Game · in order
Horizon Games in Order
Guerrilla's Aloy saga in order. Play Horizon Zero Dawn then Forbidden West as one continuous story; Call of the Mountain is an optional PSVR2 side tale.
Horizon Games in Order — complete list
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Why this order?
The Horizon series is best understood as Aloy's saga, told across two mainline action-RPGs from Guerrilla Games. Both the release order and the story order line up perfectly here, which keeps things simple: play Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) first, then Horizon Forbidden West (2022). The second game picks up directly after the first, assumes you know who Aloy is and what she uncovered about the old world, and rewards you for remembering the names and machines from her earlier journey. There is no reason to start anywhere else.
The release order is the default, and it is also the chronological and story order — one clean line through the two main games. If you only ever touch the mainline, that single sequence is all you need.
The one item that complicates the picture is Horizon Call of the Mountain (2023), a PSVR2 exclusive. It is a genuine, full entry, but it is a side story with a different protagonist (Ryas, a former Shadow Carja), and it requires a PSVR2 headset to play. Its events sit alongside the main timeline rather than advancing Aloy's arc, so we treat it as optional and place it last in the alternate ordering. Skip it freely if you do not own the VR hardware; you will miss nothing essential to the core story.
If you enjoy Horizon's blend of open-world exploration and lore-heavy storytelling, the natural neighbors are Guerrilla's own earlier Killzone series (very different in tone) and other Sony first-party adventures like God of War and Ghost of Tsushima. A third mainline Horizon game is widely expected to continue and likely conclude Aloy's story, so finishing both current entries leaves you perfectly placed for whatever comes next.
Timeline 2017–2023
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
How many Horizon games are there?
There are three: two mainline action-RPGs — Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) and Horizon Forbidden West (2022) — plus the PSVR2 side story Horizon Call of the Mountain (2023). A third mainline game is widely expected.
What order should I play Horizon in?
Play Horizon Zero Dawn first, then Horizon Forbidden West — they tell one continuous story. Horizon Call of the Mountain is an optional VR side story you can save for last or skip.
Do I need to play Call of the Mountain?
No. Call of the Mountain is a PSVR2-exclusive side story with a different protagonist and doesn't advance Aloy's arc. It's worthwhile if you own a PSVR2, but skippable otherwise.
Can I start with Horizon Forbidden West?
It's not recommended. Forbidden West continues directly from Zero Dawn and assumes you know Aloy, the machines, and the old-world mystery. Start with Zero Dawn for the full payoff.
Are the Horizon games on PC?
Yes. Both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West have PC releases on Steam and the Epic Games Store, in addition to PlayStation. Call of the Mountain is PSVR2 only.
Is there a remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn?
Yes. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered released for PS5 and PC, rebuilding the original with updated visuals. It's the same story, so it slots into the same starting spot in the order.
Last verified · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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