Guerrilla Games crafted an unforgettable open-world action RPG that leads players through a post-apocalyptic world ruled by robotic beasts. Understanding the expected completion times can help players plan their journey through Aloy's origin story effectively. Whether you focus purely on the main narrative or aim to clear every marker on the map, total playtimes vary greatly based on playstyle.
Main Story Length for Horizon Zero Dawn
For players who want to focus exclusively on Aloy's primary quest, the main story takes around 22 to 23 hours to complete. Skipping optional side quests and errands allows you to experience the narrative at a steady pace without getting bogged down by extra map objectives. Lower difficulty settings can also help speed up progression by reducing combat time against tougher mechanical foes.
Combining Main Quests and Side Activities
Most players choose a balanced playstyle that includes exploring cauldrons, tackling tallnecks, and finishing major side quests. Taking on this extra content typically extends total play time to approximately 40 to 45 hours. Engaging with side content provides valuable skill points, powerful gear upgrades, and rich world-building lore that enhances the overall adventure.
Completionist and 100 Percent Playtime
Achieving a 100 percent completion run or unlocking the Platinum trophy requires a significant time investment. Completionists can expect to spend anywhere from 60 to 80 hours discovering all collectibles, mastering hunting grounds, and clearing every location. Adding DLC content like The Frozen Wilds can push total completion times past 80 to 100 hours for dedicated explorers.
Factors That Impact Playtime
Combat difficulty plays a major role in determining how long your overall playthrough will last. Playing on Very Hard or Ultra Hard requires careful resource management, stealth, and tactical planning, which adds considerable time to encounters. Additionally, opting to travel on foot to gather crafting resources rather than using mounts or fast travel will naturally increase your total gameplay hours.
