Horizon Zero Dawn Download & Installation guide screenshot

Download & Installation

Download & Installation Guide for Horizon Zero Dawn



This guide provides comprehensive instructions for downloading and installing Horizon Zero Dawn on all supported platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 (via backward compatibility). Note that the game is not available on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices.

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1. Official & Legitimate Download Sources



PlatformStorefrontNotes
PC[Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1151640/Horizon_Zero_Dawn_Complete_Edition/)Complete Edition (base game + The Frozen Wilds DLC)
PC[Epic Games Store](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition)Same content as Steam
PlayStation 4PlayStation Store (PS4)Base game or Complete Edition
PlayStation 5PlayStation Store (PS5)Backward compatible; PS5 patch available to unlock 60 FPS
> Avoid third-party key resellers unless you are certain they are authorized. Unauthorized keys may be revoked or cause account issues.

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2. System Requirements (PC)



Minimum Requirements (1080p / 30 FPS / Low settings)



  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K @ 3.3 GHz or AMD FX 6300 @ 3.5 GHz

  • Memory: 8 GB RAM

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (3 GB) or AMD Radeon R9 290 (4 GB)

  • DirectX: Version 12

  • Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD recommended)

  • Additional: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system


    • Recommended Requirements (1080p / 60 FPS / High settings)



  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K @ 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X @ 3.5 GHz

  • Memory: 16 GB RAM

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB)

  • DirectX: Version 12

  • Storage: 100 GB SSD


    • Ultra Requirements (4K / 60 FPS / Ultra settings)



  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K @ 3.7 GHz or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X @ 3.7 GHz

  • Memory: 16 GB RAM

  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB)

  • DirectX: Version 12

  • Storage: 100 GB NVMe SSD


    • > Important: The game has known CPU threading issues on older quad-core processors. A 6-core/12-thread CPU is strongly recommended for smooth gameplay.

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    3. Storage Space & Pre-Installation



  • Total download size: ~70 GB (varies by platform)

  • Installed size: ~100 GB (due to decompression and patches)

  • SSD mandatory: The game streams large world assets; an HDD will cause texture pop-in and stuttering.

  • Free up space: Ensure at least 110 GB free to accommodate temporary files during installation.


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    4. Account Requirements



  • Steam: A Steam account (free). The game must be purchased or redeemed on your account.

  • Epic Games Store: An Epic Games account (free). Same purchase requirement.

  • PlayStation: A PlayStation Network (PSN) account (free). You must be signed in to download and play.

  • No additional launchers are required on PC besides Steam/Epic.


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5. Step-by-Step Installation by Platform



5.1 PC via Steam



1. Launch the Steam client and log in to your account.
2. Go to the Library tab.
3. Locate Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition in your library. If you haven't purchased it, visit the store page and complete the purchase.
4. Click Install.
5. In the pop-up, select the destination folder (ensure the drive has at least 110 GB free).
6. Choose whether to create a desktop shortcut (optional).
7. Click Next and then Install.
8. Wait for the download and installation to complete (may take 1–3 hours depending on internet speed).
9. Once finished, the Play button will become active.

5.2 PC via Epic Games Store



1. Open the Epic Games Launcher and log in.
2. Go to your Library.
3. Find Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition and click Install.
4. Choose the installation path and click Install.
5. Wait for the process to finish. The Launch button will appear.

5.3 PlayStation 4 (Physical Disc or Digital)



#### Digital Download
1. On the PS4 home screen, go to PlayStation Store.
2. Search for "Horizon Zero Dawn" and select the Complete Edition or base game.
3. Click Download (if purchased) or Buy then Download.
4. The game will be added to your library and download in the background.
5. Once downloaded, the game icon will appear on the home screen. Select it to install (if not auto-installing).
6. Launch the game.

#### Physical Disc
1. Insert the game disc into the PS4.
2. The game should appear on the home screen with a progress bar for installation.
3. If prompted, install any mandatory updates (recommended).
4. The disc acts as a license key; keep it in the drive while playing.

5.4 PlayStation 5 (Backward Compatibility)



1. Insert the PS4 disc (if physical) or navigate to your PS4 library (if digital).
2. If digital, go to Game Library > Your Collection and select Horizon Zero Dawn.
3. Click Download. The PS5 will install the PS4 version.
4. After installation, do not launch yet.
5. Go to the game’s Options button (three dots) and select Game Version.
6. Choose PlayStation 5 | Horizon Zero Dawn (this is the PS5-optimized patch that unlocks 60 FPS and faster load times).
7. The patch will download (approx. 2 GB).
8. Launch the game. It will run at 60 FPS based on your display settings.

> Note: The PS5 version is not a native remaster. It uses the PS4 Pro enhancements with an unlocked frame rate.

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6. First Launch Setup



1. Launch the game from your platform (Steam, Epic, PS4 home, PS5 home).
2. PC only: A splash screen will appear. If it's your first time, you may be prompted to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (if not already installed). Allow it.
3. Automatic detection of graphics settings (PC): The game will attempt to set optimal settings based on your hardware. You can change these later.
4. Language selection: Choose your preferred language for audio and subtitles.
5. Display Calibration (optional): Adjust brightness and HDR settings if supported.
6. Sign in to PSN (PlayStation only): You may need to confirm your PSN account. If on PS5, the game will tie to your account automatically.
7. Main menu: Confirm you are on the latest version. The in-game version number is displayed in the bottom-left corner of the main menu (e.g., 1.11).
8. Create a new game or load an existing save. If you transferred a save from PS4 to PS5, you can use the in-game cloud save feature.

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7. Common Installation Errors & Fixes



ErrorPlatformCauseSolution
"Not enough disk space"AllInsufficient free space.Delete temporary files, move other games to another drive, or free up at least 110 GB. Use Disk Cleanup (Windows) or rebuild database (PS4).
"Steam disk write error"PC (Steam)Corrupted download cache or permissions issue.Restart Steam as admin, clear download cache (Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache), or change the download region.
"The file is corrupted"PC (Steam/Epic)Incomplete download or antivirus interference.Verify integrity of game files (Steam: right-click game > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. Epic: click three dots > Verify).
"Missing MSVCP140.dll"PCVisual C++ redistributable not installed.Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables from [Microsoft](https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe). Restart PC.
"Horizon Zero Dawn has stopped working"PCOutdated graphics drivers or insufficient RAM/VRAM.Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA or AMD). Lower graphics settings, especially texture quality and shadows. Close background apps.
"Can't purchase/launch on PS4/PS5 due to region lock"PlayStationDisc or digital version region mismatch.Ensure the game and your PSN account are from the same region. For digital, create an account in the same region as the store.
"Installation stuck at 99%"AllCorrupted update file.On PC: restart the launcher and re-verify files. On PS4/PS5: rebuild database (Safe Mode > Option 4) or delete and re-download (ensure good internet).
"Error CE-34878-0"PlayStationGame crash during installation or launch.Update system software. Rebuild database. If persistent, reinstall the game.
"FPS drops or stuttering after install"PCBackground processes, high settings, or lack of SSD.Close unnecessary programs. Lower settings (especially shadows and reflections). Ensure the game is installed on an SSD. Enable "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling" in Windows (optional).
"Controller not working"PCIncorrect input mapping or Steam Input conflict.Launch via Steam Big Picture mode for automatic controller support. Disable other controllers.
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8. Post-Installation Verification



After installation, perform these checks to ensure the game is running correctly:

1. Check game version: On PC, from the main menu look at the bottom-left corner. The latest version is 1.11 (as of this guide). On PlayStation, check the game’s information (Options > Information) for the same version.
2. Test performance: Start a new game and play through the opening sequence. Verify:
- Frame rate is stable (target 30 FPS on PS4, 60 FPS on PS5 or PC).
- No graphical glitches, texture tearing, or audio desync.
- Loading times are reasonable (under 30 seconds from launch to gameplay).
3. Audio check: Ensure both dialogue and ambient sounds are working. If using surround sound, test all channels.
4. Saving: Create a manual save (Menu > Save). Then exit to main menu and reload the save to confirm it loaded without errors.
5. DLC access: On the main menu, look for The Frozen Wilds option under the main story. On PC, if you own the Complete Edition, it should be included. On PlayStation, the DLC must be purchased separately or you may need to install it from the store.
6. Update to latest patch: Always install any available patches. On PC, Steam/Epic will auto-update. On PS4/PS5, go to the game icon, press Options, and select Check for Update.
7. Backup saves (PC): Steam cloud saves are automatic. For manual backup, locate saves in `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Horizon Zero Dawn\Saved Game` and copy the folder. On PlayStation, use PS+ cloud storage or USB backup.

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9. Additional Tips



  • PC performance tuning: The game is CPU-intensive. Use the in-game benchmark tool (Options > Graphics > Benchmark) to test your settings.

  • Modding (PC): Horizon Zero Dawn supports mods through sites like Nexus Mods. To install mods, you'll need to unpack the game's `.bin` files (use the [Horizon Mod Manager](https://www.nexusmods.com/horizonzerodawn/mods/5) but be aware that mods may break with updates). Modding is not covered in this installation guide.

  • VRAM usage: At 1080p High, the game uses up to 5 GB VRAM. If you have a 4 GB card, you may need to lower textures to Medium.

  • Refund policy (Steam/Epic): If you experience issues and cannot fix them, request a refund within 2 hours of playtime and 14 days of purchase.


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    10. Conclusion



    By following this guide, you should have Horizon Zero Dawn installed and ready to play on your chosen platform. Always ensure you have the latest drivers, adequate free storage, and a stable internet connection. If you encounter any persistent issues, consult the official support forums:

  • Steam Discussions: [Horizon Zero Dawn Steam Community](https://steamcommunity.com/app/1151640)

  • Epic Games Support: https://www.epicgames.com/support

  • PlayStation Support: https://www.playstation.com/support/


Enjoy your journey through the vibrant but dangerous world of the Nora tribe and the machines!

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Last updated: October 2023