Horizon Zero Dawn is set in the 31st century, in a post-apocalyptic world where colossal machines dominate the land and humanity has regressed to primitive tribal societies. The story follows Aloy, an outcast hunter, as she uncovers the truth about her past and the catastrophic event that destroyed the 'Old Ones' (modern civilization).

Aloy is the game's protagonist, a skilled machine hunter raised as an outcast by the Nora tribe. She is special because she possesses a 'Focus', an ancient augmented reality device that allows her to analyze machines and see remnants of the past. Her genetic connection to the Old World scientist Elisabet Sobeck is key to unlocking the world's secrets.

Combat is a tactical mix of stealth, ranged, and melee attacks. Players use Aloy's Focus to scan machines for weak points and elemental vulnerabilities (fire, ice, shock). You must employ a variety of weapons like bows, slings, and tripcasters to strip armor plates and disable components, rather than just dealing raw damage.

The world is populated by diverse machine classes based on animals and dinosaurs. 'Recon' machines like Watchers alert others; 'Combat' machines like Ravagers and Thunderjaws are heavily armed; 'Transport' machines like Shell-Walkers carry cargo; and 'Acquisition' machines like Grazers harvest resources. The massive Tallnecks serve as map towers.

Zero Dawn was a top-secret terraforming project initiated by Dr. Elisabet Sobeck in the 21st century. Facing inevitable extinction from a rogue robot plague, it was designed to create an automated AI system, GAIA, to reseed life on Earth after the biosphere was destroyed, ensuring the continuation of life in the distant future.

Yes, crafting is essential for survival. Aloy must gather natural resources (wood, plants) and salvage machine parts (shards, lenses, hearts) to craft ammunition, traps, and potions on the fly. You also use these resources to upgrade carrying capacity and purchase better weapons and outfits from merchants.

The Frozen Wilds is a major expansion for Horizon Zero Dawn that opens up a new northern region called 'The Cut', home to the Banuk tribe. It introduces a new storyline, challenging new machines (like the Scorcher and Frostclaw), new weapons, and raises the level cap, offering substantial content for end-game players.

Yes, after learning the 'Override' ability, Aloy can hack certain machines to make them friendly. While most overridden machines fight for you, specific types like Striders, Broadheads, and Chargers can be used as mounts for faster travel across the expansive open world.

A main story run typically takes about 25-30 hours. However, a completionist run, which includes all side quests, collectibles (Vantages, Metal Flowers), and the Frozen Wilds DLC, can easily take 60-80 hours due to the depth of the world and the amount of optional content.

The PC version, released in 2020, offers unlocked framerates, support for ultra-wide monitors, improved reflections and foliage, and customizable graphical settings. It allows for a visually superior experience compared to the original PS4 release, provided you have the hardware to run it.