The Future of the Horizon Series
The development status of the next game in the Horizon series remains a mystery. It has been confirmed that Guerrilla Games is working on the project, but the exact progress and details are still unknown. No official name has been revealed yet, and fans are eagerly waiting for more information. While it’s hoped that the studio will have something to show within the next year, the future of the game remains uncertain.
Until there are more updates, Horizon 3 continues to be a topic of speculation. The longer the wait goes on, the more theories and rumors tend to surface. One of the most debated topics among fans is how much the new title will evolve from its predecessor. Naturally, sequels often build upon their predecessors, and Forbidden West did just that by improving many of the features from Zero Dawn. However, when it comes to difficulty, some believe that Horizon 3 could benefit from maintaining the level of challenge seen in Forbidden West.
Maintaining Difficulty: A Strategic Choice
Difficulty is always subjective, but many players found Forbidden West significantly harder than the original game. While it’s common for sequels to be more intense, some fans were taken aback by the differences between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. The Machines in Forbidden West are more relentless, and the combat mechanics and crafting systems are more complex. For Horizon 3, keeping things similar could be a smart decision.
One of the main advantages of maintaining the same level of difficulty as Forbidden West is that it allows more casual players to enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed. After Forbidden West, this segment of the fan base has certain expectations, and adding even more complexity or stronger enemies could push some players away. While there are certainly fans who appreciate the increased difficulty, many prefer a balanced experience that still offers a decent challenge without being overly punishing.
The Horizon franchise already includes multiple difficulty settings, and even with the more complex approach of Forbidden West, some players still found it frustrating. By sticking to the balance of Forbidden West, the game can still appeal to hardcore fans while offering options for those who prioritize story over challenge. Forbidden West features six difficulty levels: Story, Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Ultra Hard.
A Potential Drawback
However, there is one major downside to keeping the difficulty the same. As the third entry in the Horizon series, Horizon 3 is expected to be Aloy’s most challenging adventure yet. Increasing the difficulty would be an effective way to convey this, as it would make players feel like Aloy is truly being pushed to her limits. If the combat balance remains unchanged, some players may struggle to believe that Aloy is facing her greatest test. While Guerrilla Games might find alternative ways to emphasize this, it’s unclear what the best approach would be.
The Machines in Forbidden West are more relentless, and the combat mechanics and crafting systems are more complex. This suggests that if Horizon 3 doesn’t increase the difficulty, it may not fully meet the expectations of fans looking for a tougher challenge.
Expanding the Horizon Universe
Horizon 3 isn’t the only project in the works. Guerrilla Games is also developing an online spin-off of the Horizon franchise, which is just as mysterious as the mainline game. There is no clear timeline for when the studio will reveal teasers for either Horizon 3 or the online title, but fans hope for news later this year. The Game Awards could be a potential platform for announcements, though it’s uncertain whether both projects are close enough to be showcased at this point.
As the Horizon franchise continues to expand, the success of Horizon 3 and its online counterpart will likely shape the future of the series. With so much anticipation and speculation, fans are eager to see what Guerrilla Games has in store for them.