Beginner's Guide: Everything You Should Know Before Starting

This is a guide that lists certain tips for new players of Horizon Forbidden West (HFW). To learn about various features and tips that will make your initial gameplay experience all the more enjoyable, read on!

Getting Started

Choose Your Controller Layout

Choosing a controller layout that is comfortable for you will make getting used to the early game much easier. You can always change the controller layout from the Settings section of the menu, even while playing.

Check Your Settings

Horizon Forbidden West provides the player with many options to customize their experience before even beginning to play. Things such as game difficulty and the amount of loot earned from killing machines can be changed from the Settings menu. Feel free to look at our Best Settings article to learn more about which features are recommended for you.

Useful Information

Collect Everything You See

Recommended Items to Collect in the Beginning
Medicinal Skybrush The Medicinal Berries from this pant Heal 70 Health.	Ridge-Wood Used for crafting Arrows and Fast Travel Packs

Almost every consumable item in the game can either be collected throughout the world or made from said collected items. Be sure to collect everything that is either found in the wild or looted from felled machines or animals.

Any Extra Items Go to Your Stash

Horizon Forbidden West has a new feature that sends any item that is unable to fit in your inventory to your Stash, which means that you can collect even more items without worrying about running out of inventory space.

Make Sure to Hunt Wild Animals

The meat provided by Wild Animals can be used to make Health Potions that heal you faster than Medicinal Berries. The bones and hides of certain animals are also used to increase your inventory space as well. While not an immediate danger to you, hunting wild animals from time to time will ensure that you are already ready for the inventory upgrade.

Search for Campfires and Make Sure to Save Often

Campfires are very convenient, as they will allow you to travel throughout the world (or escape danger) very quickly. They also act as save points, making them great safe havens for beginner players that may feel overwhelmed. Be sure to discover as many as you can.

Use Your Focus Often

While it does slow your movement speed, using your focus provides you with valuable information regarding your surroundings. It is particularly helpful when fighting machines, as it will display their weaknesses and vital spots.

Always Visit Merchants in New Towns

The type of Equipment and Items you can buy varies from merchant to merchant. Even if you don't have enough shards to buy anything useful, checking to see what each merchant has in stock will greatly benefit you when you do.

Take On as Many Sidequests as Possible

Sidequests not only provide you with extra opportunities to earn extra XP, Equipment, and Items, but also offer a nice break from the main quest. If you find difficulty completing the main quest, completing side quests will provide the necessary XP and items to help you.

Horizon Forbidden West Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks