Horizon Zero Dawn: Controls PS4, keybinds PC, interface
Last update: 11 August 2020
In this chapter of the guide you can find information on basic interface elements that are something inherent to your journey with the game Horizon Zero Dawn. Besides that you can also find the character's and mount's controls. We have prepared separate lists for PS4 and PC controls in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Interface
1. Health bar - the red bar indicates how much health Aloy has. To make things clearer, the bar is divided into four segments which allows you to easily determine the amount of med pouches versus current health ratio.
2. Med pouches - they are presented as the percentage of total amount of Aloy's health points. In the beginning, you can have an equivalent of 200% of Aloy's health points by collecting herbs but, with time, you can have more than that by using a certain skill. You can use med pouches by using the shortcut button [5] when a green indicator starts to glow green, signaling that Aloy's health is critical.
3. Radar - besides the compass, you can also find symbols for regions and points to which you are getting closer. Along with world map, they are the basic tools in navigating the game's world.
4. Visibility meter and Aloy's audibility - sometimes, the game requires a more subtle way of moving which allows you to stay undetected by enemies. If the eye is opened, it means that enemies can see Aloy and when they can hear her, there will be two vertical lines on both sides of the eye.
6. Item shortcuts - an item that you can use immediately. It can be a potion, a trap or a skill. The interface also shows you what item is next in queue [7]. To change the items press left or right button on D-pad.
8. Type of ammo - here you can check which ammo type is currently used by Aloy. The number next to the symbol indicates the number of arrows left in quiver.
9. Range weapon - here you can check which weapon Aloy currently uses. The colored icons under a weapon's symbol represents modification slots. The colors indicates the quality of a modification that is used in the equipped weapon.
PC keybinds, controls
Below you can find the PC controls and key bindings of Horizon Zero Down - PC version. This controls and key bindings provide information on how to control Aloy by using a keyboard and a mouse. Alternatively, you can also play the PC version with a gaming controller. If you prefer to do so, then use the previous tables that contain the descriptions of functions of individual gaming controller buttons.
Gameplay
Key or button | Function / Application |
 | Movement |
 | Look around |
 | Toggle Walk / Run |
 | Sprint |
 | Slide Toggle Crouch On / Off |
 | Jump |
 | Dodge Roll/Slow Mount |
 | Interaction / Quick save. |
 | Toggle Focus On / Off |
 | Use Medicine Pouch |
 | Use selected Tool/Trap |
 | Previous tool. |
 | Next tool. |
 | Show user interface and mission objectives - you must hold the key. |
 | Manual save (may not work while in combat). |
Combat
Key or button | Function / Application |
 | Quickly select weapon 1. |
 | Quickly select weapon 2. |
 | Quickly select weapon 3. |
 | Quickly select weapon 4. |
 | Light attack in melee combat. Fire projectile while aiming with a ranged weapon. Mark target in Focus mode. |
| Strong attack in melee combat (press the key and the mouse button at the same time). |
 | Aim - you have to hold the button. |
 | Reload (when aiming with a ranged weapon) |
 | Focus while aiming. |
 | Weapon circle - hold the key. |
Menu
Key or button | Function / Application |
 | Open the menu. |
 | Pause menu. |
 | Previous page. |
 | Next page. |
 | Function Group 1 (among other things, leaving and dropping stuff). |
 | Function Group 2 (among other things, highlighting paths and trails). |
 | Function Group 3 (among other things, picking up and selecting things). |
 | Skills. |
 | Equipment and Inventory |
 | Crafting |
 | Map. |
 | Missions. |
 | Notepad. |
PS4 controls
Below you can find Horizon Zero Dawn controls for PlayStation 4. We have separated the controls for Aloy (the main character) and various mounts (an overridden machine).
Controlling Aloy
Icon | Function |
 | Main menu |
 | Mission journal, map, equipment screen |
 | Shows mission's goals and user's interface |
 | Moving the heroine - a degree of analog's tilt indicates Aloy's movement speed |
 | Sprint - depending on the selected options, you must either press and hold the analog stick or press it once to activate sprint |
 | Change camera's position Aiming while using a ranged weapon |
 | Activating / Deactivating Focus |
 | Use med pouches |
 | Use a quick item or a skill |
 | Browse quick items and quick skills |
 | Slide during sprint / Crouch |
 | Interact with the environment |
 | Jump / Climb |
 | Dodge / Roll |
 | Hold - Weapon and ammunition panel |
 | Hold - aiming with ranged weapon |
 | Light spear attack During ranged combat - reload |
 | Strong spear attack During ranged combat - draw a bow (release to shoot) |
Mount controls
After mounting a machine that can serve as a mount, there are a few changes in controls. Those controls that are not mentioned below are the same as in the table above.
Icon | Function |
 | Mount's direction |
 | Lock the camera on an enemy |
 | Mount / Dismount |
 | Run faster - press the button a few times for full speed |
 | Stop a mount - press the button a few times to stop completely |
 | Mount's normal attack |
 | Mount's strong attack |