Can You Run Horizon Zero Dawn?
Wondering if your PC can handle Horizon Zero Dawn? Here are the full Horizon Zero Dawn system requirements for 2020, what performance to expect at each resolution, and the cheapest hardware that gets you there.
Horizon Zero Dawn is a detailed open-world game that leans on the CPU during its early loading and shader compilation, then runs smoothly once settled. A mid-range card handles it well at 1080p, and its excellent upscaling helps on weaker hardware. An SSD improves the experience noticeably.
Horizon Zero Dawn system requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i7 7700K | Core i9 9900K |
| GPU | GTX 1060 (6GB) | RX 5700 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | ~100 GB (SSD recommended) | ~100 GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
Performance by resolution
Estimated frame rate for a recommended-tier GPU, and the card you'd target for a smooth ~60 FPS at each resolution.
These are general tiers. Check your exact PC against Horizon Zero Dawn and get a personalized verdict with estimated FPS.
Check my PC for Horizon Zero Dawn →Frequently asked questions
What do I need to run Horizon Zero Dawn?
At minimum, roughly a Core i7 7700K, a GTX 1060 (6GB), and 8 GB of RAM on Windows 10/11 64-bit, with about 100 GB of free storage.
How much RAM does Horizon Zero Dawn need?
The minimum is 8 GB, but 16 GB is recommended for smooth performance, especially with background apps open. Running RAM in dual-channel helps too.
Can I play Horizon Zero Dawn at 4K?
Yes, but 4K is demanding. For a stable 60 FPS at 4K you'd want around a RTX 5090 or better, often with DLSS/FSR upscaling turned on.
Is an SSD required for Horizon Zero Dawn?
An SSD isn't always mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Modern games stream data constantly, and a hard drive can cause stutter and long load times.
Requirements shown are approximate, derived from generalized performance tiers to help you gauge compatibility. Always check the official requirements from the publisher before purchasing.