Horizon Forbidden West on Steam: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Aloy’s journey to the Forbidden West was always going to hit PC eventually, Sony’s been steadily porting its PlayStation hits, and Horizon Forbidden West finally made the leap to Steam. If you’ve been waiting to experience Guerrilla Games’ post-apocalyptic world with all the bells and whistles PC gaming can throw at it, that patience is about to pay off.

The Steam release isn’t just a straight port. It’s packed with PC-specific optimizations, ultrawide support, unlocked framerates, and all the graphical tweaks you’d expect from a modern AAA PC release. Whether you’re rocking a mid-tier rig or a high-end beast, there’s a lot to unpack here, from system requirements and DLC availability to controller support and Steam Deck compatibility.

This guide covers everything: release dates, what’s included, how it stacks up against the PlayStation version, and what settings you should tweak first. Let’s get into it.

What Is Horizon Forbidden West and Why Is It Coming to Steam?

Horizon Forbidden West is Guerrilla Games’ 2022 sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, following Aloy as she ventures into the ruins of the American West to stop a collapsing biosphere. It’s an open-world action-RPG with a heavy focus on tactical combat against massive machine creatures, exploration across diverse biomes, and a narrative that digs into the mysteries of the old world.

The game launched as a PlayStation exclusive on PS4 and PS5, but Sony’s been systematically bringing its first-party catalog to PC. After the success of Horizon Zero Dawn’s PC port in 2020 and God of War’s Steam debut in 2022, Forbidden West was an obvious candidate. The PlayStation-to-PC pipeline is now standard operating procedure for Sony, release on console first, let exclusivity do its work, then capitalize on the massive PC market a year or two later.

The Journey from PlayStation Exclusive to PC Gaming

The shift from console-only to multi-platform wasn’t always Sony’s playbook. For decades, franchises like Uncharted and Horizon were locked to PlayStation hardware. But as the PC gaming market exploded and digital storefronts like Steam matured, Sony recognized the revenue potential.

Horizon Zero Dawn’s PC release sold over 2.3 million copies in its first year on Steam, proving that PlayStation exclusives could thrive outside the console ecosystem. Forbidden West follows the same trajectory: it hit PS4 and PS5 in February 2022, then arrived on Steam roughly two years later in March 2024. By 2026, the Steam version has received multiple patches, performance updates, and full integration with Steam features like cloud saves and achievements.

The PC release also benefits from lessons learned during the Zero Dawn port. That initial launch had shader compilation stuttering and optimization issues that took months to iron out. Guerrilla and Nixxes Software (Sony’s dedicated PC porting studio) applied those fixes to Forbidden West from day one, resulting in a smoother launch.

Steam Release Date and Availability

Official Launch Timeline

Horizon Forbidden West launched on Steam on March 21, 2024. This was roughly 25 months after the PlayStation release, consistent with Sony’s typical exclusivity window. The Steam version launched simultaneously with the Epic Games Store version, though most PC players gravitated toward Steam for its community features and library integration.

The release included both the base game and the Complete Edition, which bundles the Burning Shores DLC. Day-one updates addressed minor bugs and optimized performance for common PC configurations, with version 1.0.47 being the launch build.

Regional Availability and Pricing

The Steam version is available worldwide in all regions where Steam operates, with regional pricing adjusted for local markets. At launch, the base game was priced at $59.99 USD (or regional equivalent), while the Complete Edition retailed for $79.99 USD.

Steam regional pricing means players in countries like Argentina, Turkey, and India saw significantly lower prices, sometimes 40-60% less than the US price. The game supports 18 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, with full text and audio localization for most.

Steam sales have become regular events for the title. During the 2025 Summer Sale, the base game dropped to $39.99, and the Complete Edition hit $49.99. By 2026, it’s not uncommon to see 30-40% discounts during major Steam sale periods.

Steam System Requirements and PC Optimization

Minimum and Recommended Specs

Guerrilla Games published official system requirements that scale across a wide range of hardware. Here’s the breakdown:

Minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Low Settings):

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
• CPU: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 4GB
• Storage: 150 GB SSD space
• DirectX: Version 12

Recommended (1080p, 60 FPS, High Settings):

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher)
• CPU: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
• Storage: 150 GB SSD space
• DirectX: Version 12

Very High/Ultra (1440p or 4K, 60+ FPS):

• CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800
• Storage: 150 GB NVMe SSD

The 150 GB storage requirement is hefty, and an SSD is effectively mandatory, loading times on HDD are painfully long, especially in open-world traversal.

Graphics Settings and Performance Optimization

The PC version includes a staggering array of graphics settings, far beyond the PS5’s fixed options. Key toggles include:

• Texture Quality: Low to Ultra, with Ultra requiring 8GB+ VRAM.
• Model Quality: Affects LOD (level of detail) for characters and machines.
• Anisotropic Filtering: 2x to 16x.
• Shadows: Multiple shadow quality and resolution options, significant performance impact.
• Reflections: Screen-space reflections or ray-traced reflections (RTX cards only).
• Ambient Occlusion: SSAO or advanced options.
• Motion Blur and Depth of Field: Both togglable.
• Vegetation Density and Draw Distance: Major performance levers in dense biomes.

Most players find the “High” preset offers the best balance. Ultra settings push even RTX 4080 cards at 1440p, especially with ray tracing enabled. The game’s built-in benchmark is accurate and useful for dialing in your settings.

Another critical setting: shader pre-compilation. The game compiles shaders on first boot, which can take 5-10 minutes depending on your CPU. Skipping this results in stuttering during gameplay, so let it finish.

Ultrawide and High Refresh Rate Support

Forbidden West has native support for ultrawide resolutions (21:9, 32:9) without black bars or UI stretching. The FOV (field of view) slider lets you adjust from 70 to 100, essential for ultrawide users to avoid distortion.

High refresh rate monitors are fully supported. The framerate cap can be set to 30, 60, 90, 120, or unlimited. With a capable GPU, hitting 120+ FPS at 1440p on High settings is achievable with DLSS or FSR enabled. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) via G-Sync and FreeSync is also supported, smoothing out frame pacing.

Triple-monitor setups aren’t officially supported, but ultrawide enthusiasts have reported flawless performance on 3440×1440 and 5120×1440 displays.

What’s Included in the Steam Version?

Base Game vs. Complete Edition

Steam offers two purchase options:

1. Horizon Forbidden West (Base Game): Includes the full main campaign, all post-launch patches, and quality-of-life updates released since the PS5 version. You get the entire Forbidden West map, all main and side quests, machine variants, and the core 40-50 hour story experience.

2. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition: Bundles the base game with the Burning Shores expansion, plus cosmetic bonuses like the Carja Behemoth Elite and Nora Thunder Elite outfits.

If you’re new to the game, the Complete Edition is the better value unless you catch a deep discount on the base game. Burning Shores isn’t just cosmetic DLC, it’s a substantial story expansion with new machines, a new map region, and narrative closure.

DLC and Burning Shores Expansion Availability

Burning Shores launched on PlayStation in April 2023 and arrived on Steam day-and-date with the base game in March 2024. It’s a PS5/PC-exclusive expansion, it’s not available on PS4 due to technical limitations.

The DLC adds roughly 8-10 hours of content, set in the ruins of Los Angeles. New machines like the Waterwing (a flying mount) and boss encounters like the Horus keep combat fresh. The story picks up after the main game’s ending, so it’s designed for post-campaign play.

Burning Shores is also sold separately as DLC for $19.99 if you own the base game. Steam users who bought the base game at launch can upgrade by purchasing the expansion standalone.

Both editions include all free content updates released since launch: New Game+ mode, additional skill trees, transmog options, and performance mode toggles. PC players benefit from Guerrilla’s ongoing gameplay refinements that have improved combat responsiveness and machine AI over multiple patches.

PC-Exclusive Features and Enhancements

DLSS, FSR, and Advanced Graphics Technologies

One of the biggest advantages of the Steam version is support for upscaling technologies that can nearly double your framerate without a major visual hit:

• NVIDIA DLSS 3.5: Available on RTX 20-series and newer cards. DLSS Quality mode looks nearly identical to native resolution while boosting FPS by 30-50%. DLSS Performance and Ultra Performance modes are best for 4K gaming. RTX 40-series cards also get Frame Generation, which can push framerates past 120 FPS even at 4K Ultra.

• AMD FSR 2.2: Works on both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. FSR Quality mode is comparable to DLSS on most hardware, though DLSS still edges it out in fine detail and motion clarity. FSR is a solid option for older or mid-tier cards.

• Intel XeSS: Supported for Intel Arc GPUs, though adoption is limited given the small Arc install base.

• Ray Tracing: The game supports ray-traced reflections and shadows. RT reflections add realistic water and metal surfaces but tank performance, expect a 30-40% FPS hit even on RTX 4070. Most players keep RT off unless they have high-end hardware and DLSS to compensate.

The PC version also includes advanced rendering options like improved LOD scaling, better anti-aliasing (TAA and SMAA options), and higher-resolution textures than the PS5 version when running on Ultra.

Controller vs. Mouse and Keyboard Support

Both input methods are fully supported, and the game auto-detects your input device and swaps UI prompts instantly.

Controller (DualSense, Xbox, etc.): Most players prefer controller for Forbidden West. The DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are supported on PC via wired or Bluetooth connection. Adaptive triggers simulate bow tension and weapon recoil, adding immersion that’s lost on Xbox or third-party controllers.

Mouse and Keyboard: Aiming with a mouse is significantly more precise, especially for headshot-focused builds. The default keybinds are functional but could be better, many players rebind dodge and weapon swap for easier access. Inventory and menu navigation feels slightly clunky with M+KB compared to controller.

The game supports simultaneous input, so you can swap between controller and M+KB mid-session without restarting. Publications like Rock Paper Shotgun noted in their coverage that mouse aiming trivializes some encounters, so controller may offer better challenge balance.

Steam Deck Compatibility

As of early 2026, Horizon Forbidden West is Steam Deck Verified. Valve tested it and confirmed it runs well on the handheld, though you’ll need to adjust settings.

Performance on Deck:

• Native resolution (1280×800) on Low-Medium settings hits 30-40 FPS.
• Locking to 30 FPS with FSR Performance mode provides the smoothest experience and extends battery life to 2-3 hours.
• The 512 GB and 1 TB Deck models are recommended due to the 150 GB install size.

Controls translate well to the Deck’s layout, and text is readable (though small in some menus). Cloud saves sync seamlessly between Deck and desktop, so you can start a session on your main rig and continue on the go.

Some users report minor stuttering in dense areas like the Plainsong settlement, but patches have improved stability. Overall, it’s one of the better AAA open-world experiences on Deck.

How the Steam Version Compares to PlayStation

Visual Fidelity and Performance Differences

The PS5 version offers two modes: Performance (1800p/60 FPS) and Quality (4K/30 FPS with better shadows and LOD). The PC version demolishes those limits if you have the hardware.

On equivalent settings to PS5 Quality mode, a PC with an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT can hit 60+ FPS at native 4K. With DLSS or FSR, framerates in the 90-120 range are common at 1440p Ultra. Texture quality on PC Ultra exceeds PS5, and you can push vegetation density and shadow resolution beyond console limits.

That said, the PS5 version is highly optimized and looks stunning. For most players on mid-tier rigs, the visual gap is marginal unless you’re directly comparing screenshots. The visual experience remains exceptional across all platforms, but PC offers more headroom for enthusiasts.

One area where PC clearly wins: load times. On a fast NVMe SSD, fast travel is nearly instantaneous (1-2 seconds), compared to 3-5 seconds on PS5. Initial boot and area transitions are also snappier.

Save File Transfer and Cross-Platform Features

Unfortunately, save file transfer between PlayStation and PC is not supported. If you started Forbidden West on PS5, you’ll need to restart from scratch on Steam. There’s no official workaround, and third-party save converters don’t exist due to encryption differences.

This is a common frustration with Sony’s PC ports. Players who want to experience the PC enhancements but have dozens of hours on console are forced to choose between replaying or sticking with their PS5 save.

Cross-platform play or cross-save isn’t applicable here since Forbidden West is single-player only. There’s no multiplayer component or shared progression system.

Tips for Getting Started on Steam

Essential Settings to Configure First

Before diving into the Forbidden West, tweak these settings to avoid headaches:

1. Let Shader Compilation Finish: On first boot, the game pre-compiles shaders. This can take 10+ minutes on older CPUs. Don’t skip it, stuttering mid-combat is worse than waiting.

2. Set Your Framerate Cap: If you have a high-refresh monitor, set the cap to match (120 Hz, 144 Hz, etc.). If you’re on a standard 60 Hz display, cap at 60 to reduce GPU heat and power draw.

3. Enable DLSS or FSR: Even on high-end cards, enabling Quality mode upscaling provides a noticeable FPS boost with minimal visual loss.

4. Adjust Motion Blur and Depth of Field: Many players find motion blur distracting. Turn it down or off if you prefer clarity during fast movement.

5. Tweak Mouse Sensitivity: The default mouse sensitivity is low. Bump it up for quicker camera control, especially in combat.

6. Turn On Aim Assist (Controller Only): If you’re using a controller, aim assist is off by default. Enabling it (set to “Partial”) makes ranged combat less punishing.

7. Check Audio Output: The game supports headphones, stereo, and surround sound. Select the correct output in the audio menu for the best soundstage.

8. Enable Subtitles: The voice acting is excellent, but environmental audio can drown out dialogue. Subtitles help, especially in chaotic combat.

Best Graphics Presets for Your Hardware

Here’s a quick guide based on common GPU tiers:

Entry-Level (GTX 1650, RX 5500 XT):

• Preset: Low to Medium
• Resolution: 1080p
• Upscaling: FSR Performance
• Target: 30-45 FPS

Mid-Range (RTX 3060, RX 6600 XT):

• Preset: High
• Resolution: 1080p
• Upscaling: DLSS/FSR Quality
• Target: 60 FPS

High-End (RTX 4070, RX 7800 XT):

• Preset: Very High to Ultra
• Resolution: 1440p
• Upscaling: DLSS/FSR Quality
• Target: 80-100 FPS

Enthusiast (RTX 4090, RX 7900 XTX):

• Preset: Ultra + Ray Tracing
• Resolution: 4K
• Upscaling: DLSS Quality or DLSS Performance
• Target: 60-90 FPS

The in-game benchmark is your friend. Run it after each settings change to see real-world FPS in a demanding scene. If you’re exploring Aloy’s journey for the first time, getting your settings dialed in early makes a huge difference in enjoyment.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even though a solid launch, some PC players have encountered issues. Here are the most common and their fixes:

Shader Compilation Stuttering:

If you skipped or interrupted shader compilation, delete the shader cache folder (located in DocumentsHorizon Forbidden Westshader_cache) and let the game rebuild it on next launch.

Low FPS Even though Good Hardware:

Check if ray tracing is accidentally enabled. RT tanks FPS even on high-end cards. Also verify that your GPU drivers are up to date, NVIDIA released Game Ready drivers (version 531.61 or later) specifically optimized for Forbidden West.

Crashes on Startup:

Often caused by outdated Windows or missing DirectX 12 components. Run Windows Update and install the latest DirectX runtime from Microsoft’s site. Also, verify game files via Steam (right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity).

DualSense Features Not Working:

Adaptive triggers and haptics require a wired connection or Bluetooth pairing directly with Windows (not via Steam’s controller settings). Also ensure Steam Input is disabled for Forbidden West in controller settings.

Ultrawide Black Bars or Stretched UI:

If black bars appear, confirm your resolution is set correctly in-game (not just in Windows). For stretched UI, adjust the FOV slider to 90-100.

Save File Corruption:

Rare, but reported by some users after crashes. Enable Steam Cloud saves to protect against local file corruption. Also create manual backups by copying the save folder (DocumentsHorizon Forbidden WestSaved Game).

Audio Desync or Crackling:

Switch audio output to a different device in Windows sound settings, then switch back. If the issue persists, lower the audio sample rate in Windows to 48kHz.

Mouse Lag or Acceleration:

Disable V-Sync and cap FPS manually instead. Also check that your mouse polling rate isn’t absurdly high (1000 Hz is fine: 4000+ can cause issues).

For persistent problems, PC Gamer and Windows Central have published detailed troubleshooting guides, and the Steam community forums are active with user-submitted fixes. Guerrilla Games also maintains a support page with patch notes and known issues, and they’ve been responsive to bug reports via official channels.

If you’re planning to jump into the Burning Shores expansion or explore DLC content, make sure your game is fully updated to avoid compatibility issues. Patches often include fixes for expansion-specific bugs that weren’t present in the base game.

Conclusion

Horizon Forbidden West on Steam is a fantastic port that respects both the source material and the PC platform. Whether you’re jumping in fresh or double-dipping after the PlayStation release, the combination of unlocked framerates, upscaling tech, and comprehensive graphics options makes this the definitive way to experience Aloy’s journey, assuming you have the hardware to push it.

The lack of cross-save is a bummer, and the 150 GB install is a hard drive hog, but those are minor gripes in an otherwise stellar package. From ultrawide support to Steam Deck compatibility, Guerrilla and Nixxes clearly put in the work to make this more than just a checkbox port.

If you’ve been holding out for the PC version, now’s the time. And if you’re still on the fence, keep an eye on Steam sales, discounts are frequent, and the Complete Edition regularly drops to a price that’s hard to argue with.