Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn

Post-apocalyptic action RPG featuring Aloy, a hunter in a world dominated by robotic creatures.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Horizon Zero Dawn
Also Known As
HZD, Horizon, Zero Dawn
Format
Action Role-Playing Game
Release Year
2011
Current Status
Complete, Sequel Released
Country of Origin
Netherlands
Region
Netherlands
Creator
Guerrilla Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original Work
Original Video Game
Genre
Action RPG, Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi, Adventure

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Horizon Zero Dawn.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
In a post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures roam the earth, young hunter Aloy seeks to uncover the truth about her past and the world's mysterious history.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Post-apocalyptic Earth, 31st century, various tribal territories and ancient ruins
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Identity, environmental preservation, technology vs. nature, motherhood, sacrifice, discovery

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Horizon Zero Dawn's global influence.
2011
Initial concept development begins at Guerrilla Games
2015
First public reveal at E3 2015, generates massive interest
2017
Horizon Zero Dawn releases on PlayStation 4, The Frozen Wilds DLC released
2020
PC version released on Steam and Epic Games Store
2022
Sequel Horizon Forbidden West releases on PlayStation
2024
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition releases on PC
Sales
Over 20 million copies sold worldwide across all platforms
Revenue
Hundreds of millions in revenue, major commercial success
Awards
Multiple Game of the Year awards, BAFTA Games Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Horizon Zero Dawn.
Aloy
All things have a beginning. I need to know mine.
A skilled hunter and archer seeking to uncover the truth about her origins and the world's mysterious past.View Profile
Rost
A Seeker goes where she will. Even I cannot follow where you must go.
Aloy's adoptive father and mentor, a skilled hunter who raised her as an outcast from the Nora tribe.View Profile
Sylens
Knowledge has its rewards... and its prices.
Mysterious scholar obsessed with ancient knowledge, serves as both mentor and potential threat.View Profile
Erend
You're the best thing that's happened to this world in a long time.
Captain of the Carja Vanguard, becomes one of Aloy's closest allies and friends.View Profile
Varl
You've shown us a new way to see the world, Aloy.
Young Nora brave who becomes one of Aloy's most trusted companions and friends.View Profile
Nil
I don't kill for the thrill. I kill for the silence that comes after.
A former Carja soldier turned bandit hunter who derives pleasure from killing, often partnering with Aloy to clear bandit camps.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story setting of Horizon Zero Dawn?
Horizon Zero Dawn is set in the 31st century, in a post-apocalyptic world where colossal machines dominate the land and humanity has regressed to primitive tribal societies. The story follows Aloy, an outcast hunter, as she uncovers the truth about her past and the catastrophic event that destroyed the 'Old Ones' (modern civilization).
Who is Aloy and what makes her special?
Aloy is the game's protagonist, a skilled machine hunter raised as an outcast by the Nora tribe. She is special because she possesses a 'Focus', an ancient augmented reality device that allows her to analyze machines and see remnants of the past. Her genetic connection to the Old World scientist Elisabet Sobeck is key to unlocking the world's secrets.
How does combat work in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Combat is a tactical mix of stealth, ranged, and melee attacks. Players use Aloy's Focus to scan machines for weak points and elemental vulnerabilities (fire, ice, shock). You must employ a variety of weapons like bows, slings, and tripcasters to strip armor plates and disable components, rather than just dealing raw damage.
What are the different types of machines?
The world is populated by diverse machine classes based on animals and dinosaurs. 'Recon' machines like Watchers alert others; 'Combat' machines like Ravagers and Thunderjaws are heavily armed; 'Transport' machines like Shell-Walkers carry cargo; and 'Acquisition' machines like Grazers harvest resources. The massive Tallnecks serve as map towers.
What is the 'Zero Dawn' project mentioned in the title?
Zero Dawn was a top-secret terraforming project initiated by Dr. Elisabet Sobeck in the 21st century. Facing inevitable extinction from a rogue robot plague, it was designed to create an automated AI system, GAIA, to reseed life on Earth after the biosphere was destroyed, ensuring the continuation of life in the distant future.
Is there a crafting system in the game?
Yes, crafting is essential for survival. Aloy must gather natural resources (wood, plants) and salvage machine parts (shards, lenses, hearts) to craft ammunition, traps, and potions on the fly. You also use these resources to upgrade carrying capacity and purchase better weapons and outfits from merchants.
What is the Frozen Wilds DLC?
The Frozen Wilds is a major expansion for Horizon Zero Dawn that opens up a new northern region called 'The Cut', home to the Banuk tribe. It introduces a new storyline, challenging new machines (like the Scorcher and Frostclaw), new weapons, and raises the level cap, offering substantial content for end-game players.
Can you ride machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Yes, after learning the 'Override' ability, Aloy can hack certain machines to make them friendly. While most overridden machines fight for you, specific types like Striders, Broadheads, and Chargers can be used as mounts for faster travel across the expansive open world.
How long does it take to beat Horizon Zero Dawn?
A main story run typically takes about 25-30 hours. However, a completionist run, which includes all side quests, collectibles (Vantages, Metal Flowers), and the Frozen Wilds DLC, can easily take 60-80 hours due to the depth of the world and the amount of optional content.
What improvements does the PC version offer?
The PC version, released in 2020, offers unlocked framerates, support for ultra-wide monitors, improved reflections and foliage, and customizable graphical settings. It allows for a visually superior experience compared to the original PS4 release, provided you have the hardware to run it.

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