So you've finished Horizon Forbidden West and you're itching for more, right? That's exactly how I felt last April when the Burning Shores DLC dropped. I remember booting it up at midnight, coffee in hand, ready to dive back into Aloy's world. Let me tell you what you're in for with this expansion.
What Exactly is Burning Shores?
The Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores DLC takes Aloy south to the ruins of Los Angeles. Volcanic islands, skyscraper graveyards, and those gorgeous Horizon sunsets? Yeah, it's all here. But it's not just pretty scenery - this DLC adds about 15-20 hours of new story that picks up right after the main game's ending.
Personal Take: When I first sailed into those waters and saw the decaying Hollywood sign, I actually paused the game just to soak it in. Guerrilla nailed the atmosphere, though I wish there were more settlements to interact with between fights.
Everything New in This Horizon Forbidden West Expansion
Brand New Machines to Fight
These machines made me relearn combat strategies I'd mastered in the base game:
| Machine Name | Weaknesses | Aggression Level | My Survival Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilegut (Frog-like) | Acid, belly sac | High (leaps constantly) | Stay mobile - it spits explosive goo where you stand |
| Waterwing (Flying eel) | Shock, wings | Medium (unless you're swimming) | Shock ammo first, then target wings to ground it |
| HORUS Titan | Power cells, heat sinks | Off-the-charts (final boss) | Use the environment! Don't try to face-tank |
That Horus fight? Man, it took me three attempts. First time I went in guns blazing like an idiot and got smashed in 90 seconds. Pro tip: stock up on cleanse potions.
Fresh Gear That Actually Matters
No filler loot here - these weapons changed my playstyle:
| Gear Name | How to Get It | Why It's Awesome | Upgrade Grind? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specter Gauntlet | Main quest reward | Rapid-fire energy bolts | Moderate (needs Zenith parts) |
| Last Argument Spike Thrower | Side quest: The Splinter Within | Insane explosive damage | Heavy (rare apex hearts) |
| Quen Deadeye Armor | Merchant purchase | Perfect for ranged builds | Light (common materials) |
Annoying Bit: That Last Argument upgrade grind? Pure pain. You'll be farming Apex Bileguts for hours. I almost gave up after my eighth try.
Essential Burning Shores DLC Details
Before you jump in, here's what matters:
- Price: $19.99 USD (regional pricing varies)
- Platform Lock: PS5 ONLY - sorry PS4 players
- Save Requirement: Must have completed the main quest "Singularity"
- Install Size: About 16GB (clear space beforehand!)
I made the mistake of not checking my save files first. Had to replay the final mission because my latest save was before the point of no return. Don't be like me.
How Long to Beat Burning Shores?
Your playtime depends entirely on how you play:
| Play Style | Main Story | + Side Content | 100% Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushed | 7-8 hours | 10-12 hours | Not happening |
| Normal Pace | 10 hours | 15 hours | 18-20 hours |
| Explorer (like me) | 12 hours | 20+ hours | 25 hours (with photo mode) |
That 25-hour playthrough? Yeah, half of that was me using photo mode on volcanic sunsets. No regrets.
Pro Tip: Don't rush the main quest! Some of the best world-building happens in optional conversations near Fleet's End.
Performance: PS5 Tech Showcase?
Let's talk graphics and modes:
- Fidelity Mode: Stunning 4K but locked 30fps - great for screenshots
- Performance Mode: Dynamic 1800p at 60fps - my personal choice for combat
- Load Times: 3-7 seconds thanks to SSD - no more snack breaks
But here's the real question: Is the Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores DLC pushing PS5 hardware? Absolutely. Flying through storm clouds on a Sunwing with rain lashing the screen? It's next-gen magic. Though I did notice some texture pop-in during rapid flights.
Critical Questions Answered
Do Choices Affect the Horizon Forbidden West DLC Ending?
Kinda, but not massively. Your dialogue options with Seyka change relationship dynamics, but the core ending remains fixed. I tried three different approaches and got variations in final conversations rather than story branches.
Can You Keep Playing After Finishing?
Yes! The world stays open for cleanup. All quests remain available except the final mission (obviously). I went back to hunt missing datapoints for hours.
Required Level for Burning Shores?
Guerrilla recommends level 38. I went in at 42 and still got challenged. Enemies scale somewhat, but that first Bilegut will wreck you if you're under-leveled.
My Experience: Even at level 50 with maxed gear, the new machines demanded strategy. This isn't DLC where you steamroll everything.
Is This Horizon Forbidden West Expansion Worth Buying?
Let's break it down:
| For You If... | Skip If... |
|---|---|
| You loved Forbidden West's combat | You found base game combat repetitive |
| You care about Aloy's character growth | You skip all cutscenes anyway |
| You want jaw-dropping PS5 visuals | Graphics aren't important to you |
| You enjoy challenging new enemies | You play only for the story |
Personally? I'd pay full price again just for flying around the Hollywood sign alone. The Horizon Forbidden West Burning Shores DLC delivers exactly what fans want - more of what made the base game great, but with enough fresh ideas to feel worthwhile. Just bring patience for that gear upgrade grind.
Essential Tips Before Starting
- Farm volatile sludge BEFORE leaving the mainland - you'll burn through it
- Complete cauldrons to override Waterwings early (absolute game-changer)
- Talk to every NPC at Fleet's End - they give quest hints
- Turn on auto-pickup for resources in settings (saves hours)
Seriously, that last tip? Changed my life. No more button mashing over ridgewood.
Future of Horizon DLC?
While no official announcements exist, dataminers found references to "Frozen Wilds" style expansions in the code. Could we see another Horizon Forbidden West DLC? Maybe. But with Burning Shores wrapping Aloy's arc neatly, my money's on Horizon 3 next.
Regional Insight: Playing from Oceania? Matchmaking for the Arena can be slow during off-peak hours. Try evenings GMT.
The Final Verdict on Burning Shores
This Horizon Forbidden West DLC isn't essential for casual players, but for fans? It's a must-play. The emotional payoff with Seyka alone justifies the price for me, despite some repetitive side activities. Just manage expectations - it's more Forbidden West, not a revolution. And that Horus battle? Worth every penny.
Still on the fence? Wait for a sale, but don't skip it entirely. This expansion adds crucial layers to Aloy's journey that'll matter when Horizon 3 eventually drops.
Comment