Horizon Zero Dawn Patch Adds Ultra Hard Mode for the Particularly Daring

If you're up for a challenge, there's a new 1.30 patch update for Guerilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn which will unlock both a New Game+ as well as a dreaded Ultra Hard Mode—among other new game additions.

"For players who seek an extra challenge, we are also introducing an 'Ultra Hard' difficulty," writes Guerilla Games' community manager Jeroen Roding on the PlayStation Blogs. "This new setting will enhance machine senses and behavior and other additional smaller tweaks. Players who decide to embark on the Ultra Hard path will not have the option to switch it to a less difficult setting when choosing New Game+."

As the name suggests, Ultra Hard mode will make the game much more difficult, which might be something to consider if you start a New Game+ which carries over your character progression and inventory (although you won't be able to progress beyond the level 50 cap). Additionally, there are now updated versions of existing weapons and outfits that come with an extra modification slot, although the shard cost will be hefty.

Lastly, New Game+ will add two new PlayStation Trophies and extra content that will let players give Aloy face paint, or change her focus.

Guerilla Games announced Horizon's first major story DLC, "The Frozen Wilds," at E3 this year. Although the DLC is set for sometime later this year, the new patch today is a good indication that Guerilla is not shifting focus away from Horizon anytime soon.