Are you ready to explore the icy depths of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds? Journey into the frigid wilderness of the frozen north where new challenges, mysteries, and intriguing stories await.
The icy world of Frozen Wilds
Join Aloy in this immersive DLC by Horizon Zero Dawn, which takes you to the frozen wasteland of The Cut, a new area dominated by a mysterious volcano. Here you will meet the Banuk, a tribe of survivalists who live in some of the world's most extreme conditions. Research their culture, help them in their battles and unravel the mysteries of this distant land.
Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds is an expansion for the action role-playing game Horizon Zero Dawn, that from Guerrilla games developed and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Horizon Zero Dawn was released for the PlayStation 28 on February 2017, 4. The Frozen Wilds expansion was later released on November 7, 2017 for the PlayStation 4 as well.
In June 2020 was Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition released for the PlayStation 4. This edition includes both the main game and The Frozen Wilds expansion, plus additional digital content. In August 2020, the Complete Edition was released for PC, marking the first time a game from Guerrilla games became available outside of PlayStation consoles.
The Demon
The Banuk call a mysterious force "Daemon" that possesses the machines, making them even more powerful and resilient than their normal or corrupted counterparts in the main game. At the same time, this power spawns some new machine beings that make the Deathbringer seem like a harmless machine in comparison.
Aloy's mission against the daemon
As usual, Aloy decides to put a stop to the mysterious power of the daemon. That's why you make your way to the imposing mountain Donnerkamm, where many hunters have already failed. But not only the demonic machines represent a danger, also Banuk chief Aratak tries to keep Aloy away from the thunder crest.
Achievements and recognition among the Banuk
In order to gain enough recognition among the Banuk, you as a young hunter have to master various challenges, such as cleaning up bandit camps and collecting colorful pigments. Finally, you can challenge Aratak to a duel while surviving the frigid wilderness of the north.
The Cold North
A breathtaking frozen wilderness full of secrets, challenges and new experiences awaits you in the Frozen Wilds area. The area you will explore in The Frozen Wilds is known as The Cut. This region is characterized by snow-capped mountains, frosty valleys and icy rivers. The wilderness is both beautiful and deadly, with unrelenting snowstorms and freezing temperatures testing even the toughest of adventurers. You will be forced to adapt your skills and survival techniques to the extreme conditions while uncovering the mysteries of this frozen world.
The cut
The Cut is the central area in The Frozen Wilds where the Banuk live and cultivate their culture. It is an icy and inhospitable region located in the former US state of Montana. Despite the harsh conditions, the Banuk community has settled and thrived here.
The Banuk and their settlements
In the midst of the frigid expanses of the Cold North you will find the Banuk tribe. These hardy survivors have adapted to the harsh conditions, living in small settlements scattered across the area. Each settlement is unique and offers you the opportunity to learn more about Banuk culture and history. Take the opportunity to interact with and learn from these fascinating people while assisting them in their struggles and challenges.
The Banuk culture
The Cut is also the place where you will learn about the unique Banuk culture. The Banuk are a proud and fierce people, distinguished by their skills as hunters and shamans. As you progress through your adventure in editing, you will learn more about their customs, rituals and connection to nature. This will help you better understand their motivations and backgrounds, and foster bonding with the characters.
New machines and challenges
The Frozen Wilds features a range of new machines that will put your hunter skills to the test. Encounter such mechanical beasts as the fearsome Frostclaw and the mighty Thunderjaw. Learn how to defeat these powerful opponents and unlock new equipment and weapons that will help you survive in this unforgiving environment. The new machines pose a serious threat and will require you to develop new strategies and tactics to defeat them. Be on guard and learn how to survive in this dangerous environment.
Expansion of the weapon arsenal
Given the numerous challenges and enemies that await Aloy in The Frozen Wilds, it's gratifying that the game brings you some new weapons. In addition to improved bows, you will also receive various elemental spears.
mysteries and discoveries
The Cold North is full of mysteries and hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Explore the snowy caves, ancient ruins and hidden shrines to unravel the mysteries of the past. Discover valuable resources and rare artifacts that will help you develop your equipment and skills and prepare you for the challenges of this frozen world.
New skills and improvements
You can also evolve Aloy in The Frozen Wilds by unlocking new skills, weapons, and gear. Improve your fighting skills and develop new techniques to dominate your opponents on the battlefield. Use new resources and tools to upgrade your gear and face the challenges of the frozen wilderness.
Effective weapons against dangerous opponents
Depending on the type, weapons like the Storm Sling allow you to hurl charged bolts of lightning while the Forge Fire shoots flames. The high-tech spears are extremely powerful - and that is also badly needed. Even the first encounter with a fire-breathing, wolf-like machine called the Sinker is dramatic. Later, the DLC even confronts you with several of these creatures at once.
Frostclaw and Scorch
The Frostclaw is one of the most impressive new machines in The Frozen Wilds. This bear-like creature boasts ice-based attacks that can be devastating both up close and from afar. You must use skill and strategy to defeat this icy beast by exploiting its weaknesses and dodging its attacks.
The Scorcher is a wolf-like machine that uses fire as a key element in its attack repertoire. Their speed and agility make them a dangerous opponent capable of overpowering you in no time. You should take care to avoid their fire attacks and target their weak spots to fight them effectively.
Control towers as strategic targets
In the land of the Banuk you will also find so-called control towers. These send out impulse waves that not only make enemy machines stronger, but also repair them. If you enter an area with such a tower, you should first take it out before thinking about attacking the surrounding machines. Fortunately, a few well-aimed shots at the cooling element are often enough to cause the tower to explode.
Tactical diversity in combat
As in the main game, The Frozen Wilds challenges you to use the entire arsenal of weapons to survive against the mechanical beasts. Simply shooting arrows at enemies like the ice-summoning Frostclaw is not a successful tactic.
Scanning weak points, setting traps, tying up enemies with ropes, performing critical attacks, and choosing the right arrows and bow at just the right moment can all make or break a fight. In addition, you have the choice whether you prefer to proceed stealthily or offensively.
The choice between stealth and direct attack
Both in the main game of Horizon Zero Dawn and in the DLC The Frozen Wilds you have the choice whether you prefer stealth actions or direct attack. Sometimes the stealth variant proves to be particularly effective, such as in a quest in which you have to infiltrate a factory overrun by machines together with Aratak and his sister Ourea.
Aratak and Ourea offer different paths
Aratak suggests the direct route, where you will encounter fewer but larger machines. Ourea, on the other hand, prefers a route with more, but tendentially weaker opponents, which you may even be able to avoid completely. Curious, you decide on Ourea's suggestion. Thanks to your area-scanning focus, which can show you the path of enemies, the following stealth action turns out to be almost too easy.
AI controlled characters and machines
The machines react primarily to Aloy and seem to almost ignore her two companions. This becomes particularly clear when you save yourself in the last tall grass and an invisible stalker becomes aware of Aloy just before the goal. Ourea and the stalker engage in a star duel where their noses almost touch.
However, there is no fight as the monster AI ignores Ourea. At least until you turn to escape through the saving door. What exactly is happening behind you at this moment remains uncertain, you only hear the sounds of a struggle. In the end, however, that doesn't matter as Aloy continues on her journey without her companions. In the next quest-relevant room, however, they are back with no harm.
Stories and side quests
Numerous stories and side quests await you in The Frozen Wilds, which will take you deeper into the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. Learn about the Banuk tribe and their unique culture as you help them solve their problems and fight the threats in their homeland. Discover what lies behind the mysterious volcano and uncover the secrets that lie hidden in the depths of the frozen desert.
The threat from the north
Your journey begins when you hear rumors of a mysterious menace from the north that threatens to bring disaster to both the Banuk tribe and the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. As Aloy, you set off into the frozen wasteland of the Cut to investigate this menace and save the world from an even greater danger.
The mysterious volcano
A central point of the story is the mysterious volcano that dominates the area of the cut. This massive natural wonder holds many mysteries and dangers, and it's up to you to unravel its mysteries and uncover the truth behind the northern menace.
The meaning of the thunder crest
The Thunder Crest plays a central role in The Frozen Wilds. It is a mysterious and dangerous mountain where many hunters have met their end. Aloy decides to put an end to the demons and embarks on the perilous journey to Thunder Ridge.
Incredible landscapes
Breathtaking landscapes await you on the way to Thunder Ridge, which are characterized by icy peaks, snowy forests and frozen lakes. This environment not only offers an impressive backdrop, but also presents a challenge as you must brave the elements to reach your goal.
dangers and challenges
The Thunderridge is not only dangerous because of the extreme weather conditions, but also because of the powerful and aggressive machines that populate this region. Encountering enemies like the Frostclaw and the Scorch on your way to Thunderridge will test your skills and weapon arsenal.
The Mystery of the Thunderridge
The Thunderridge hides a secret that will be revealed as the expansion progresses. In the harsh and dangerous environment of the Thunderridge, you must not only fight against the demonic machines, but also uncover intrigues and secrets within the Banuk community in order to defeat the demon and avert the threat.
New allies and enemies
As you journey through The Frozen Wilds, you'll meet new allies to help you on your adventure, as well as new enemies to challenge you at every turn. Build relationships with the residents of the Cut and work together to unravel the mysteries of the Banuk and the Vulcan. Be careful though, as danger lurks everywhere in this frozen world.
Montana in the future
The Frozen Wilds openly reveals where this adventure takes place: The Banuk live in the former US state of Montana, which has changed drastically since our time. Aside from the marauding machines, Montana has gotten a lot colder and snowier in the future of Horizon.
The magic of snow
As soon as you set foot in the land of the Banuk, a landscape of snow-capped trees and mountains awaits you, as well as cloud-covered skies that create impressive plays of light and a steady snowfall. The Frozen Wilds presents an almost magical atmosphere that even surpasses Skyrim's impressive winter landscape. Rarely has winter in a video game looked so frosty and breathtakingly beautiful at the same time as in The Frozen Wilds.
Impact on gameplay
The wintry environment has not only visual but also subtle playful effects. The day-night cycle appears shorter. The persistent snowfall can make visibility difficult in places. This brings with it unpleasant surprises, such as when you unsuspectingly climb a mountain and are suddenly confronted with a gigantic, bear-like Frostclaw that you have never seen before.
The beguiling beauty of The Frozen Wilds
Perhaps your inattentiveness is also due to the breathtaking beauty of Horizon Zero Dawn and especially The Frozen Wilds, which can easily become a distraction. The enhanced photo mode adds another dimension to the experience by now allowing you to let Aloy catch snowflakes and sculpt snow angels.
New Skill Tree - The Traveler
In addition to new weapons, enemies, quests, collectibles, characters, and locations, The Frozen Wilds also introduces a new skill tree. While the new skills aren't a gameplay revolution, they make the game significantly more comfortable under the Traveler category. For example, superfluous items can be broken down into shards of metal, riding machines can be repaired, plants can be collected from the back of the machines or even attacked.
These small tweaks feel very natural and are especially useful when you restart the game in New Game + or want to continue exploring the open game world after the end.
Graphics improvements
Guerrilla Games has managed to up the ante in terms of graphics. Despite the many shades of white, the landscapes remain interesting and impressive. The characters have also been visually refined. The facial expressions appear livelier, and some NPCs set new standards in terms of level of detail. In comparison, Aloy seems almost pale and lifeless, but fortunately only almost.
The level of difficulty
The Frozen Wilds, the expansion of Horizon Zero Dawn, along with an intriguing new environment and interesting storylines, also offers you an increased challenge. The difficulty of this expansion has been designed to be appealing to both veterans and newcomers alike. However, you should only venture into the cold at a higher level. The Frostclaws are not to be trifled with.
Conclusion
Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds is an impressive expansion that will delight both fans of the main game and newcomers alike. With engaging challenges, an intriguing storyline and a stunning new game world, The Frozen Wilds will provide hours of fun and entertainment. Although climbing remains automated and combat is similar to the main game, the expansion adds five new machine creatures, eight additional abilities, and over 50 audio, text, and hologram files that help deepen the gameplay experience.
The developers of Guerrilla games have managed to expand the story believably and present it in well-designed quests with natural dialogues. The sombre atmosphere, symbolized by the ominous volcano in the distance, adds to the gripping narrative that sheds more light on the nomadic Banuk people and their struggles and conflicts. With a playing time of around twelve to fifteen hours and a wealth of additional materials such as hidden artifacts and rewards, The Frozen Wilds offers a rich and varied gaming experience.
So put on your warm coat and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the frozen wilds of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds, which both builds on the strengths of the main game and offers interesting innovations and exciting challenges.
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