Now that Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered and LEGO Horizon Adventures have hit the shelves, the folks over at Guerrilla Games can dive deeper into crafting the next thrilling entry in the Horizon series, including an as-yet-unnamed multiplayer game and Horizon 3. Following the success of Horizon Forbidden West in 2022 and the Burning Shores expansion in 2023, fans have been abuzz with theories about how the trilogy might conclude. Some speculate that Aloy might set sail on the Pacific Ocean to seek the advanced Quen Empire’s help, while others think Sylens might tap into ancient 21st-century tech to try to annihilate Nemesis. What feels particularly intriguing, though, is how Horizon 3 could delve into the reactions of existing tribes to humanity’s past, rather than introducing entirely new cultures.
The obliteration of the APOLLO subroutine by Ted Faro during Project: Zero Dawn plunged humanity back into an age devoid of past knowledge. The remnants of 21st-century life linger in the form of colossal machines traipsing through a post-apocalyptic world, yet people have largely developed myths and beliefs about the origins of these machines, similar to how ancient civilizations formed their understanding of the world. For instance, the Nora interpret security systems as the divine All-Mother, and the Carja elevate the sun as a deity. Moreover, the lack of historical context has led several tribes to regard artificial intelligence as demonic, linking them to their ancestors’ misfortunes.
Despite this general ignorance, some tribes have managed to salvage bits and pieces from the ancients. The resourceful Quen stumbled upon early Focus devices, gifting them partial access to old-world knowledge and allowing them to flourish technologically. The Tenakth drew valuable lessons from bygone military displays, refining their own combat strategies, while the industrious Oseram have tinkered with relic tech, including the holographic wonders of Las Vegas, using these advances to bolster their tools and weapons. Individual Focus devices scattered across the land have helped some, like Sylens in Horizon Zero Dawn, explore and understand active old-world wonders.
As we anticipate Horizon 3, it’s clear that Aloy has come a long way in acquiring old-world wisdom, aided not only by her Focus and Sylens’ mentorship but also by her unique genetic link to Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, the mastermind behind Project: Zero Dawn. By the conclusion of Forbidden West, Aloy and her friends had snatched a copy of APOLLO from the Far Zenith, successfully merging its data with the GAIA A.I. of Project: Zero Dawn. This newly acquired trove of information paved the way for Aloy’s group to dive deeper into human history, seeking strategic knowledge against the looming threat of Nemesis. With the Burning Shores expansion, Erend makes it his mission to equip the Oseram with Focus devices, gearing them up for the battle that awaits.
The noble intent of Aloy and her allies to spread ancient knowledge might clash with the staunchly traditional beliefs of established tribes. Many societies in this post-apocalyptic backdrop are deeply entrenched in customs and creeds that have stood the test of generations. For instance, religious figures among the Utaru or the Carja, such as the Sun Priests, could find this newfound knowledge a direct challenge to their authority, questioning the authenticity of their revered deities.
The Quen might resist this dissemination of information the most. Their heavily controlled society, where only the elite have access to old-world knowledge, stands to lose the most if commoners are suddenly empowered with the same wisdom. Conversely, the Oseram and Tenakth might welcome this ancient knowledge as a means to refine technologies and enhance their warfare capabilities. Throughout the Horizon saga, Aloy has gained the trust of various tribes, yet in the upcoming saga installment, she may need to confront prejudices head-on to rally tribes against Nemesis effectively.
The Horizon franchise has allowed us to explore the unique cultures of seven tribes: the Nora, Carja, Oseram, Banuk, Utaru, Tenakth, and Quen. Each holds its own rich tapestry of traditions and challenges, promising fans exciting new scenarios as the story unfolds further.
As we look forward to the future games in the Horizon series, we expect Aloy to continue her journey across breathtaking landscapes, confronting awe-inspiring machines and rediscovering human history’s lost chapters. Whether she forges alliances with new factions or rekindles bonds with old friends, Aloy’s quest to unearth the ancient past’s secrets promises to keep players on the edge of their seats.
