Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC Review — An Epic Extension on PlayStation 5
The Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC brings Aloy’s journey to the volcanic isles of Los Angeles, now reimagined as a chain of molten landscapes. In this review, we’ll assess whether Guerrilla Games delivers on new story beats, gameplay enhancements, and PS5 performance that fans expect from a top-tier PlayStation Game Review.
The DLC picks up after the main campaign, taking place on the fiery ruins of Los Angeles beneath the Pacific. It introduces new threats, mutated machines, and tribal mysteries. Beyond adding narrative weight, it also brings fresh gameplay—new traversal tools, weapon mods, and invisible mechanical creatures that play off the hot, ashy atmosphere.
Performance & Visual Upgrades on PS5
On the PlayStation 5, the Burning Shores DLC runs with two selectable modes: Performance (120fps) and Fidelity (4K ray tracing). I tested both—Performance mode delivers silky smooth movement in combat sequences, while Fidelity mode enriches lighting with molten lava reflections and atmospheric smoke that feel absolutely next-gen.
Loading times are nearly instantaneous thanks to the SSD—and even fast travel in Heat-soaked zones feels nearly seamless. Couple that with DualSense haptic feedback (lava-thrum during traversal) and Tempest 3D Audio, and it’s a sensory experience that justifies the DLC’s standalone price.
New Gear & Combat Innovations
Guerrilla adds two new weapon types: the Voltaic Lance (electric bolt) and the Pyro Bomb launcher (area fire damage). Both feel well-balanced and integrate seamlessly into combat. The Voltaic Lance’s charge mechanic provides satisfying bursts, and the Pyro Bombs bring explosive crowd control—especially against steam-belching machines.
Story & Character Moments
Burning Shores expands Aloy’s story with emotional depth—between tribal politics of Tenakth survivors and subtle callbacks to earlier Horizon lore. A key highlight: a volcanic caverns sequence with dramatic story payoff and environmental storytelling that feels on par with the base game’s best moments.
Watch the official Burning Shores gameplay trailer above—to see dynamic lava flows, new machines, and stunning volcano weather effects in action.
Is Burning Shores Worth Your Time?
Yes—this DLC enriches the Horizon experience with visual flair, tight gameplay tweaks, and compelling story arcs. It’s not just an add-on, but an essential extension for anyone on PS5 seeking more of Aloy’s journey. The added cost feels fair considering performance enhancements and the fresh narrative. Highly recommended for players who want more depth without fluff.
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