Horizon Zero Dawn New Details: Skill Tree, Stealth And More

Horizon: Zero Dawn certainly turned a lot of heads at E3 this year. Although the delayed release date is disappointing–the PS4-exclusive will now launch on February 28th, 2017–this does give Guerrilla Games the time and space to let Horizon: Zero Dawn live up to the hype.

Horizon: Zero Dawn’s Game Director Mathijs de Jong (who’s been quite chatty about the game) opened up about the skill progression and stealth mechanics.

Regarding skill progression, de Jonge says that Horizon: Zero Dawn will feature a skill tree (nothing surprising here).

There is a Skill Tree to upgrade/expand Aloy's abilities. Needs XP which is earned in many ways incl. tactical play. https://t.co/7BFiFOWah2

— Mathijs de Jonge (@dejongemathijs) June 23, 2016

As to stealth mechanics, de Jonge says that stealth is “an option,” but that it isn’t “ideal.” A non-ideal stealth option and skill trees? de Jonge’s sounding very Ubisoft just now.

stealth is always an option, but not always ideal.

— Mathijs de Jonge (@dejongemathijs) June 24, 2016

As for the possibility of a Horizon: Zero Dawn demo making its way to the Playstation Store, de Jonge has said that this is off the cards for now, as the resources would be better spent on the game itself. No P.T.-style temporary wanders. Hopefully, no P.T.-style cancellation either.