Horizon's Upcoming Threequel Should Prioritize Its Hub Towns for One Crucial Reason

Horizon has firmly established itself as a top-tier PlayStation franchise. Transitioning from its origins in first-person shooters with the Killzone series, the developer has since carved out a new identity with Horizon, showcasing some of its finest work to date.

The previous two mainline Horizon titles for PS4 and PS5 have demonstrated significant advancements, continually innovating and captivating players. Horizon Forbidden West, in particular, showcased grander settlements and a richer sense of scale. While replicating this success in the upcoming third installment might seem sufficient, there's a pivotal enhancement that could make a considerable impact.

The Significance of Settlements in Horizon Forbidden West

While Horizon Zero Dawn’s expansive landscapes were impressive, Guerrilla Games truly expanded its vision with Horizon Forbidden West. This sequel brought Aloy to the West Coast, introducing a variety of settlements that felt unique in scale and atmosphere. For instance, Chainscrape’s rugged vibrancy contrasted sharply with the serene beauty of Plainsong, home to the Utaru tribe.

These settlements played a crucial role in making Horizon Forbidden West feel alive, adding depth and community to the game world. With a proven model in place, the challenge for Horizon’s third installment will be to build upon this foundation, ensuring that the game not only matches but surpasses the previous entries.

Aloy’s Travel in Horizon: The Need for Mounts

In Horizon Forbidden West, mounts became essential due to the expansive world. Long treks on foot became impractical, making it crucial for players to override and use mounts for easier navigation. However, leaving mounts behind when entering settlements often proved inconvenient. Players would have to locate and override new machines each time they left a settlement, disrupting the fluidity of exploration.

Drawing Inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2

While Red Dead Redemption 2 and Horizon Forbidden West differ in many ways, they share similarities in open-world design and storytelling. Notably, Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to bring their horses into towns like Valentine and Saint Denis, tying them to posts and integrating them into the settlement’s design. This approach keeps the open world connected and makes the transition between exploration and town life more seamless.

The Potential Impact of Allowing Mounts in Horizon 3

Allowing mounts into settlements in Horizon 3 might seem like a minor adjustment, but it could profoundly impact the game’s world design. In Horizon Forbidden West and its predecessor, settlements often felt isolated from the broader open world. Allowing mounts to enter these areas would create a smoother transition between exploration and community hubs, enhancing the overall experience.

This seemingly small change could significantly improve the game’s connectivity and offer a valuable quality-of-life upgrade. As Guerrilla Games looks to build on their successful formula, integrating mounts into settlements could be a key step towards delivering an even more immersive and cohesive experience in Horizon 3.