Can I Run Horizon Zero Dawn?
2020 · Action RPG · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Horizon Zero Dawn system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel i5-2500K / AMD FX-6300 | Intel i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 780 3 GB / AMD R9 290 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6 GB / AMD RX 580 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB | 100 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Horizon Zero Dawn FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 55-70 | 40-50 | 25-30 |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 130-165 | 90-115 | 55-70 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 220-285 | 150-190 | 95-120 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 300+ | 205-260 | 125-160 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
Horizon Zero Dawn performs well on Steam Deck. An estimated 66 FPS can be expected at the Deck's native 1280x800 screen resolution, providing a very smooth experience.
Achieving a consistent 60 FPS at 1080p in Horizon Zero Dawn on a gaming laptop typically requires an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU serves as the approximate floor for playable frame rates. It is common for laptop GPUs to have lower performance than their desktop equivalents.
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition arrived on PC in August 2020 as Guerrilla Games’ first PlayStation title brought to the platform. The open-world action RPG, set in a far-future Earth roamed by robotic creatures, launched with an unlocked frame rate, ultrawide support and configurable graphics presets. The minimum specifications are met by a GeForce GTX 780 or Radeon R9 290 with 8 GB of system RAM.
The recommended specifications, built around a GTX 1060 6 GB or RX 580 with 16 GB of RAM, target a comfortable 1080p experience. The port saw several patches after launch to improve stability and reduce stutter, so up-to-date drivers and the latest game version matter. An SSD is advisable for loading and traversal, and the install needs around 100 GB. A separate Remastered edition with higher requirements is also available. The original Complete Edition includes the Frozen Wilds expansion and runs comfortably on mid-range hardware from its era, making it one of the more approachable cinematic open-world titles for players on older systems, provided drivers and the game are kept current to avoid the early launch stutter.
Frequently asked questions
What graphics card do I need for Horizon Zero Dawn?
The minimum is a GTX 780 3 GB or Radeon R9 290. A GTX 1060 6 GB or RX 580 is recommended for a smooth 1080p experience.
How much RAM does Horizon Zero Dawn need?
8 GB is the minimum and 16 GB is recommended. More RAM helps reduce streaming stutter in busy areas.
Is this the same as Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered?
No. The original Complete Edition has lower requirements. The newer Remastered release is a separate, more demanding game.