35 Facts About Horizon Zero Dawn (Video Game)

The World of Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is a captivating game set in a post-apocalyptic world where nature has reclaimed the ruins of a forgotten civilization. Players explore a vast open world filled with robotic creatures and ancient mysteries.

1. Released in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn was developed by Guerrilla Games, a studio known for the Killzone series.
2. The game is set in the 31st century, long after a catastrophic event wiped out most of humanity.
3. Players control Aloy, a young hunter with a mysterious past, as she uncovers the secrets of her world.
4. The game features a unique blend of primitive and futuristic elements, with tribal societies coexisting alongside advanced technology.
5. Horizon Zero Dawn's world is divided into several biomes, including forests, deserts, and snowy mountains.

Aloy: The Protagonist

Aloy is the heart and soul of Horizon Zero Dawn. Her journey from outcast to hero is both compelling and inspiring.

6. Aloy was raised by an outcast named Rost, who taught her survival skills and combat techniques.
7. She wields a versatile weapon called the Spear, which can be used for both melee attacks and hacking machines.
8. Aloy's primary ranged weapon is the Bow, which can be equipped with various types of arrows, including fire and shock arrows.
9. She possesses a device called the Focus, which allows her to scan the environment and identify machine weaknesses.
10. Aloy's character design was inspired by real-life athletes and martial artists to ensure her movements were realistic and fluid.

The Machines

The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is populated by robotic creatures, each with its own behavior and weaknesses.

11. The most iconic machine in the game is the Thunderjaw, a massive, dinosaur-like robot equipped with powerful weapons.
12. Watchers are small, agile machines that act as scouts for larger robots, alerting them to potential threats.
13. Striders resemble robotic horses and can be overridden by Aloy to be used as mounts.
14. Snapmaws are crocodile-like machines that inhabit bodies of water and can launch freezing attacks.
15. Stormbirds are giant, bird-like robots that patrol the skies and can unleash devastating electrical attacks.

The Story and Lore

Horizon Zero Dawn's narrative is rich with lore and backstory, revealing the history of the world and its inhabitants.

16. The game's main antagonist is a rogue AI called HADES, which seeks to exterminate all life on Earth.
17. Aloy discovers that she is a clone of Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, a brilliant scientist who played a key role in creating the machines.
18. The ancient civilization that created the machines was known as the Old Ones, who were wiped out by a rogue AI called FARO Plague.
19. The game's story explores themes of environmentalism, technology, and the consequences of human hubris.
20. Horizon Zero Dawn features multiple tribes, each with its own culture and beliefs, including the Nora, Carja, and Oseram.

Gameplay Mechanics

Horizon Zero Dawn offers a variety of gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged and challenged.

21. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, affecting visibility and enemy behavior.
22. Players can craft items and ammunition using resources gathered from the environment and defeated machines.
23. Aloy can climb and traverse the environment using a grappling hook called the Rope Caster.
24. The game includes a skill tree, allowing players to customize Aloy's abilities to suit their playstyle.
25. Horizon Zero Dawn features a photo mode, enabling players to capture stunning in-game moments and share them with others.

Critical Reception and Impact

Horizon Zero Dawn received widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling story.

26. The game sold over 10 million copies worldwide within two years of its release.
27. Horizon Zero Dawn won numerous awards, including Best Original Game at the 2017 Golden Joystick Awards.
28. Critics praised the game's open world design, comparing it favorably to titles like The Witcher 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
29. The game's protagonist, Aloy, became an iconic character and a symbol of strong female representation in gaming.
30. Horizon Zero Dawn's success led to the development of a sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, which continues Aloy's story.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Horizon Zero Dawn that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.

31. Guerrilla Games initially considered making Horizon Zero Dawn a multiplayer game but ultimately decided to focus on a single-player experience.
32. The game's development took over six years, with a team of more than 200 people working on it.
33. Horizon Zero Dawn's soundtrack, composed by Joris de Man, The Flight, and Niels van der Leest, received critical acclaim for its atmospheric and emotional score.
34. The game's voice acting features talents like Ashly Burch as Aloy and Lance Reddick as Sylens.
35. Horizon Zero Dawn includes several Easter eggs and references to other games, such as a hidden cave that resembles the interior of a spaceship from Guerrilla Games' Killzone series.

Final Thoughts on Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn isn't just another video game; it's a masterpiece that blends stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a rich narrative. Players get to explore a post-apocalyptic world filled with mechanical beasts and ancient mysteries. The game's protagonist, Aloy, quickly became a fan favorite due to her resilience and depth.

From its innovative combat system to its breathtaking landscapes, this game offers something for everyone. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just someone who enjoys a good story, Horizon Zero Dawn delivers. Its success has paved the way for sequels and expansions, ensuring that Aloy's adventures will continue to captivate audiences.

If you haven't played it yet, you're missing out on one of the most memorable gaming experiences of the last decade. So, grab your controller and dive into this epic journey.