This year’s Game Awards extravaganza featured the typically eclectic assortment of exciting trailers that fans have come to expect from the annualized show. Tucked away amongst all of the world premiers for unannounced games was a short gameplay teaser for the PS4 and PS5’s upcomingHorizon Forbidden West. Despite clocking in at a runtime of barely over a minute, the latest look atGuerrilla Games’ open-world sequelmanaged to rattle through a remarkable amount of mouthwatering content in that time.
While the army of shiny new robots that will be antagonizing Aloy throughoutHorizon Forbidden Westwere arguably the biggest aspect of the trailer, both literally and conceptually, the teaser also revealed a lot about the gear that players will be using to fight these new foes. The sheer diversity of Aloy’s expanded arsenal stood out in particular, with there now seemingly being a new weapon at the player’s disposal for every conceivable scenario.
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Throwable Impact Grenades
After landing devastating blows with her returning Hunter Bow and spear, both of which have received rejuvenating upgrades in the sequel, the first truly new weapon that Aloy utilizes within the gameplay trailer appears to be some form of orange impact grenade. Despite having access to multiple bomb-throwing weapons withinHorizon Forbidden West, such asthe returning grenade launcher-esque Blast Sling, Aloy can now seemingly throw miniaturized explosives from her own two hands as well. It’s possible that the throwable weapon might actually be linked to the launcher, as it appears as though the hunter is carrying one in her other unused hand. Hitting the R2 fire button without aiming, for example, could now potentially allow Aloy to lob the ammunition herself.
Back during theHorizon Forbidden WestState of Play that Sony held in the summer, Aloy was also briefly shown throwing a new smoke bomb at a group of raptor-like Clawstriders in a similar manner. Therefore, confirmation that the hunter’s arsenal now extends to other miniature grenade types as well isn’t all that surprising, regardless of how players access them. What remains to be seen now is justhow deep Aloy’s pockets go. With this new grenade stunning all of the unfortunate machines it touches, it’s conceivable that there’s options which freeze, shock, and burn enemies as well, though this is purely speculation.
The Pullcaster
Even though it’s been described by Guerrilla Games primarily as a gadget-like tool that enhancesAloy’s traversal abilities withinHorizon Forbidden West, the Pullcaster that was shown within the Game Awards trailer could theoretically end up having combat potential as well. Right now it’s only been confirmed that the wrist-mounted device can be used as a grappling hook and winch. Technically speaking, though, it’s not too much of a stretch of the imagination to envision the Pullcaster also being able to pull off and manipulate parts of antagonistic machines as well.
In general, it appears as though a lot of Aloy’s gadgets might theoretically have secret weaponized support roles within combat scenarios. It could end up being rather telling, for example, thatthe Nora Hunter is seenmomentarily gliding past a flock of flying pterosaur-like robots within the exquisitely filmed one-shot-esque trailer. There’s a chance that the new Shieldwing glider could be used in some way to wrangle airborne foes into highly requested flyable mounts, a feature that could leave players blown away.
Explosive Trap Mines
While a lot of the marketing forHorizon Forbidden Westhas understandably focused on the larger toys that are set to enhance the action-RPG’s gameplay, fans shouldn’t overlook the smaller ones that have often been hidden in plain sight. Based on what’s been shown of the sequel so far, it appears as though these miniaturized weapons will have a significant impact on the fundamental ways in which players are able to approach different scenarios. During the game’s short and sweet time inthe Game Awards spotlight, for example, Aloy can be seen setting up what appears to be a new type of floating incendiary mine.
As a charging Shellsnapper hurtles towards the screen during the trailer, one trap detonates, subsequently creating an explosion that stops the machine in its tracks. From the cheekyglimpse that Guerrilla Games has providedof this process being set up, it appears as though there will be an assortment of new and returning traps for players to experiment with. In total, five can already be seen on the glowing weapon wheel that Aloy interacts with, including the returning Shock, Blast, and Detonating Traps. One new trap appears to show two arrows pointing down, which could theoretically allow players to pin a machine to the ground, similarly to how the Ropecaster functioned within the originalHorizongame.
The Spike Thrower
During the closing moments ofHorizon Forbidden West’s Game Awards trailer, Aloy can be seen facing off against a giant imposing robotic snake. As the serpent flares up to attack, the teaser cuts away for the first time to show the hunter preparing to launch a giant javelin shaped weapon.Dubbed the Spike Thrower by Guerrilla Games, this brand new ranged weapon is particularly effective against larger enemy types. Back in June’s State of Play showcase, for example, the Spike Thrower’s ability to deal large amounts of damage whilst shredding parts of a machine was demonstrated on a somewhat unfortunate mammoth-like Tremortusk.
Horizon Forbidden Westis scheduled to release on Jul 22, 2025 on PS4 and PS5.
