Ghost levels in Horizon Forbidden West are levels tracked beyond the game’s effective level cap. They record continued XP or play, but community reports say they generally do not grant the health or usable skill points that come with normal level-ups. The reported cap is 50 in the base game and 60 with Burning Shores; some players say prior ghost-level progress returns after reaching the expansion’s cap.
What does “ghost level” mean?
A ghost level is a displayed level beyond the level cap currently in effect. It reflects progress past that cap rather than another ordinary character level. Community players describe ghost levels as a counter for continued XP after the usual level-up rewards stop.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition - PS5™ | $50.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $41.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Horizon Forbidden West Launch Edition - PlayStation 5 - PlayStation 5 | $38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Horizon Forbidden West - For PlayStation 5 | $45.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That distinction matters: a higher displayed level does not, by itself, mean Aloy has gained more health or a skill point. Community accounts say those usual rewards generally stop at the effective cap, though reports differ on some edge cases.
How does Burning Shores change the level cap?
Player discussions and a community guide report a level 50 cap in the base game and a level 60 cap with Burning Shores. The expansion is available on PS5, as PlayStation’s launch announcement confirms. The exact ghost-level behavior is not explained in the official source, so the cap figures and transition should be understood as commonly reported behavior rather than an authoritative mechanics statement.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West in its entirety, including bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion:
- Brave an expansive open world – discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier – explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers – engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries – uncover the secret behind Earth’s imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past… one that will change Aloy forever.
Why might your level change after starting Burning Shores?
A community guide reports that ghost levels accumulated before the expansion can return once the player reaches the new maximum cap of 60. In practical terms, a save that had gone beyond the base-game cap may show that excess progress again after the cap rises. Reports do not establish that this happens identically in every save, mode, or game version.
Do ghost levels give skill points or more health?
Community reports generally say no: levels beyond the effective cap do not add the normal health increase or usable skill points. A Steam community guide likewise says levels above 60 do not award further rewards. These are player-maintained sources, not an official rule, and some community accounts conflict about whether skill points can appear in particular circumstances.
Rank #2
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
Are ghost levels only in New Game Plus?
Available player accounts disagree about whether ghost levels are limited to New Game Plus. They also do not establish consistent behavior across platforms or versions. It is safest to treat the basic definition—progress tracked beyond the active cap—as the useful explanation, and not assume that every mode or save handles it the same way.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A Majestic Frontier - Explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Brave An Expansive Open World - Discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- Confront New Dangers - Engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel Startling Mysteries - Uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past... one that will change Aloy forever.
Rank #3
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
