How Long Is Horizon Forbidden West? Game Length, Mission List, and Levels

Horizon Forbidden West has been another big win for PlayStation studio Guerrilla Games, with reviews of the game bringing it to an 88 on Metacritic, citing the increase in machines, higher-quality side activities, and how the gorgeous world looks compared to the already-impressive predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn.

With players jumping into this experience and seeing another massive open-world adventure, it’s fair to wonder how long it’ll take to complete. We’ve got all the details on the missions and the time you can be expected to put into them on round two of Aloy’s adventures. With Horizon Forbidden West being an even bigger game than Horizon Zero Dawn, you’ve got a vast world to explore and a long journey ahead. Here’s everything you need to know.

Horizon Forbidden West mission list

Horizon Forbidden West’s main story consists of 17 different missions, all of which have a recommended level. While you’re certainly able to mainline the story, you’ll probably need to engage with at least a bit of side content, to ensure you’re leveling properly. Here’s every main story mission in Horizon Forbidden West.

• Reach for the Stars (Level 3)
• The Point of the Lance (Level 4)
• To the Brink (Level 5)
• The Embassy (Level 7)
• Death’s Door (Level 10)
• The Dying Lands (Level 15)
• The Broken Sky (Level 17)
• The Eye of the Earth (Level 17)
• The Kulrut (Level 18)
• Cradle of Echoes (Level 20)
• The Sea of Sands (Level 22)
• Seeds of the Past (Level 24)
• Faro’s Tomb (Level 26)
• Gemini (Level 30)
• All That Remains (Level 31)
• The Wings of the Ten (LeveL 32)
• Singularity (Level 35)

As you might expect, Horizon Forbidden West has a lot more to occupy your interest as well. There are proper Side Missions that run alongside the main ones but there are also Errands, Jobs, Salvage Contracts, Hunting Grounds, Rebel Outposts, Melee Pits, and more.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores mission list

Just because you’ve finished the story in Horizon Forbidden West doesn’t mean you’re done. After completing the main game, you can hop into the PS5-exclusive DLC, Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. This expansion takes Aloy to the ruins of former Los Angeles, where she uncovers a colossal new threat. Here’s every main story mission in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores:

• To the Burning Shores (Level 38)
• Heaven and Earth (Level 41)
• The Stars in their Eyes (Level 44)
• For His Amusement (Level 47)
• His Final Act (Level 50)
• Epilogue (Level 50)

How long does it take to beat Horizon Forbidden West?

If you’re looking to just run through the story of Horizon Forbidden West you’re looking at roughly 30 hours, and 40 hours for the average playthrough where you take your time and do a bit of side content. On the other hand, if you want to do absolutely everything in the game you’re looking at 60-70 hours, or potentially more depending on your pace. Burning Shores tacks on another 5 or 6 hours for just the main story, or another 10-12 hours if you want to do everything.

For comparison’s sake, Horizon Zero Dawn takes roughly 25 hours for the main story and up to 60 hours for players looking to do absolutely everything, with The Frozen Wilds DLC adding a few hours to that time. Horizon Forbidden West is slightly longer than its predecessor, but neither game is quite as expansive as some of the bigger open-world titles out there, like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Completionists will, obviously, be spending a lot of time with Horizon Forbidden West. Aside from all the side content, you can always work toward that elusive Platinum Trophy as well.

Horizon Forbidden West is currently available on PS4 and PS5. Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is available exclusively on PS5.