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Horizon Zero Dawn

Difficulty Modes: How Hard is Horizon Zero Dawn?

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★ Horizon Forbidden West Guide & Walkthrough Wiki

Horizon Zero Dawn - Difficulty Modes
This is guide that details all the different Difficulty Modes in Horizon Zero Dawn. Read on to learn more about all the available difficulty modes in the game, their differences, as well as all the handicaps of the Ultra Hard difficulty setting.

List of Contents

Horizon Zero Dawn Difficulty Modes

Horizon Zero Dawn - All Difficulty Modes

There are a total of 6 Difficulty Modes in Horizon Zero Dawn that players can choose from. Difficulty can be lowered or raised at any time during a regular playthrough.

When playing a New Game+ save, difficulty settings cannot be changed. The only way to change it is to start a different NG+ save.

Difficulty Modes Description
Story The Story difficulty setting eases combat, allowing you to focus on exploration and narrative.
Easy An accessible difficulty level for those who simply want to explore the world and story.
Normal A difficulty level that balances the journey with a challenging combat experience.
Hard A more demanding combat experience throughout the journey.
Very Hard A tough combat experience for those who really want a challenge.
Ultra Hard The toughest combat experience, this mode increases enemy aggression and damage as well as rebalances Aloy's weapons and equipment. Merchant wares are more expensive.

How Hard is Horizon Zero Dawn?

Difficulty Mode Comparisons

Horizon Zero Dawn - Difficulty Comparison

The following game mechanics will change depending on your chosen difficulty setting. Additionally, the option to use aim assist is disabled for the Very Hard and Ultra Hard difficulty settings.

Damage Dealt Damage Taken Tear & Elemental Damage Herb Gathering
Story 400% 10% 200% 100%
Easy 150% 50% 100% 100%
Normal 100% 100% 100% 100%
Hard 90% 125% 100% 80%
Very Hard 80% 150% 100% 60%
Ultra Hard 60% 200% 50% 60%

Ultra Hard Comparison

Horizon Zero Dawn - Ultra Hard

Ultra Hard is in an entire league of its own. On top of the alterations to damage taken and damage dealt, the following changes are also present when starting a New Game or New Game+ save on Ultra Hard:

Ultra Hard Mode Differences Description
No Enemy Health Bars On Ultra Hard, machine and human health bars are disabled. This mode relies heavily on the player exploiting the different weaknesses of each machine type to win fights.
Enemies are Quicker to detect Aloy On Ultra Hard, enemy detection ranges are greatly increased. Usually, the only way to avoid detection is by hiding in Tall Grass.
Increased Machine Aggression & Durability On Ultra Hard, machines will be much more aggressive. They will mob players rather than attack one-by-one.
Much more passive machines, like Striders and Broadheads, will also choose to attack you rather than run away at this difficulty setting.
Lure Call Can Aggro Enemies Using Lure Call or Throw Rock when enemies are already alerted (yellow exclamation circle) will have them automatically detect you even when hidden.
Merchant Price Increase & Lack of Free Samples On Ultra Hard difficulty, Merchants will sell their wares at 5 times the normal price. For example, a 70 Metal Shard Sling will cost 350 Metal Shards on Ultra Hard.
The Free Sample Box will also be disabled when playing on Ultra Hard.

Horizon Zero Dawn Related Guides

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Beginner's Guide: Tips and Tricks for Getting Started

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Horizon Zero Dawn Ending Explained How to Get Tokens
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All Editions Guide What Does Corruption Do?
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Comment

8 woodser woodser over 2 years

First place with such useful info about the game difficulties, thanks!

1 Anonymous Anonymous over 3 years

Do you get more exp the harder the difficulty?

See more comments (8 Comments)

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Horizon Zero Dawn Walkthrough Team
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