Horizon Zero Dawn is a paid open-world action-RPG from Guerrilla Games, published by Sony, priced at $49.99 USD for the Complete Edition on Steam (a separately sold Remastered edition also exists). There’s no official free full download — this guide covers the legitimate steps to get it, requirements, and honest pros and cons.
How to Get Horizon Zero Dawn (Official Steps)
- Open Steam and search for “Horizon Zero Dawn”.
- Confirm the listing is published by Sony Interactive Entertainment / Guerrilla Games.
- Click Add to Cart, complete checkout, and Steam downloads the game.
- Launch it and begin Aloy’s story from the very start.
- Consider the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, also available on PC, once you finish the first game.
Ways to Get It for Less
- Steam sales: Frequently discounted 60–75% off during Steam seasonal sale events.
- PlayStation Plus catalog: If you also own a PS4/PS5, it has periodically appeared in the PS Plus catalog rotation.
- Complete Edition vs. Remastered: The original Complete Edition is generally cheaper than the newer Remastered version.
System Requirements for Horizon Zero Dawn
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel i5-2500K / AMD FX 6300 | Intel i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 780 / AMD R9 290X | Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB / AMD RX 580 |
| Storage | ~100 GB free space | SSD recommended |
Pros and Cons of Horizon Zero Dawn
✅ Pros
- Widely acclaimed open-world story and Machine-hunting combat
- Includes The Frozen Wilds expansion in the Complete Edition
- Strong PC port with unlocked framerates and ultrawide support
- Direct sequel (Forbidden West) also available on PC
❌ Cons
- Large storage requirement (~100 GB)
- Some early performance/stability issues at launch (now largely patched)
- Two editions (Complete vs. Remastered) can be confusing for new buyers
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC
Available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
🎮 PlayStation
Available on PS4 and PS5 via the PlayStation Store.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Play Horizon Zero Dawn
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horizon Zero Dawn free to download?
No, it’s a paid game priced around $49.99 on Steam, with no official free full-game download.
Is it safe to download from third-party “free download” sites?
No, only buy through Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the PlayStation Store.
Should I buy Complete Edition or Remastered?
Remastered offers upgraded visuals at a higher price; Complete Edition is the more budget-friendly original release with all DLC included.
Does it include the DLC?
Yes, the Complete Edition bundles in The Frozen Wilds expansion at no extra cost.
Is the sequel also on PC?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West is separately available on PC.
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to play Horizon Zero Dawn. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.
