Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores delivers a pivotal epilogue that transforms the base game’s campaign into a complete, high-stakes experience. Set in the volcanic ruins of Los Angeles, this expansion forces Aloy to confront the franchise’s most menacing villain to date, while simultaneously setting a critical narrative foundation for the inevitable third installment.
Essential Storytelling in a Volcanic Sandbox
Unlike the optional nature of Zero Dawn’s Frozen Wilds, Burning Shores feels like required reading for fans. The narrative picks up immediately after the main game, transporting players to a fractured, lava-drenched Los Angeles. Beyond the action, the expansion shines by deepening the lore of the Quen—the sequel’s standout faction—and introducing Seyka, a new companion who quickly establishes herself as one of the series’ most compelling characters.
The Dynamic Duo: Aloy and Seyka
Seyka serves as the heartbeat of this expansion, acting as a charismatic, mirror-image foil to Aloy. While their relationship develops at a rapid pace due to the DLC’s shorter runtime, their chemistry is undeniable. Whether they are trading quips amidst the ruins of a dinosaur-themed park or coordinating combat maneuvers, their partnership adds a layer of depth that makes the adventure feel more personal and high-stakes.
Verticality and the Joy of Flight
The former Tinseltown is a visual masterpiece, utilizing volcanic rivers and towering skyscrapers to push the limits of vertical gameplay. The environment heavily favors aerial traversal, making the Sunwing and the new Waterwing—a submersible mount—essential tools for exploration. While the game introduces a motorized boat for traversal, its limited speed and docking constraints make it feel obsolete compared to the sheer utility of flight.
Combat, Crafting, and Cooperative Play
While the new machine roster, including mechanical frogs and flies, provides fresh tactical challenges, the core combat loop remains largely familiar. Players will spend significant time hunting for “Brimstone,” a vital resource used to craft the expansion’s powerful legendary gear. The combat experience is significantly improved by Seyka’s presence; she is a highly capable ally who actively contributes to fights, often using her ropecaster to pin enemies for devastating follow-up attacks.
A Necessary Chapter for the Franchise
Burning Shores is an entertaining and meaningful conclusion to the Forbidden West saga. While it retains some legacy issues—such as excessive hand-holding during puzzles—it succeeds in its primary mission: providing a high-quality epilogue that justifies its existence. By bridging the gap between current events and the next major threat, Aloy’s trip to Hollywood ensures that the series is perfectly positioned for its future evolution.
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