Horizon Zero Dawn's vast and beautiful open world can be a joy to explore, but traversing its expansive landscapes can sometimes feel like a chore. Thankfully, Aloy's journey is significantly eased by the implementation of a fast travel system. This guide will delve into the mechanics of fast travel in Horizon Zero Dawn, addressing common questions and providing tips to maximize its efficiency.
How Does Fast Travel Work in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Fast travel in Horizon Zero Dawn is unlocked relatively early in the game. Once you've discovered a few vantage points (tall structures marked on your map with a binocular icon), you can unlock the ability to zip between them. These vantage points act as fast travel points. By activating a vantage point, you essentially create a waypoint that can be accessed from your map at any time.
To fast travel, simply open your map (usually by pressing the "Options" button or equivalent on your controller), select a vantage point you've already discovered, and choose "Fast Travel." A short loading screen will occur, and then you'll be instantly transported to your chosen location. It's that simple!
What are the limitations of fast travel?
While fast travel is incredibly useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Requires Discovered Vantage Points: You can only fast travel to vantage points you have already visited and activated. Exploring the world and discovering these points is essential for efficient use of the fast travel system.
- No Fast Travel During Certain Missions: Some story missions or specific sections of the game may temporarily disable fast travel to maintain narrative flow and immersion. You’ll be clearly indicated when fast travel is unavailable.
- Small Loading Times: While the loading is relatively quick, it still takes a small amount of time.
Can I fast travel anywhere on the map?
No, you can only fast travel to vantage points that you have previously visited and activated. This encourages exploration and ensures you experience at least a portion of the world between destinations. It also adds a strategic element to your gameplay, as you'll need to carefully plan your route to ensure you have discovered sufficient vantage points to reach your desired locations.
How many vantage points are there in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The exact number of vantage points in Horizon Zero Dawn varies slightly depending on the game version and included DLC. However, there are a substantial number scattered throughout the map, ensuring you have plenty of options for fast travel. Finding and activating them all offers a significant benefit to your overall gameplay efficiency.
Is there a way to make fast travel faster?
No, there's no method to directly speed up the fast travel animation or reduce loading times within the game's mechanics. However, optimizing your gaming hardware (e.g., using an SSD instead of an HDD) can significantly reduce load times across the game generally.
What happens if I fast travel during a storm?
Fast travelling will teleport you to your chosen vantage point regardless of weather conditions. The weather at your destination will reflect the current state of that location, not necessarily what the weather was at your original location.
Are there any tips for efficient fast travel?
The key to efficient fast travel lies in exploration. Actively seek out and activate vantage points as you progress through the game. Try to strategically plan your routes to minimize the need for long, slow journeys on foot. Consider using the map to pinpoint the nearest vantage point before embarking on long treks.
By understanding the mechanics and limitations of Horizon Zero Dawn's fast travel system, you can significantly improve your gameplay experience and navigate the stunning open world with ease and efficiency. Remember to explore and discover new vantage points to unlock the full potential of this convenient feature!
