Horizon: Forbidden West

My journey into Horizon Forbidden West's New Game Plus on Ultra Hard difficulty has just begun, and let me tell you, it's a whole new beast! After completing the main story, I was eager for a fresh challenge, and NG+ Ultra Hard certainly delivers. It's not just about stronger enemies; it's about a complete tactical overhaul and truly testing everything you've learned as Aloy. One of the first things you'll notice is how much more aggressive and resilient every machine becomes. Even a seemingly simple encounter with a burrower on NG+ Ultra Hard can quickly turn deadly if you're not paying attention. Resources become incredibly scarce, forcing you to be much more strategic with your crafting and ammunition. Gone are the days of mindlessly spamming arrows; every shot counts, and every component you collect feels precious. I've already had a few close calls, realizing that my old tactics simply won't cut it anymore. So, what exactly makes Ultra Hard so... ultra hard? Well, for starters, machine health and damage output are significantly increased. Your own defenses are weaker, making even glancing blows feel like critical hits. But the biggest change, in my opinion, is how the game restricts your HUD and certain mechanics. Enemy health bars, damage numbers, and even the 'highlight' feature for weak points are gone by default, pushing you to rely entirely on your knowledge of machine weaknesses and combat prowess. This immersive aspect is both thrilling and intimidating, making every fight feel like a high-stakes chess match. If you're thinking about diving into this challenge yourself, here are a few tips I've picked up, even in my early hours: Preparation is Key: Before starting NG+, make sure you have all your favorite weapons and armor fully upgraded. You'll thank yourself later when resources are harder to come by. Focus on Weaknesses: Without the HUD, knowing machine elemental and physical weaknesses is crucial. Scan every new machine you encounter, even if you think you know it, to refresh your memory. Stealth is Your Friend: Engaging multiple enemies head-on is often a recipe for disaster. Use tall grass, smoke bombs, and silent takedowns whenever possible to thin out groups or pick off isolated targets. Valor Surges and Potions: Don't hesitate to use your most powerful Valor Surges in tough fights. Likewise, keep your potion pouch full, as you'll be chugging them constantly. Upgrading your potion capacity is a must. Explore & Scavenge: Every scrap and resource matters. Take the time to explore every corner and loot every machine. You'll need it. Starting a New Game Plus run is straightforward: simply complete the main story, and the option will appear on the title screen. You carry over all your gear, skills, and levels, which is a huge advantage, but don't let it lull you into a false sense of security. Ultra Hard will humble you quickly! I'm genuinely excited to see how I adapt and ultimately conquer this ultimate challenge in Horizon Forbidden West. It's going to be a wild ride, and I can't wait to share more of my experiences.