When Will Forbidden West Go On sale? (Don’t Miss This Price drop!)
For many gamers, the thrill of exploring vast open worlds and engaging in epic quests is often tempered by the high cost of new releases.
We all know the feeling: that burning desire to dive into the latest blockbuster title, only to be met with a hefty price tag.
This is especially true for games like “Horizon Forbidden West,” the critically acclaimed sequel to the beloved “Horizon Zero Dawn.” Its stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and immersive gameplay made it an instant hit, but its initial price point put it out of reach for some.
In this article, I’m going to explore when you can realistically expect to see significant price drops for “Horizon Forbidden West,” focusing on the year 2025.
Affordability is key, and knowing when to strike can save you a considerable amount of money.
I’ll delve into the current pricing landscape, historical trends, factors influencing future sales, and strategies for timing your purchase just right.
So, buckle up, and let’s navigate the world of video game price drops together!
The Current Pricing Landscape
As of October 26, 2024, “Horizon Forbidden West” has been available for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 for quite some time.
This means we can already see some fluctuations in price, depending on where you look.
- PlayStation Store (Digital): The standard digital edition for PS5 typically hovers around $59.99, although sales can bring it down to around $39.99.
The PS4 version is often slightly cheaper. - Physical Copies: Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop offer both new and used physical copies.
The price can vary widely, with new copies ranging from $40 to $60, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
Used copies can sometimes be found for as low as $25 to $35. - Special Editions: The special editions, such as the Digital Deluxe Edition or the Collector’s Edition, originally retailed at higher prices ($79.99 and up).
While these are less commonly available new, you might find them on resale platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, often at prices that fluctuate based on demand and condition.
Several factors influence these prices.
Demand, of course, plays a significant role.
As a game ages, demand typically decreases, leading to price drops.
Production costs are also a factor, though these are usually fixed at the time of release.
Publisher strategies are crucial too.
Sony, as the publisher, will strategically lower prices to boost sales during specific periods or to coincide with new content releases.
Looking at past major game releases, we can see a common trend.
Games often maintain their initial price for the first few months, followed by gradual discounts, and then more significant price drops around major sales events.
For example, “The Last of Us Part II” saw its first major price drop approximately six months after its release, and similar patterns have been observed for other AAA titles.
Digital versus physical copies also have a noticeable impact on pricing.
Digital versions can sometimes be cheaper due to the absence of manufacturing and distribution costs.
However, physical copies offer the advantage of being resold or traded, which can make them a more appealing option for some gamers.
Anticipating Price Drops: Historical Context
To predict when “Horizon Forbidden West” might see further price reductions in 2025, it’s helpful to look at the historical price drop patterns of similar games.
Let’s consider “Horizon Zero Dawn,” the prequel to “Forbidden West,” and other major PlayStation exclusives.
“Horizon Zero Dawn” initially launched at $59.99.
Within a year, it was regularly available for around $20 to $30.
By the time “Forbidden West” was released, you could often find it for under $20, especially during sales events.
This pattern is fairly typical for successful PlayStation exclusives.
Here’s a table illustrating typical price drops over time for similar AAA titles:
As you can see, there’s a consistent trend of price reductions over time.
Typically, you can expect to see a significant price drop (25-30%) within the first six months, followed by further reductions over the next year or two.
Seasonal sales and special events also play a crucial role.
Black Friday, the holiday season, and events like E3 (though its future is uncertain) are prime opportunities for retailers to offer deep discounts.
PlayStation also often runs its own promotional events, such as the “Days of Play” sale, which usually features significant discounts on first-party titles.
Factors Influencing Future Sales
Several factors will influence the future sales and pricing of “Horizon Forbidden West” in 2025.
- Game Updates and DLC: The release of the “Burning Shores” DLC has already impacted the game’s price, often bundled with the main game in complete editions.
If Sony releases further expansions or major updates, it could either drive up the price of complete editions or incentivize deeper discounts on the base game to attract new players. - Competition in the Market: The gaming market is constantly evolving.
The release of new AAA titles can directly impact the pricing strategy for existing games like “Horizon Forbidden West.” For instance, if a major open-world RPG is released in 2025, Sony might lower the price of “Forbidden West” to remain competitive. - Economic Factors: Economic conditions also play a significant role.
Inflation and economic downturns can affect consumer spending on video games.
If the economy weakens, retailers and publishers might be more aggressive with discounts to stimulate sales. - PlayStation Plus: The inclusion of “Horizon Forbidden West” in PlayStation Plus tiers (especially the Extra or Premium tiers) can significantly affect its perceived value and influence purchasing decisions.
If it becomes a regular offering, the standalone price might drop further.
Expected Price Drops in 2025
Considering these factors, I anticipate several opportunities for significant price drops on “Horizon Forbidden West” in 2025.
- Major Sales Events: Keep an eye on Black Friday (late November), the holiday season (December), and potential summer sales events (June/July).
These are typically the times when retailers offer the deepest discounts. - Bundle Deals: Retailers often create bundle deals that include the game, DLC, and potentially other accessories.
These bundles can offer significant savings compared to purchasing each item separately. - PlayStation Store Sales: Regularly check the PlayStation Store for weekly and monthly sales.
Sony often features “Horizon Forbidden West” in its promotional events. - Subscription Services: Monitor PlayStation Plus.
Here are some strategies to help you effectively time your purchase of “Horizon Forbidden West.”- Use Price Tracking Tools: Websites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) and PriceRunner can track price fluctuations and alert you when a game reaches your desired price point.
- Monitor Retailer Websites: Regularly check the websites of major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart for ongoing promotions and discounts.
- Set Up Email Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from retailers and price tracking websites to receive notifications about price drops.
- Be Patient: The key to getting the best deal is often patience.
Waiting for a sale can save you a significant amount of money, and it also gives the developers time to release patches and updates that enhance the gaming experience.
Understanding the psychology of gaming purchases can also help you make better buying decisions.
The fear of missing out (FOMO) can often lead to impulse purchases.
However, by understanding pricing trends and being patient, you can avoid overpaying and get the game at a price that you’re comfortable with.Conclusion
“Horizon Forbidden West” is undoubtedly a fantastic game, but its initial price can be a barrier for many.
By understanding the current pricing landscape, historical trends, and factors influencing future sales, you can make informed decisions and time your purchase to take advantage of significant price drops.Remember to stay informed about upcoming sales events, monitor retailer websites, and use price tracking tools to find the best deals.
Patience is key, and by waiting for the right moment, you can save money and enjoy the game without breaking the bank.I encourage you to share your thoughts on when you believe “Horizon Forbidden West” will go on sale and your experiences with price drops in the gaming industry.
Happy gaming!
