I absolutely loved Horizon Zero Dawn. I spent over 56 hours with the main game alone, and I’m currently working through the Frozen Wilds DLC. My adoration of the game should not be questioned.
In fact, I’m super close to obtaining that Platinum trophy. Current trophy count is only two trophies shy of getting it. But I’m not going to.
These last two trophies require completing all of the Hunting Grounds activities once and getting a Blazing Sun (first place) in each one. The problem is, I hate these activities. Only reason why I completed one Hunting Ground at all was to get into the Hunter’s Lodge in Meridian. I did not enjoy it, even though I earned Blazing Suns at each trial my first try. The countdown clock stresses the hell out of me. From that alone, I didn’t plan on trying any other Hunting Grounds.
Behold, the only Hunting Grounds where I racked up full Blazing Suns.
Hunting Grounds. I Hate ’em.
But Twitter people told me not to give up. Save them all for late in the game when you have all these weapons and gear. It may take you a couple of tries, but you can do it. So I caved and tried two more Hunting Ground locations. Fuck all of this, I’m done.
I’m not enjoying the challenges, even when they teach me something new, because of the damn clock. I’m yelling in frustration. I’m screaming at wayward Glinthawks that decide during a particular attempt it’s time to fly in and make my life a living hell. After my third or fourth try at finishing the challenge of destroying five frozen machines within a minute-thirty, only for a friggin’ Bellowback run me over in the last few seconds, I packed it in.
No virtual prize is worth being miserable for a few seconds, much less a few minutes. I don’t care if I’m a quitter or whatever. I’m too old and care too little to force myself to push on with it.
But Keri, don’t you have a strategy guide for this? Why yes I do! And it gives fantastic advice, but it doesn’t make the tasks any less miserable. It doesn’t take away the clock. I still hate them.
Besides, I have so many other games to play. Those 56 hours I spent in HZD doing virtually everything were not a waste of time. Forcing myself to do these trials I hate is.
