What is the Max Level in Horizon Forbidden West‘s New Game Plus Mode?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The max level that can be attained in Horizon Forbidden West‘s New Game Plus mode is level 100. This includes 50 normal levels from the base game, plus an additional 50 "ghost levels" only available when replaying in New Game Plus.

Normal Playthrough Level 50 Cap

In a normal playthrough, Aloy‘s max level is capped at 50. For most players following the critical path, it will take around 30-35 hours to reach this threshold. Completionists aiming to max out the level in a single playthrough should expect to spend 50+ hours earning enough XP through quests, traversal, and combat.

Post-Level 50 "Ghost Levels" Up to 100

However, upon activating New Game Plus, an expanded progression system unlocking a further 50 levels is revealed. These post-level 50 ranks are referred to in-game as "ghost levels". Based on community data, it takes between 80-100 hours of playtime in NG+ to grind the XP required to hit the virtual level 100 cap.

The tremendous time investment is due to XP requirements ramping up sharply during the ghost levels. For example, leveling from 95 to 96 requires over 3 million XP! So maxing out requires dedication.

Ghost Levels Offer Long-Term Goals, Not Power Gains

Now, it‘s important to note the post-50 ghost levels confer no statistical improvements to Aloy‘s abilities. They are simply a Cosmetic indicator of leftover XP accrued, providing veterans an extended progression journey to pursue 100%.

Rest assured, gameplay balance remains intact throughout. The challenges faced scale appropriately based on actual gear and abilities, not inflated character level. So players cannot "out-level" Forbidden West‘s content through ghost XP alone.

Additional Motivations to Invest Heavily in NG+

Even without power gains from ghost levels, New Game Plus still offers alluring reasons for high-level players to rejoin the fight:

  • New weapon coils with unique effects exclusive to NG+
  • Special outfits only accessible by completing NG+ on Ultra Hard
  • Respec‘ing Aloy‘s skills to enable completely different playstyle builds
  • Increased difficulty options providing fresh combat challenges

So in summary, while the ghost levels themselves are largely a cosmetic timesink, Forbidden West‘s New Game+ provides ample incentives for devoted players to return to the Forbidden West and embrace the journey to level 100.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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