Is Horizon Forbidden West still worth playing in 2025?
In this long, detailed, casual review, we break down everything you need to know before jumping into Guerrilla Games’ massive open-world adventure — from graphics and combat to story, performance, and how it holds up today on PS5 and PC.
Whether you're someone who skipped it at launch, someone coming back after a long break, or a new player thinking about starting Horizon for the first time, this 2025 review gives you the full picture.
⭐ Why This Review Matters in 2025
Horizon Forbidden West launched with a ton of hype, competing directly with Elden Ring and several other big AAA titles. Fast forward to 2025, and the big question from gamers in the US and around the world is:
“Should I still play Horizon Forbidden West right now?”
This video takes a deep dive into:
How the visuals compare to modern 2025 releases
Whether the story still feels emotional and meaningful
How good the combat really is today
Whether the open world still feels alive
How the PS5 and PC version perform after multiple updates
Whether the Burning Shores DLC is worth it
And how the game stacks up against other huge open-world titles
If you're searching for an honest, no-nonsense 2025 breakdown, this is it.
⭐ What Makes Horizon Forbidden West Great in 2025
The game still looks incredible — easily one of the most visually stunning open-world experiences available. The character animation, machine design, environmental detail, water physics, and lighting systems still outshine many new-gen games in 2025.
Combat also remains a huge highlight. Taking down machines using elemental arrows, traps, combos, and precision shots is still incredibly fun. Aloy’s toolkit feels deep, tactical, and rewarding — especially for players who enjoy planning their approach instead of brute-forcing every fight.
The story also holds up extremely well. Aloy’s growth, the tribes you meet, the world-building, and the overarching mystery remain engaging from start to finish. The Burning Shores expansion adds even more depth and is a must-play if you want the full experience.
⭐ But What Hasn’t Aged Perfectly
Not everything aged like fine wine.
Aloy still over-explains puzzles, some side quests feel like filler, stealth isn’t as strong as other modern games, and the PC version still demands powerful hardware for the best experience.
But for most players, these flaws won’t ruin the overall journey.
⭐ Who Should Play It in 2025?
This video is perfect for you if you’re wondering:
Should I play Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 in 2025?
Is Horizon Forbidden West still worth buying on PC?
Does Forbidden West still feel next-gen?
How does it compare to other 2025 open-world games?
Is it worth finishing before Horizon 3?
If you enjoy cinematic, story-driven games with amazing visuals and emotional characters, yes — it’s absolutely worth it.
If you prefer ultra RPG-heavy games, unpredictable AI, or low-dialogue experiences, it might not be your top pick.
⭐ What You’ll Get in This Video
This long review covers:
✔ Full breakdown of graphics and visual performance
✔ Updated 2025 combat review
✔ How the story and characters hold up
✔ The state of the open world
✔ PS5 advantages vs PC performance
✔ Honest pros and cons
✔ Final recommendation for new and returning players
✔ A clean rating for 2025 audiences
This video is designed to help you make the best decision before jumping into one of PlayStation’s biggest exclusives.
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