The gameplay in Horizon Forbidden West is a masterclass in open-world exploration and combat. Players control Aloy as she navigates through a vast open world, completing quests, hunting machines, and crafting new equipment. The game's combat system is satisfying and challenging, requiring players to use strategy and timing to take down even the toughest enemies. With a variety of machine types to encounter, each with its unique abilities and weaknesses, players must adapt their tactics on the fly to succeed.