Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn

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

Category
Game
Release Year
2011
Origin
Netherlands
Tags
action-rpg
post-apocalyptic
open-world
sci-fi
adventure
robots

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Horizon Zero Dawn
Aliases
HZD, Horizon, Zero Dawn
Type
Action Role-Playing Game
Release Year
2011
Status
Complete, Sequel Released
Origin
Netherlands
Region
Netherlands

Creation Information

Creator
Guerrilla Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original Work
Original Video Game
Genre
Action RPG, Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi, Adventure

Content Information

Synopsis
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.
Main Characters
Aloy, Rost, Sylens, Erend, Varl, Nil, Talanah, GAIA, HADES
Setting
Post-apocalyptic Earth, 31st century, various tribal territories and ancient ruins
Themes
Identity, environmental preservation, technology vs. nature, motherhood, sacrifice, discovery
Target Audience
Mature gamers, RPG enthusiasts, sci-fi fans

Characters

Aloy
Protagonist/HunterNora Tribe (outcast)Female18-19

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

Abilities: Expert archery, Machine hunting, Focus device usage...
Quotes:
"All things have a beginning. I need to know mine."
""I am Aloy.""
"The past doesn't define us. We define ourselves."
character
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HADES
Rogue AI/Primary AntagonistRogue AINone (masculine voice)Centuries old

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

Abilities: Machine control, System corruption, Strategic planning...
Quotes:
"I am HADES. I am your salvation through destruction."
""I am HADES.""
"The current biosphere is corrupt. It must be cleansed."
character
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Helis
Eclipse Cult LeaderEclipse CultMale

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

Abilities: Combat leadership, Fanatical devotion, Military tactics...
Quotes:
"The Buried Shadow speaks through me!"
""I am Helis.""
"The old world must burn for the new to be born."
character
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Ted Faro
Historical AntagonistFaro Automated Solutions (historical)MaleDied centuries ago

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

Abilities: Business acumen, Technological innovation, Manipulation...
Quotes:
"I refuse to let my legacy be one of destruction."
""I am Ted Faro.""
"Progress requires risk, and risk requires sacrifice."
character
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Dr. Elisabet Sobeck
Zero Dawn Creator/Genetic TemplateZero Dawn Project (historical)Female

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

Abilities: Scientific genius, Environmental expertise, Leadership...
Quotes:
"The world is going to end. But it doesn't have to stay that way."
""I am Dr. Elisabet Sobeck.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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GAIA
Terraforming AI/GuideEarth RestorationFemale (voice)

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

Abilities: Terraforming control, Ecosystem management, Data analysis...
Quotes:
"I am GAIA. I am the mother of this new world."
""I am GAIA.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Varl
Nora Brave/CompanionNora TribeMale

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

Abilities: Archery, Tracking, Loyalty...
Quotes:
"You've shown us a new way to see the world, Aloy."
""I am Varl.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Media Forms

Video Games
Original game, Complete Edition, PC port, sequel Horizon Forbidden West
Merchandise
Action figures, art books, soundtrack releases, collectible statues
Digital Content
DLC expansions, photo mode content, soundtrack albums
Books
Art books, strategy guides, lore compendiums
Collectibles
Limited edition releases, Aloy figures, machine replicas

Commercial Information

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
Critical Reception
Universal critical acclaim, 89/100 on Metacritic for PS4 version
Cultural Impact
Praised for strong female protagonist, environmental themes, innovative gameplay
Market Value
Major franchise for Sony, spawned successful sequel
Licensing
Merchandise licensing, potential media adaptations in development

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Global gaming community, strong female protagonist advocates, sci-fi enthusiasts
Communities
Reddit communities, Discord servers, PlayStation forums, fan sites
Events
Gaming conventions, cosplay competitions, fan art contests
Quotes
All things have a beginning, I am Aloy, The machines... they're not just metal
Memes
Aloy's expressions, machine hunting strategies, photo mode creations
Fan Art
Extensive fan art community, Aloy portraits, machine designs, landscape art
Fan Projects
Cosplay builds, 3D printed machines, fan fiction, video tributes
Collectibles
Official figures, custom builds, art prints, game memorabilia

Historical Development

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
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