With Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Guerrilla Games has set a new benchmark for game remasters, offering fans an experience that feels fresher, richer, and more breathtaking than ever before.
Guerrilla Games has taken us back to Aloy’s world in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and it’s hard not to feel as if we’re discovering the mysteries of this post-apocalyptic universe for the first time. But the big question fans are asking is: Does this remaster actually look better than Horizon Forbidden West? In some ways, it just might. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this remaster a truly captivating experience for both newcomers and returning fans.
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The original Horizon Zero Dawn marked a huge departure for Guerrilla Games, leaping from the sci-fi FPS genre of Killzone to an expansive open-world RPG brimming with vibrant landscapes, intriguing characters, and a story that resonated with players on a personal level. Fans quickly fell in love with Aloy, the strong-willed, intelligent, and curious protagonist, whose journey from outcast to warrior set her against mechanical beasts in a world full of ancient mysteries.
The remaster doesn’t stray from this beloved foundation; instead, it enhances the world and brings it closer to Horizon Forbidden West, creating a continuity that makes the two games feel as if they belong in the same universe more than ever before. Some fans have even joked that now, at last, Zero Dawn and Forbidden West truly look like they share the same world.
A Bold Artistic Choice: Color Saturation vs. Realism
One of the standout differences in this remaster is the choice to maintain the rich color saturation of the original. While Forbidden West leans towards a more realistic color palette, Zero Dawn Remastered keeps that iconic, almost painterly look that defines Aloy’s first journey. The colors are bright, vibrant, and intentionally stylized, enhancing the beauty of the world in a way that’s distinct and eye-catching. This decision by Guerrilla will delight fans of the original aesthetic, who found the saturated colors a key part of what made Horizon Zero Dawn such a visual masterpiece.
A Visual Transformation: Life, Detail, and Dynamic Lighting
The leap in visuals with Zero Dawn Remastered is immediately noticeable and undeniably impressive. Every corner of the world has been enriched with enhanced flora and fauna, from lush plants and detailed textures to new wildlife roaming across different terrains. The presence of additional animals, both organic and mechanical, makes the world feel more alive than ever. Each machine or animal you encounter adds depth to this already immersive world, emphasizing that nature and machine now coexist in a unique, interwoven ecosystem.
The lighting effects are another game-changer. With 4K resolution, HDR, and ray tracing, the world has never looked so vibrant. Shadows dance with the time of day, sunsets glow with warmth, and moonlit scenes are hauntingly beautiful. Ray tracing adds dynamic reflections and depth, making each environment—from snowy mountains to sunlit forests—come alive in breathtaking detail. For players familiar with Forbidden West, the improvements in Zero Dawn Remastered often make the game feel surprisingly competitive, with lighting and texture details that stand out as some of the best in the franchise.
A Photo Mode That’s Practically a Game in Itself
With the remastered visuals, Horizon Zero Dawn’s Photo Mode has become an absolute joy to use. Players can capture the splendor of this enhanced world, adjusting lighting, expressions, and framing to create jaw-dropping screenshots. In this remaster, Photo Mode becomes more than just a feature; it’s a way to engage with the artistry of the game on a new level, allowing fans to document and share the incredible scenery of Aloy’s world. For the Horizon community, which has a tradition of sharing awe-inspiring screenshots, this mode feels like a mini-game of its own.
Combat and Exploration: Polished Gameplay That’s As Engaging As Ever
Beyond the visuals, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered keeps the core gameplay mechanics intact, with a few quality-of-life improvements for a smoother experience. The heart of the game—strategic, high-stakes combat—remains as thrilling and tactical as fans . Each machine requires its own approach, and the diversity in Aloy’s arsenal—from bows to elemental traps and salvaged technology—keeps players thinking on their feet. Combat is a balanced mix of preparation, strategy, and real-time action, making every encounter feel unique and rewarding.
Exploration is equally satisfying, with new and enhanced environments that invite players to venture into every corner of the map. The addition of more wildlife and denser vegetation encourages deeper immersion, transforming the game’s open world into a place that’s even more enjoyable to explore and discover.
Performance on PS5: A Mostly Smooth Ride
On PlayStation 5, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered performs smoothly, allowing the upgraded visuals to shine at a stable frame rate. Loading times are fast, making travel between locations feel seamless and uninterrupted. Although some players have reported minor stuttering during fast-paced scenes, these instances are infrequent and don’t significantly detract from the experience. Guerrilla Games is likely to release patches to address any lingering issues, making an already polished game even more refined.
The Price of ission: A Worthwhile Upgrade
For those who already own the original, upgrading to Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is an affordable choice at AUD $15. Given the extent of visual and performance enhancements, the price is a small investment for the chance to experience Aloy’s world in a way that feels remarkably new and engaging. Whether you’re a fan returning to this adventure or a first-timer stepping into the world of Horizon, the remaster offers an opportunity to explore, hunt, and discover in vivid 4K.
Final Thoughts: A Stunning Reimagining That Feels Right at Home
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered doesn’t just polish an already iconic game; it reimagines it with enough attention to detail that it holds its own alongside its sequel. By staying true to the original’s art style, enriching the world with new details, and leveraging next-gen technology, Guerrilla Games has managed to make Zero Dawn feel fresh and familiar all at once. This remaster is more than just a visual upgrade—it’s a love letter to the fans who fell in love with Aloy and her world back in 2017, and a reminder of why Horizon remains one of the most beloved franchises in modern gaming.
Whether you’re revisiting Aloy’s first journey or experiencing it for the first time, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is an invitation to dive into a post-apocalyptic landscape that’s never looked or felt so alive.