PlayStation5 min read

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Patch 1.08 in December 2024 Update

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered continues to evolve with the release of its latest update, Patch 1.08, which rolled out in December 2024. This update brings new functionality and a host of fixes, ensuring the remaster maintains its position as a polished and immersive open-world experience. Available exclusively on PlayStation 5, the update adds a transmog system that allows players to customize Aloy’s appearance, along with addressing numerous bugs and gameplay issues.

A Fresh Feature for Fashion-Forward Gamers

The highlight of Patch 1.08 is the introduction of transmog functionality, a feature long requested by fans. With transmog, players can now modify how Aloy’s armor appears without affecting its stats or abilities. This opens up new creative possibilities for gamers who want to explore Horizon’s lush landscapes while sporting their preferred style. To use this feature, players can navigate to their Inventory, select the Outfits tab, and choose the “Apply Look” option on their desired costume. It’s a seamless way to make Aloy’s look uniquely your own.

Patch Notes: Polishing the Horizon Experience

Beyond the exciting addition of transmog, the update focuses heavily on enhancing gameplay stability and resolving issues that have affected players since launch. Here’s a breakdown of the key fixes and improvements:

• Visual Enhancements: Flickering backgrounds during cutscenes and conversations, a source of immersion-breaking distraction, have been addressed.
• Gameplay Adjustments: Mount acceleration now functions as intended, allowing for smoother traversal across Horizon’s expansive terrain. Motion aiming, previously inconsistent while riding a mount, has also been corrected.
• Audio Refinements: The update tweaks the audio mix to reduce excessive reverb and improve dialogue clarity. Adjustments to loudness and balance further refine the game’s rich soundscape.
• Bug Fixes:
  • Concentration mode no longer activates unexpectedly.
  • A black screen issue when starting New Game+ from imported PS4 save data has been resolved.
  • Nil’s mysterious disappearance during the “Cause for Concern” quest has been fixed.
  • Music interruptions during the “Deep Secrets of Earth” quest have been corrected.
  • Various minor visual glitches and Auto Pickup-related bugs have been addressed.

These improvements reflect developer Guerrilla Games’ and Nixxes Software’s commitment to delivering a seamless experience for players.

Building on the Legacy of a Classic

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, released earlier this year for PS5 and PC, brought a fresh coat of polish to the 2017 classic. Featuring enhanced visuals and leveraging the PS5’s capabilities—such as haptic feedback—the remaster has been praised for its modernization of an already beloved title. Critics have lauded the game’s improvements, with an average score of 85 on OpenCritic.

However, the remaster hasn’t achieved the commercial success of other Sony exclusives. A recent report by TrueTrophies revealed that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has seen 92% fewer players on PS5 compared to The Last of Us Part II Remastered. While this statistic may suggest a lukewarm reception, it’s worth noting that the original Horizon Zero Dawn already reached a vast audience, potentially impacting the remaster’s sales.

A Game Worth Revisiting

Despite its lower-than-expected player numbers, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered remains a must-play for fans of open-world adventures. The remaster elevates the original’s stunning landscapes, captivating narrative, and engaging gameplay to new heights, aligning it more closely with the visual and technical benchmarks set by its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. For players who missed the game’s initial release or who want to relive Aloy’s journey in greater fidelity, the remaster offers an excellent opportunity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Horizon Franchise

While Guerrilla Games continues to support Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, fans are already looking forward to the next chapter in the franchise. Rumors suggest a new installment could arrive as early as 2025, though details remain sparse. If the series’ track record is any indication, the next Horizon game promises to push boundaries even further, delivering another unforgettable adventure.

Complete Patch 1.08 Notes

For those interested in the nitty-gritty, here’s the full list of changes introduced in Patch 1.08:

• New Feature:
  • Outfit transmog functionality added. Customize Aloy’s look without affecting stats.
• Bug Fixes and Improvements:
  • Fixed flickering in backgrounds during cutscenes and conversations.
  • Resolved a bug causing unexpected activation of Concentration.
  • Audio mix enhancements, including reduced reverb and better dialogue panning.
  • Corrected mount acceleration and motion aiming functionality.
  • Addressed a black screen issue when starting New Game+ with PS4 save data.
  • Fixed missing music during “Deep Secrets of Earth” quest.
  • Resolved Nil’s disappearance during the “Cause for Concern” quest.
  • Improved functionality for Auto Pickup.
  • Fixed various minor visual and gameplay issues.

Final Thoughts

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’s December 2024 update not only introduces a sought-after feature but also demonstrates the developers’ dedication to refining the game. Whether you’re revisiting Aloy’s world or experiencing it for the first time, Patch 1.08 ensures a smoother, more customizable adventure. As the Horizon universe continues to expand, fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking experiences in the years to come.