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Comparing ultra hard in zero dawn and forbidden west

Ultra Hard Mode: A Showdown Between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West | Difficulty Debate Heats Up

By

Maximilian Schubert

Aug 1, 2025, 12:02 AM

3 minutes of duration

A player battles a mechanical creature in a challenging setting from Zero Dawn, highlighting the intensity of Ultra Hard mode.
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A rising debate among gamers is sparking interest in how the Ultra Hard (UH) mode in Horizon Forbidden West stacks up against its predecessor, Zero Dawn. With reports highlighting an increase in difficulty, seasoned players are now questioning whether the transition is worth the challenge.

Gameplay Comparison: Zero Dawn vs. Forbidden West

Gamers are sharing their thoughts on the comparative difficulty of Ultra Hard mode in both titles. A frequent sentiment on forums is that machines in Forbidden West are significantly tougher. One player noted, "In ZD, you knock a ravager cannon off, and youโ€™re set. In FW, you might barely make a dent in their health."

Mixed Experiences in Difficulty

Several players shared their experiences with Zero Dawn's UH mode, expressing that the transition to Forbidden West isn't as straightforward as it seems:

  • Beefed-Up Machines: Many players feel that enemies in Forbidden West come with enhanced damage and health, resulting in brutal combat scenarios. One comment read, "The green and blue tier weapons feel weak on UH with how much more health machines have."

  • Gameplay Adjustments: Players often need to rethink strategies, especially when facing hunting grounds and melee pits. "You wouldnโ€™t be able to switch to lower difficulty for hunting grounds or melee pits until the game is finished," warned a player.

  • Beginner-Friendly Options: Not all find UH a walk in the park. One player, who had only dabbled in gaming, suggested switching to story mode for certain challenging segments, stating, "I just hate fireclaws."

Daring Challenges Ahead

The advice from seasoned players skews predominantly towards caution. "Don't do NG UH in HFW unless youโ€™re really prepared. Many players have found it brutal and gave up," one experienced player cautioned. This sentiment is echoed in multiple user comments, reinforcing the notion that making this jump may not be wise without prior experience in higher difficulties.

"New game UH would not be a good idea on FW," warned another player, stressing the need for proper preparation.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Is it feasible to take on this daunting challenge? While opinions vary, the consensus is clear: Forbidden West's UH presents a unique and difficult gaming experience that might not cater to every player's skill level.

What Players Are Saying

  • โ€œIf youโ€™ve got the guts for UH from scratch, more power to you!โ€

  • โ€œIn FW, the machines have definitely stepped it up.โ€

  • โ€œBringing skills from ZD might not be enough to keep you afloat here.โ€

Insights and Highlights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Enemies in Forbidden West are notably tougher than in Zero Dawn.

  • โš”๏ธ Many players recommend switching to lower difficulties for specific challenges.

  • ๐Ÿ’ช First-time players may struggle with UH mode in Forbidden West.

As gamers continue to voice their experiences and tips, one thing is clear: the transition from Zero Dawn to Forbidden West is paved with challenges. Players are encouraged to weigh their options and harness the insights of those brave enough to take on the challenge.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers

There's a strong chance that as more players transition from Zero Dawn to Forbidden West on Ultra Hard mode, discussions on gameplay strategies will grow in various forums. Expect experts to analyze and share tailored tips, recognizing the steep learning curve involved. Approximately 60% of seasoned players may push through the challenges but will likely do so with adjusted expectations and careful planning. With the game's community already active, it's probable that fan-created guides and videos will surface, featuring techniques that might ease the strain for newcomers, raising the overall skill level across the board.

Echoes of the Past in Gaming Evolution

Drawing a parallel to the rise in competitive first-person shooters, remember the initial struggles of players transitioning from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare to Modern Warfare 2. Just as gamers faced steeper difficulty spikes with new mechanics and enhanced opponent AI, today's players in Horizon Forbidden West confront a similar reality. Much like that transition compelled experienced gamers to recalibrate their strategies, the current discussions around Ultra Hard mode could spark a resurgence of community collaboration, driving continuous improvement and adaptation within the gaming culture.