Horizon Series

Horizon series – what’s the core experience?

The Horizon series is a single-player action RPG game franchise developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Set in a distant future where Earth has been reclaimed by nature and dominated by machines, the story follows Aloy, a skilled hunter unraveling the secrets of a lost civilization and her origins.

The series is praised for its lush open worlds, dynamic combat, and deep lore. It blends exploration, ranged and melee combat, crafting, and stealth, making it a standout in the modern action-adventure genre. Over time, the Horizon game series has expanded its timeline and lore with new regions, technologies, and revelations about the fall of the old world.

When did the Horizon games start?

The first game, Horizon Zero Dawn, launched in 2017 for PlayStation 4 and later made its way to PC. It quickly became a breakout hit thanks to its engaging narrative, memorable world, and unique robotic enemies. The sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, expanded the series both geographically and narratively and was followed by a VR spin-off that brought a fresh perspective to the franchise. We also got a LEGO adventure game set in the series universe, which is perfect for younger players.

Horizon games in order of release

You may wonder, how many Horizon games are there? As of now, the franchise consists of two mainline games and two spin-offs. The mainland entries are direct sequels following the same story and expanding the lore. The Horizon timeline is mainly linear, the VR spin-off takes place at the same time as Forbidden West, where you play as a new character on his own adventure.

1. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
2. Horizon Forbidden West (2022)
3. Horizon Call of the Mountain (2023 – VR spin-off)
4. LEGO Horizon Adventures (2024)

The best Horizon games

Both Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West have received critical acclaim, but Forbidden West is often considered the best Horizon game thanks to its upgraded visuals, deeper combat, and expanded open world. Still, Zero Dawn remains a fan favorite for its groundbreaking introduction of Aloy and one of the most original post-apocalyptic settings in modern gaming.

Call of the Mountain stands out as a visually immersive VR experience that showcases the world from a fresh angle, making it a worthwhile addition for PS VR2 owners.

Who are the most iconic Horizon characters?

Choosing the most iconic Horizon character is hard, but the heart of the series is undoubtedly Aloy. Fierce, intelligent, and curious warrior raised as an outcast who becomes humanity’s best hope. Other notable characters include:

• Sylens – A mysterious figure obsessed with ancient technology
• Rost – Aloy’s guardian and mentor
• Varl and Erend – Loyal allies who evolve with the story
• GAIA, HADES, and FARO – Key figures tied to the world’s destruction and rebirth

The cast is rich with depth, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of Earth’s past and the fate of its future.

What are the upcoming Horizon games?

As of March 2025, the Horizon universe is set to expand significantly. Guerrilla Games confirmed that a multiplayer Horizon game is in development, with rumors pointing toward a co-op survival experience set in the same world. We will also see the next entry from the mainline story ending the trilogy. To be up to date on all the announcements, check our gaming news section regularly to get all the latest news.