded-best-of-show-at-e3-2015-by-game-critics-awards |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Original Game

| {{won}}

Best Console Game

| {{nom}}

Best Action/Adventure Game

| {{nom}}

rowspan="4"| 5 July 2016{{cite web|title= Nintendo’s Win at E3 Shows That It’s a Console Contender Again |first= Mike |last= Diver |date= 6 July 2016 |work= Vice News |language= en |url= https://www.vice.com/en/article/nintendos-win-at-e3-shows-that-its-a-console-contender-again/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119170145/https://www.vice.com/en/article/nintendos-win-at-e3-shows-that-its-a-console-contender-again/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

| Best of Show

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"| {{cite web |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |date=29 June 2016 |title= All of 2016's Best of E3 nominees. |url= http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1-leads-e3-game-critics-awards-nominee/1100-6441374/ |language= en |work= GameSpot |publisher= Paramount Streaming |access-date= November 27, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241127054548/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-1-leads-e3-game-critics-awards-nominee/1100-6441374/ |archive-date= November 27, 2024 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |date=5 July 2016 |title= Here Are E3 2016's Game Critics Award Winners |url= https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-e3-2016s-game-critics-award-winners/1100-6441502/ |language= en |work=GameSpot |publisher=Paramount Streaming |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119162248/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-e3-2016s-game-critics-award-winners/1100-6441502/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Original Game

| {{won}}

Best Console Game

| {{nom}}

Best Action/Adventure Game

| {{nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="6"| Game Developers Choice Awards

| rowspan="6"| 21 March 2018

| Best Audio

| {{Nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"| {{cite web|title= Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn Lead GDC Award Nominees |first= Alex |last= Gilyadov |date= 6 January 2018 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/05/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-horizon-zero-dawn-lead-gdc-award-nominees |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181606/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/05/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-horizon-zero-dawn-lead-gdc-award-nominees |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web|title= Breath of the Wild, Night in the Woods clean up at GDC Awards |first= Allegra |last= Fran |date= 22 March 2018 |work= Polygon |language= en |url= https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150706/gdc-awards-2018-igf-awards-2018-game-of-the-year |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181604/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/22/17150706/gdc-awards-2018-igf-awards-2018-game-of-the-year |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Design

| {{Nom}}

Best Narrative

| {{Nom}}

Best Technology

| {{Won}}

Best Visual Art

| {{Nom}}

Game of the Year

| {{Nom}}

scope="row"| Gamescom Awards

| 19 August 2016

| Best Preview/Vision

| {{won}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Cite web|title= Gamescom 2016 |author= Multiple authors |language= en |date=21 August 2016 |work=IGN |url= https://www.ign.com/wikis/gamescom/Gamescom_2016 |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181553/https://www.ign.com/wikis/gamescom/Gamescom_2016 |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

scope="row" rowspan="7"| Golden Joystick Awards

| 18 November 2016

| Most Wanted Game

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;"|{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date= 15 September 2016 |title= Golden Joystick Awards 2016 voting now open to the public |language= en |url= https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/golden-joystick-awards/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ |work=Digital Spy |publisher= Hearst Communications |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183553/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/golden-joystick-awards/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |date=18 November 2016 |title=Overwatch scoops five awards, Firewatch wins Best Indie Game: Here are all the Golden Joystick 2016 winners |language= en |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ |work=GamesRadar+ |publisher=Future plc |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183529/https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

rowspan="6"| 17 November 2017

| Best Storytelling

| {{Won}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"| {{cite web|title= Golden Joystick Awards 2017 {{!}} Last chance to vote for your favourite video games of the year |first= Hannah |last= Dwan |date= 3 November 2017 |newspaper= The Daily Telegraph |issn= 0307-1235|language= en |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joystick-awards-2017-last-chance-vote-favourite-video/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joystick-awards-2017-last-chance-vote-favourite-video/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite magazine|title= Here are your 2017 Golden Joystick Award winners |first= Andy |last= Chalk |date= 18 November 2017 |magazine=PC Gamer |issn=1080-4471|language= en |url= https://www.pcgamer.com/here-are-your-2017-golden-joystick-award-winners/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183552/https://www.pcgamer.com/here-are-your-2017-golden-joystick-award-winners/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Visual Design

| {{runner-up}}

Best PlayStation Game

| {{Won}}

Ultimate Game of the Year

| {{runner-up}}

Best Audio

| {{Nom}}

Best Gaming Performance

| Ashly Burch as Aloy

| {{Won}}

scope="row"| Ivor Novello Awards

| 31 May 2018

| Best Original Video Game Score

| Joris de Man, Joe Henson and Alexis Smith

| {{Won}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|title= Ivor Novello Awards 2018: Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and More Nominated |first= Mackenzie |last= Cummings-Grady |date= 24 April 2018 |magazine=Billboard |issn=0006-2510 |language= en |url= https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ivor-novello-awards-nominations-2018-ed-sheeran-8376402/|access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183555/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ivor-novello-awards-nominations-2018-ed-sheeran-8376402/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}
{{cite newspaper|title= 2018 Ivor Novello awards: Dave track attacking Theresa May wins best song |first= Ben |last= Beaumont-Thomas |date= 31 May 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=1756-3224 |language= en |url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/31/ivor-novello-awards-dave-stormzy-ed-sheeran-elbow |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119183540/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/31/ivor-novello-awards-dave-stormzy-ed-sheeran-elbow |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

scope="row"| Japan Game Awards

| 22 September 2017

| Award for Excellence

| rowspan="14"| Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment

| {{won}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|title= 日本ゲーム大賞2017が発表！年間作品部門の大賞は「ゼルダの伝説ブレスオブザワイルド」の手に！ |first= Hiroaki |last= Mabuchi |date= September 22, 2017 |work= IGN Japan |language= Japanese |url= https://jp.ign.com/tgs-2017/17627/news/2017 |access-date= December 28, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20241228084524/https://jp.ign.com/tgs-2017/17627/news/2017 |archive-date= December 28, 2024 |url-status=live}}

scope="row" rowspan="6"| SXSW Gaming Awards

| rowspan="6"| 17 March 2018

| Excellence in Visual Achievement

| {{Won}}

|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"| {{Cite web |last=McNeill |first=Andrew |date= 31 January 2018 |title= Here Are Your 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists! |url= https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |language= en |work=South by Southwest |access-date= July 6, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190706132937/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ |archive-date= July 6, 2019 |url-status=dead}}
{{Cite web |date= 27 April 2018 |title= Here are the 2018 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Awards Winners |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/26/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed |author= IGN Studios |language= en |work=IGN |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119184222/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/26/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Excellence in Animation

| {{Nom}}

Most Promising New Intellectual Property

| {{Won}}

Excellence in Gameplay

| {{Nom}}

Excellence in Design

| {{Nom}}

Video Game of the Year

| {{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="8"| The Game Awards

| 3 December 2015

| rowspan="2"| Most Anticipated Game

| {{Nom}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|title= The Game Awards 2015 Nominees Revealed |first= Alex |last= Osborn |date= 14 November 2015 |work= IGN |language= en |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/the-game-awards-2015-nominees-revealed |access-date= April 2, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230402022125/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/13/the-game-awards-2015-nominees-revealed |archive-date= April 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}
{{cite magazine|title= The Game Awards 2015 winners |first= Jonathon |last= Dornbush |date= 3 December 2015 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |issn=1049-0434 |language= en |url= https://ew.com/article/2015/12/03/game-awards-winners-2015/ |access-date= December 17, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231217160032/https://ew.com/article/2015/12/03/game-awards-winners-2015/ |archive-date= December 17, 2023 |url-status=live}}

1 December 2016

| {{Nom}}

| style="text-align:center;"|{{Cite web |last=Stark |first=Chelsea |date= 2 December 2016 |language= en |title= The Game Awards: Here's the full winners list |url= https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119185745/https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

rowspan="6"| 7 December 2017

| Game of the Year

| {{Nom}}

|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="6"|{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=7 December 2017 |title=The Game Awards crowns The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild best game of 2017 |language= en |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119185746/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16748460/game-award-winners-nominations-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-best-game-tga-2017 |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Best Game Direction

| {{Nom}}

Best Narrative

| {{Nom}}

Best Art Direction

| {{Nom}}

Best Action/Adventure Game

| {{Nom}}

Best Performance

| Ashly Burch as Aloy

| {{Nom}}

scope="row" rowspan="3"| TIGA Games Industry Awards

| rowspan="3"| 2 November 2017{{cite web|title= TIGA Games Industry Awards 2017 Finalists Revealed |first= Suzi |last= Stephenson |date= 21 September 2017 |work= The Independent Game Developers' Association |language= en |url= https://tiga.org/news/tiga-games-industry-awards-2017-finalists-revealed |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119191138/https://tiga.org/news/tiga-games-industry-awards-2017-finalists-revealed |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=dead}}

| Audio Design

| rowspan="3"| Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| {{Cite web|date= 2 November 2017 |title=2017 Winners |url=http://tiga.org/awards/2017-winners |work= The Independent Game Developers' Association |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119190248/https://tiga.org/awards/2017-winners |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=dead}}

Diversity

| {{nom}}

Role Playing Game

| {{won}}

scope="row"| Writers Guild of America Awards

| 11 February 2018

| Outstanding Achievement in Videogame Writing

| John Gonzalez, Benjamin McCaw, Ben Schroder, Anne Toole; Dee Warrick, Meg Jayanth

| {{Won}}

|style="text-align:center;" | {{cite web|title= WGA Awards: ‘Get Out,’ ‘Call Me by Your Name’ Among Winners |first1= Hilary |last1= Lewis |first2= Scott |last2= Huver |first3= Kimberly |last3= Nordyke |date= 11 February 2018 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |issn=0018-3660 |language= en |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-wga-winners-full-list-1078506/ |access-date= January 19, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250119160813/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-wga-winners-full-list-1078506/ |archive-date= January 19, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Sequel and spin-offs

In June 2020, Guerrilla announced a sequel titled Horizon Forbidden West. It was released on 18 February 2022.{{Cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=11 June 2020 |title=Horizon 2: Forbidden West Announced for PS5 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-horizon-zero-dawn-2-sequel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708205149/https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-horizon-zero-dawn-2-sequel |archive-date=8 July 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=25 August 2021 |title=Horizon Forbidden West launching in February 2022 |url=https://www.polygon.com/22641722/horizon-forbidden-west-release-date-delay-ps5-ps4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825203236/https://www.polygon.com/22641722/horizon-forbidden-west-release-date-delay-ps5-ps4 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=25 August 2021 |website=Polygon}} A spin-off, Horizon Call of the Mountain was announced in January 2022 and was released 22 February 2023.{{Cite magazine |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |date=2 November 2022 |title=Sony Reveals PlayStation VR2 Release Date, Price, Bundle, And New Games |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/02/sony-reveals-playstation-vr2-release-date-price-bundle-and-new-games |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127045143/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/02/sony-reveals-playstation-vr2-release-date-price-bundle-and-new-games |archive-date=27 November 2022 |access-date=30 November 2022}} A second, multiplayer-oriented spin-off was confirmed in December 2022.{{Cite news |date=16 December 2022 |title=Guerrilla Games makes its rumoured Horizon online project official |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/guerrilla-games-makes-its-rumoured-horizon-online-project-official |url-status=live |access-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216175335/https://www.eurogamer.net/guerrilla-games-makes-its-rumoured-horizon-online-project-official |archive-date=16 December 2022}} Lego Horizon Adventures, which reinterprets the events of Zero Dawn in a Lego-themed environment, was released on 14 November 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-in-lego-horizon-adventures-could-be-built-out-of-physical-lego-sets|title=Everything in LEGO Horizon Adventures Could Be Built Out of Physical LEGO Sets|first=Rebekah|last=Valentine|work=IGN|date=June 13, 2024|accessdate=July 10, 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614042444/https://www.ign.com/articles/everything-in-lego-horizon-adventures-could-be-built-out-of-physical-lego-sets|url-status=live}}

Film adaptation

In January 2025, Sony announced that a film adaptation of the game was in the works at PlayStation Productions and Columbia Pictures.{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/01/horizon-zero-dawn-film-announced |title=Horizon Zero Dawn film announced |date=7 January 2025 |website=Gematsu |access-date=7 January 2025 |archive-date=7 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107023858/https://www.gematsu.com/2025/01/horizon-zero-dawn-film-announced |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-01-07 |title=Horizon Zero Dawn Film Confirmed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/horizon-zero-dawn-film-confirmed |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=IGN |language=en}}