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.

Overview Characters Weapons & Gear Media Collectibles Places & Experiences

Horizon Zero Dawn Characters

Full character index for Horizon Zero Dawn, including roles, relationships, factions, and key story moments.

Character List

Filter the list by faction

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Occupation: Protagonist/Hunter

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Independent, later various tribal alliances

Faction: Nora Tribe (outcast)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 18-19

Aloy

Horizon Zero DawnProtagonist/Hunter

A skilled hunter and archer seeking to uncover the truth about her origins and the world's mysterious past.

Occupation: Protagonist/Hunter

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Independent, later various tribal alliances

Faction: Nora Tribe (outcast)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 18-19

Personality

MysteriousCuriousDeterminedCompassionateIndependent

Abilities

Expert archeryMachine huntingFocus device usageStealthClimbing

Notable Items

Focus deviceHunter BowSpearVarious specialized weapons

Quote:

All things have a beginning. I need to know mine.

character

Aloy – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Zero Dawn Creator/Genetic Template

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Zero Dawn Project (historical)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Dr. Elisabet Sobeck

Horizon Zero DawnZero Dawn Creator/Genetic Template

Brilliant scientist who created the Zero Dawn project and GAIA, Aloy's genetic template.

Occupation: Zero Dawn Creator/Genetic Template

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Zero Dawn Project (historical)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousBrilliantDedicatedCaringDetermined

Abilities

Scientific geniusEnvironmental expertiseLeadershipSacrificeInnovation

Quote:

The world is going to end. But it doesn't have to stay that way.

character

Dr. Elisabet Sobeck – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Terraforming AI/Guide

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Earth Restoration

Race: Human

Gender: Female (voice)

Age: Unknown

GAIA

Horizon Zero DawnTerraforming AI/Guide

Benevolent AI that terraformed Earth after the apocalypse, serves as guide and protector.

Occupation: Terraforming AI/Guide

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Earth Restoration

Race: Human

Gender: Female (voice)

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousNurturingWiseProtectiveLogical

Abilities

Terraforming controlEcosystem managementData analysisGuidanceSystem coordination

Quote:

I am GAIA. I am the mother of this new world.

character

GAIA – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Rogue AI/Primary Antagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Eclipse Cult (through manipulation)

Faction: Rogue AI

Race: Human

Gender: None (masculine voice)

Age: Centuries old

HADES

Horizon Zero DawnRogue AI/Primary Antagonist

Corrupted AI system designed to reset the terraforming process, now seeks to destroy all life on Earth.

Occupation: Rogue AI/Primary Antagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Eclipse Cult (through manipulation)

Faction: Rogue AI

Race: Human

Gender: None (masculine voice)

Age: Centuries old

Personality

MysteriousLogicalRuthlessSingle-mindedManipulative

Abilities

Machine controlSystem corruptionStrategic planningManipulationData analysis

Quote:

I am HADES. I am your salvation through destruction.

character

HADES – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Eclipse Cult Leader

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Former Shadow Carja, HADES servant

Faction: Eclipse Cult

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Helis

Horizon Zero DawnEclipse Cult Leader

Fatical leader of the Eclipse cult, serves HADES believing it to be a deity.

Occupation: Eclipse Cult Leader

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Former Shadow Carja, HADES servant

Faction: Eclipse Cult

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousFanaticalRuthlessCharismaticDevoted

Abilities

Combat leadershipFanatical devotionMilitary tacticsManipulationSurvival skills

Quote:

The Buried Shadow speaks through me!

character

Helis – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Historical Antagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Corporate interests, military-industrial complex

Faction: Faro Automated Solutions (historical)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Died centuries ago

Ted Faro

Horizon Zero DawnHistorical Antagonist

CEO whose automated war machines caused the origil apocalypse, represents corporate greed and shortsightedness.

Occupation: Historical Antagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Corporate interests, military-industrial complex

Faction: Faro Automated Solutions (historical)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Died centuries ago

Personality

MysteriousGreedyShortsightedArrogantParanoid

Abilities

Business acumenTechnological innovationManipulationResource control

Quote:

I refuse to let my legacy be one of destruction.

character

Ted Faro – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Occupation: Nora Brave/Companion

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Nora Tribe

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Varl

Horizon Zero DawnNora Brave/Companion

Young Nora brave who becomes one of Aloy's most trusted companions and friends.

Occupation: Nora Brave/Companion

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Nora Tribe

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousLoyalBraveKindSupportive

Abilities

ArcheryTrackingLoyaltyCombat skillsTribal knowledge

Quote:

You've shown us a new way to see the world, Aloy.

character

Varl – Horizon Zero Dawn character profile

Character Battles

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework.

Open Battle Simulator

Top Battle Score Characters

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework. Try the Battle Simulator.

4 picks

Battle Score Curve

Descending trend from the highest-ranked character downward

Battle Score Table

Rank	Character	Battle Score	Tier
1	Hades	9.18	high-meta
2	Helis	8.52	mid
3	Ted Faro	8.50	high-meta
4	Aloy	8.10	mid

Battle Score is a composite metric designed for cross-franchise comparisons. It is not a canonical in-universe power level.

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