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17 Games Like Horizon Zero Dawn

Looking for games similar to Horizon Zero Dawn? Check out this post for a list of captivating open-world games with similar gameplay mechanics and elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re a fan of Horizon Zero Dawn, you’re in for a treat! This captivating open-world game, with its breathtaking graphics and thrilling storyline, has won the hearts of many players.

But what if you’re hungry for more? Luckily, there is a treasure trove of other games that share similar gameplay mechanics and elements with Horizon Zero Dawn.

From the post-apocalyptic world of Days Gone to the epic fantasy adventure of Ghost of Tsushima, there is something for everyone.

So let’s dive in and discover these fantastic games that will keep you on the edge of your seat, ready for another immersive gaming experience.

Games Like Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is an incredible game that has captivated gamers worldwide with its stunning graphics, responsive controls, and intriguing story. Released in 2017, this action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among players. It combines elements of open-world exploration, stealth, combat, and skill progression to create an immersive gameplay experience.

If you’re a Horizon Zero Dawn fan looking for similar games, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fantastic titles with similar gameplay mechanics that will keep you entertained for hours.

1. Days Gone

days gone

Released in 2019, Days Gone is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Bend Studio. It occurs in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of infected creatures known as Freakers.

As Deacon St. John, a bounty hunter and drifter, you must navigate through the treacherous landscape, scavenge for resources, and fight off both human and Freaker threats.

The game features intense combat, dynamic weather systems, and a gripping storyline to keep you on the edge of your seat. On PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows, Days Gone shares the open-world exploration aspect and thrilling combat in Horizon Zero Dawn.

2. Monster Hunter Rise

monster hunter rise

If you enjoy the thrill of hunting down massive creatures and uncovering their secrets, Monster Hunter Rise is the perfect game for you. Developed and published by Capcom, this action role-playing game was released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.

As a hunter in the Kamura Village, you must embark on quests to track and defeat fearsome monsters using various weapons and tools.

Just like Horizon Zero Dawn, Monster Hunter Rise offers stunning visuals, challenging battles, and a captivating world to explore.

3. Fallout: New Vegas

fallout

Taking a step into the realm of post-apocalyptic RPGs, Fallout: New Vegas provides an engrossing experience similar to Horizon Zero Dawn. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and released in 2010, this game is set in a vast open world after a nuclear war.

As the Courier, you navigate the Mojave Wasteland, encountering various factions, making choices that shape the course of the story, and engaging in intense combat.

Fallout: New Vegas offers a rich narrative, deep character customization, and a multitude of quests, making it a must-play for fans of Horizon Zero Dawn. It’s available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

4. Grand Theft Auto 5

gta 5

Grand Theft Auto 5, commonly known as GTA 5, is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and released in 2013.

While it may seem different at first glance, GTA 5 actually shares some similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn. Both games offer an expansive open world to explore, filled with various activities and missions to undertake.

In GTA 5, you step into the shoes of three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – as they navigate the criminal underworld of Los Santos. The game combines a compelling story, realistic graphics, and many gameplay options, allowing players to explore and choose.

Available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Grand Theft Auto 5 is a fantastic choice for those seeking an open-world adventure like Horizon Zero Dawn.

5. Ghost of Tsushima

ghost of tushima

Ghost of Tsushima, released in 2020 and developed by Sucker Punch Productions, takes players on a thrilling journey to feudal Japan. Set during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274, you assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai tasked with defending his homeland.

Much like Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima offers a beautifully crafted open world, stunning visuals, and intense combat.

As Jin, you’ll have to adapt your playstyle, choosing between honorable samurai techniques or embracing stealth and becoming the Ghost. Available exclusively on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, this game will transport you to a world filled with breathtaking landscapes and epic battles.

6. Unreal 2: The Awakening

unreal 2

Unreal 2: The Awakening, developed by Legend Entertainment and released in 2003, maybe an older title, but it still holds up today as a thrilling and immersive first-person shooter. While not sharing the open-world elements of Horizon Zero Dawn, Unreal 2: The Awakening is known for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, and impressive graphics for its time.

As a space marine named John Dalton, you explore various planets, battle hostile creatures, and uncover an ancient alien conspiracy.

Though it may be harder to find than newer releases, Unreal 2: The Awakening is a hidden gem that fans of Horizon Zero Dawn’s immersive storytelling and atmospheric gameplay should consider.

7. Fallout 4

fall out 4

As another entry in the Fallout series, Fallout 4 provides a similar experience to its predecessor, Fallout: New Vegas, while introducing new features and enhancements.

Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2015, Fallout 4 is set in a post-apocalyptic Boston known as “The Commonwealth.” Players assume the role of the Sole Survivor, who emerges from a cryogenic pod 200 years after a nuclear war.

The game offers extensive exploration, character customization, and an intricate world filled with factions, quests, and moral choices.

Like Horizon Zero Dawn, Fallout 4 combines immersive storytelling with action-packed gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of post-apocalyptic adventures. It’s available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

8. No Man’s Sky

no mans sky

If you’re looking for a game that offers a vast universe to explore, No Man’s Sky is the perfect choice. Developed and published by the indie studio Hello Games, No Man’s Sky was released in 2016 and has undergone significant updates and improvements since then.

This space exploration game allows you to travel seamlessly between different planets, each with its own unique ecosystem, creatures, and resources.

The game’s open-world exploration, crafting, and survival elements make it comparable to Horizon Zero Dawn.

Whether you enjoy discovering new planets, engaging in space battles, or simply immersing yourself in a vast universe, No Man’s Sky provides endless possibilities. You can play it on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

9. Marvel’s Spider-Man

spiderman

For fans of action-packed superhero adventures, Marvel’s Spider-Man offers a thrilling experience set in the iconic city of New York. Developed by Insomniac Games and released in 2018, this open-world action-adventure game allows players to step into the shoes of the beloved web-slinger Peter Parker. As Spider-Man, you swing through the city, battle notorious villains, and unravel a captivating narrative.

The game features fluid combat, engaging side missions, and an immersive recreation of New York City. If you enjoyed the exhilarating combat and exploration in Horizon Zero Dawn, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a fantastic choice to continue your gaming journey. Available exclusively on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, this game will make you feel like a true superhero.

10. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

metal gear

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, developed by Kojima Productions and released in 2015, is an action-adventure stealth game that shares some similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn. Set in an open world and featuring a compelling story, this installment of the popular Metal Gear Solid series follows the story of the mercenary leader, Venom Snake.

With its emphasis on stealth and tactical gameplay, Metal Gear Solid 5 offers a different yet equally immersive experience compared to Horizon Zero Dawn. Players can engage in missions using a variety of approaches, harnessing both stealth and combat skills to complete objectives.

Available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is a game that deserves a spot on your playlist.

11. Far Cry Primal

farcry

Stepping back in time, Far Cry Primal transports players to the Stone Age, offering a unique and immersive experience unlike any other.

Developed by Ubisoft and released in 2016, this first-person action-adventure game allows you to explore the breathtaking land of Oros and survive amidst dangerous predators and warring tribes.

As a Takkar hunter, you must master primitive weapons, gather resources, and build your tribe from scratch. Like Horizon Zero Dawn, Far Cry Primal combines open-world exploration, intense combat, and a captivating storyline in a visually stunning environment.

It’s available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, allowing players to embark on a prehistoric adventure.

12. Uncharted series

uncharted series

Created by Naughty Dog, the Uncharted series has become synonymous with thrilling action, breathtaking visuals, and compelling narratives.

Spanning across multiple titles, this beloved adventure series follows the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake. Each game in the series offers a mix of exploration, challenging puzzles, and intense combat.

While the Uncharted series does not share the open-world elements of Horizon Zero Dawn, it more than makes up for it with its cinematic storytelling and engaging gameplay.

From the original Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune released in 2007, to the latest installment, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, players are taken on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and memorable characters. The Uncharted series is available exclusively on PlayStation consoles.

13. Assassin’s Creed Origins

assassins creed originals

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Assassin’s Creed Origins breathes new life into the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise. Released in 2017, this action-adventure game takes players to Ancient Egypt, immersing them in a richly detailed open world.

As Bayek, a Medjay who becomes one of the first Assassins, you unravel the secrets of the Order of the Ancients and embark on a personal quest for revenge.

Assassin’s Creed Origins shares similarities with Horizon Zero Dawn regarding its open-world exploration, diverse combat options, and immersive storytelling.

Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, this installment reinvigorates the series and provides a fresh experience for new and longtime fans.

14. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

assassin's creed

Continuing the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes players on a fascinating journey to Ancient Greece. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec and released in 2018, this action role-playing game offers a vast open world, a deep and branching narrative, and intense combat.

Either Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries with ties to the First Civilization, embark on an epic odyssey filled with legendary myths, political intrigue, and formidable battles.

Like Horizon Zero Dawn, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey gives players freedom and choice to shape their character’s destiny and the world around them. You can experience this grand adventure on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

15. NieR Automata

nier automata

NieR Automata, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, is a mesmerizing action role-playing game that blends fast-paced combat with a thought-provoking storyline. Released in 2017, the game is set in a dystopian world where human-like androids fight against machines to reclaim Earth.

Players control 2B, an android warrior, as she battles through various locations and unravels the world’s mysteries. With its stunning visuals, thrilling combat, and deep philosophical themes, NieR Automata offers a memorable gaming experience that will resonate with fans of Horizon Zero Dawn. The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

16. Jak and Daxter Bundle

jak and daxter

The Jak and Daxter series, developed by Naughty Dog, offers a collection of action-adventure platformers that have become classics within the gaming community. The Jak and Daxter Bundle includes the first three main titles – Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak II, and Jak 3.

Released between 2001 and 2004 on the PlayStation 2, this bundle provides players a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of platforming. While the gameplay mechanics of the Jak and Daxter series differ from Horizon Zero Dawn, both games share a sense of adventure, memorable characters, and immersive worlds to explore.

The Jak and Daxter Bundle is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a lighthearted and fun-filled experience.

17. Batman Arkham series

batman

Finally, the Batman Arkham series developed by Rocksteady Studios offers an exceptional blend of action, stealth, and storytelling centered around the iconic Dark Knight.

With titles such as Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, and Batman: Arkham Knight, this series has received critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay and faithful portrayal of the Batman universe.

While not similar in terms of setting or gameplay mechanics, the Batman Arkham series shares an equivalent level of attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and a focus on player progression that will appeal to fans of Horizon Zero Dawn. Available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox, this series is a must for any fan of the Caped Crusader.

In conclusion, if you enjoyed the captivating gameplay and immersive world of Horizon Zero Dawn, you’re in for a treat with these recommended games. Whether it’s the post-apocalyptic settings of Days Gone and Fallout: New Vegas, the open-world exploration of Monster Hunter Rise and Ghost of Tsushima, or the action-packed adventures of the Uncharted series and Batman Arkham series, these games provide a variety of experiences that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So gear up, embark on new adventures, and get ready to lose yourself in these mesmerizing worlds similar to Horizon Zero Dawn.

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By Jupiter Hadley

Jupiter is an avid indie gaming journalist that covers lesser titles. She highlights thousands of game jams and independent games on YouTube. She judges several jams and events and oversees indiegamejams.com, a global game jam calendar.