Horizon Zero Dawn vs The Last of Us
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
In a world where humans live in tribes and must fight against robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn follows the story of Aloy, a hunter, as she uncovers the secrets of her past and the truth about the world she lives in. With a strong narrative and engaging gameplay, Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game that offers a unique blend of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements.
The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog. The game follows the story of Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl, as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic world infected by a deadly virus. The game features a strong narrative focus, deep characters, and intense gameplay mechanics.
- Engaging narrative and characters
- Strong gameplay mechanics and combat
- Beautiful and detailed open world environment
- High replay value with multiple side quests and errands
- Strong narrative focus and deep characters
- Intense action sequences and survival mechanics
- Emotional storytelling and character development
- Highly immersive and engaging gameplay experience
- Some players may find the combat mechanics repetitive
- Limited character customization options
- Some minor glitches and bugs in the game
- Limited multiplayer options
- Some players may find the game's themes and content disturbing
- The game's world can be quite dark and depressing at times
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Grand Theft Auto V is a vast open world game set in Los Santos, a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis struggling to stay afloat in an era of eco
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHorizon Zero Dawn is the safer, highly replayable open-world default for action RPG fans, while The Last of Us trades scope for an intensely emotional, story-driven survival horror experience. The main trade-off is between fighting robotic creatures in a vast landscape versus surviving a virus-devastated world with deep character bonds.
Key differences
- •Setting and Enemies: Horizon Zero Dawn features a post-apocalyptic world ruled by robotic creatures, whereas The Last of Us is devastated by a deadly virus featuring infected humans and other survivors.
- •Combat and Mechanics: Horizon Zero Dawn offers agile combat, crafting, and the ability to ride and override robotic creatures; The Last of Us focuses on intense action sequences, scavenging scarce supplies, and crafting items.
- •Narrative and Tone: Horizon Zero Dawn uncovers Aloy's past and the world's secrets in an open adventure; The Last of Us delivers an emotional, story-driven experience focusing on a bond with Ellie in a darker setting.
- •Critical Reception and Release: Horizon Zero Dawn has a critic score of 89 and launched in February 2017, while The Last of Us has a critic score of 92 and launched in June 2013.
Gameplay & fun factor
Features engaging combat mechanics against robotic creatures, puzzle solving, stealth, and equipment crafting, though combat can sometimes feel repetitive.
Platform availability
Platforms are not fully specified for Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Last of Us is specified for PlayStation 3.
Price & value
Both games share the exact same MSRP of $59.99, while their exact current pricing is unknown.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly listed as single-player under their multiplayer specifications.
Content & replayability
Offers high replay value driven by multiple side quests, errands, and exploring a vast open-world environment across diverse terrain.
Difficulty & accessibility
Features tough decisions impacting the story, intense survival mechanics, resource scarcity, and a darker, emotionally disturbing world.
Graphics & performance
Features a beautiful and detailed open world with diverse environments like forests, deserts, and ruins, though minor glitches can occur.
Choose Horizon Zero Dawn if…
Gamers seeking an expansive open-world action RPG with robotic creatures and high replay value.
Choose The Last of Us if…
Mature gamers looking for an emotional, story-driven survival horror experience with deep character bonds.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Both games have an MSRP of $59.99, though their exact current pricing is unknown.
Can I play either of these games in multiplayer?
No, both Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us are specified as single-player only.
Which game received a higher critic score?
The Last of Us received a critic score of 92/100, while Horizon Zero Dawn received an 89/100.