Can you play Horizon Zero Dawn on Xbox? This question has crossed the minds of many Xbox players eager to experience the renowned action RPG.
Developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony, Horizon Zero Dawn follows the journey of Aloy in a beautifully crafted post-apocalyptic world teeming with robotic creatures.
However, here’s the quick answer: Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t available on Xbox, and it remains a PlayStation exclusive.
In this post, we’ll dive into why the game isn’t on Xbox, explore Sony’s console exclusivity strategy, suggest some stellar alternatives for Xbox players, and discuss whether cross-platform access could be possible in the future.
Why Horizon Zero Dawn Isn’t on Xbox?
Console exclusivity is a strategic approach by major gaming companies like Sony and Microsoft to build loyalty to their platforms. By restricting certain high-demand games to one console, these companies give players a compelling reason to choose their hardware.
For instance, God of War is a flagship PlayStation title, while Halo has long been a cornerstone of the Xbox experience. These exclusive games often showcase each console’s strengths, offering gameplay, graphics, and narratives that make each system stand out.
Sony has crafted an exclusivity model that centers around offering rich, single-player experiences through standout games available only on PlayStation. Titles like The Last of Us, Uncharted, and Horizon Zero Dawn have helped Sony establish the PlayStation as the go-to platform for immersive, story-driven games.
Horizon Zero Dawn became one of these emblematic titles, drawing players to PlayStation with its unique world and captivating story. By keeping it exclusive, Sony ensured that it highlighted the PlayStation’s strengths and appeal, making it a central piece of the console’s identity and success.
Financially, releasing Horizon Zero Dawn on Xbox wouldn’t make much sense for Sony. Exclusive titles like Horizon Zero Dawn drive console sales, especially as fans of specific games are drawn to buy the systems that offer them. If Horizon Zero Dawn were available on Xbox, Sony would lose a critical advantage, likely seeing diminished PlayStation sales and brand loyalty.
Furthermore, sharing one of its blockbuster franchises with a competitor would likely cut into the unique appeal of the PlayStation catalog. For Sony, keeping Horizon Zero Dawn exclusive reinforces PlayStation’s value proposition, making it less likely that the game will ever see an Xbox release.
Where You Can Play Horizon Zero Dawn
1. PlayStation 4
Horizon Zero Dawn originally launched in 2017 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. As one of the standout games on the console, it quickly became a fan favorite, especially for those drawn to its unique post-apocalyptic world and the protagonist Aloy’s journey.
For players with a PS4 Pro, the game offered enhanced visuals, making the already stunning landscapes and robotic creatures even more lifelike and immersive. Later, Sony released the Complete Edition, which included the base game and The Frozen Wilds expansion, adding new areas, storylines, and challenges.
2. Windows (PC)
In 2020, Sony took the rare step of releasing Horizon Zero Dawn on PC, a move that delighted fans outside the PlayStation ecosystem. The PC port allowed players to experience the game with even more graphical improvements, including higher frame rates, enhanced draw distances, and customizable settings.
Available on platforms like Steam and GOG, the PC version helped bring Horizon Zero Dawn’s expansive world to a broader audience, with many newcomers able to enjoy the game on powerful rigs for an even more cinematic experience.
3. PlayStation 5
For those who own Sony’s latest console, the PlayStation 5, Horizon Zero Dawn received a remastered version in 2024. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers upgraded visuals and re-recorded dialogue, taking advantage of the PS5’s hardware to deliver an even more polished experience.
Notably, Sony introduced a $10 upgrade path for players who already own the PS4 Complete Edition, allowing them to enjoy the enhanced graphics and audio without repurchasing the game at full price. This remaster gives new and returning players a fresh way to explore Aloy’s world with all the advancements the PS5 has to offer.
Best Horizon Zero Dawn Alternatives for Xbox Players
If you’re an Xbox player searching for a Horizon Zero Dawn-like experience, don’t worry—there are several games that capture similar elements of exploration, storytelling, and action-packed combat. Here are some top recommendations for Xbox players who want a game with the same depth and immersive world-building as Horizon Zero Dawn.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
For fans of expansive open worlds and rich storytelling, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an excellent choice. Set in a vast, beautifully crafted fantasy world, the game follows Geralt of Rivia on a journey filled with complex characters, branching narratives, and immersive side quests.
Like Horizon Zero Dawn, The Witcher 3 combines action RPG mechanics with a gripping storyline, making it an ideal option for players who enjoy deep narratives and character-driven adventures.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Set in ancient Greece, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers an open-world experience that blends historical exploration with action RPG elements. As you play either Alexios or Kassandra, you’ll uncover secrets, fight epic battles, and make choices that affect the game’s outcome.
The expansive Greek landscape invites exploration, and the blend of historical context and engaging combat echoes the adventurous spirit of Horizon Zero Dawn, giving players a world that feels both lived-in and intriguing.
Elden Ring
For those seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience, Elden Ring offers strategic combat and a rich, interconnected open world. Though its tone and setting differ from Horizon Zero Dawn, the game emphasizes exploration, thoughtful combat, and discovery, inviting players to uncover secrets in every corner.
FromSoftware’s intricate world design and atmospheric storytelling make Elden Ring a thrilling alternative, especially for players who value the journey of uncovering a world’s mysteries just as much as the story itself.
These alternatives provide Xbox players with exciting and expansive worlds to explore, each offering a taste of the depth and adventure that makes Horizon Zero Dawn so memorable.
Conclusion
Horizon Zero Dawn remains a PlayStation exclusive and, as of now, is not available on Xbox due to Sony’s strategy of using exclusivity to drive PlayStation sales. However, with the gaming industry showing signs of greater cross-platform accessibility, there’s always the possibility that more previously exclusive titles could become available on other platforms in the future.
In the meantime, Xbox players have several fantastic alternatives to explore, from the vast, story-rich world of The Witcher 3 to the action-packed landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and the challenge and mystery of Elden Ring.
These games offer similar elements of exploration, adventure, and compelling storytelling, providing plenty to enjoy while you wait for any updates on Horizon Zero Dawn’s availability. Keep checking back for the latest on cross-platform releases and exciting new games!
Related: