Are Aloy and Seyka Together? Exploring the Romance in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
The answer is a nuanced yes. Aloy and Seyka can become romantically involved in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, but it’s optional. The player, as Aloy, has the choice to reciprocate Seyka’s feelings and share a kiss, initiating a romantic connection. However, the ending leaves their future uncertain, acknowledging their separate responsibilities and paths. Therefore, they are “together” in a confirmed romantic sense if the player chooses that path, but their long-term relationship status is left open-ended.
The Burning Shores Romance: A Deep Dive
The Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West marked a significant turning point for Aloy’s character arc, introducing a potential romantic relationship with Seyka. This was a highly anticipated development, given Aloy’s primarily solitary nature and the lack of explicit romantic options in the original game, Horizon Zero Dawn.
Aloy’s journey in the Burning Shores takes her to a new region south of the Tenakth Clan Lands, where she encounters the Quen tribe, a seafaring people who have crossed the Pacific Ocean from present-day China. Among them is Seyka, a skilled warrior and diver who shares Aloy’s determination and resourcefulness.
As Aloy and Seyka work together to unravel the mysteries of the Burning Shores and face the looming threat of Walter Londra, a former Far Zenith member, a strong bond forms between them. Their interactions are marked by moments of shared vulnerability, mutual respect, and growing affection.
The culmination of this bond arrives at the end of the DLC, where Seyka expresses her feelings for Aloy, stating that she wants to be with her and hoping Aloy feels the same way. The player is then presented with dialogue options that allow Aloy to either reciprocate Seyka’s feelings, gently reject them, or express uncertainty.
If the player chooses the romance option, Aloy admits her romantic feelings for Seyka, and the two share a kiss. This is the most explicit confirmation of a romantic relationship in the entire Horizon series. However, the ending isn’t a traditional “happily ever after.” Both acknowledge their responsibilities and the long roads ahead of them. Seyka has obligations to her tribe, and Aloy is dedicated to saving the world. They part ways, knowing that their connection is real, but their future together is uncertain.
Implications and Fan Reception
The introduction of this romance sparked considerable discussion within the Horizon community. For many, it was a welcome confirmation of Aloy’s queerness, providing representation and validation. Others expressed reservations about the pacing of the relationship or its impact on Aloy’s character. The intensity of these reactions highlights the power of representation and the importance of handling it with care.
The developers at Guerrilla Games have stated that they approached this romance with sensitivity and a desire to create a meaningful and authentic connection between Aloy and Seyka. They aimed to explore a different side of Aloy, showing her capacity for vulnerability and intimacy while remaining true to her core personality.
FAQs: All About Aloy and Seyka
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nature of Aloy and Seyka’s relationship and related aspects:
1. Is Aloy confirmed to be queer?
Yes, the Burning Shores DLC confirms that Aloy is canonically queer. The romance option with Seyka provides explicit confirmation of her attraction to women.
2. What happens if I reject Seyka’s advances?
If you reject Seyka, the game offers different dialogue options that allow Aloy to express platonic affection, acknowledge their bond, or gently decline her feelings. The scene avoids awkwardness and maintains respect for both characters.
3. Will Seyka be in Horizon 3?
It is currently unknown whether Seyka will appear in a potential Horizon 3. There are articles which suggest she will not be back, but ultimately, it’s up to Guerrilla Games and their story direction. Only time will tell if Aloy and Seyka cross paths again.
4. How old are Aloy and Seyka?
Aloy is approximately 19-20 years old at the start of Horizon Forbidden West. Seyka is presumably in her early-20s to mid-20s.
5. Did Guerrilla Games change Aloy’s face?
There were minor updates to Aloy’s character model in Horizon Forbidden West, aiming for a more realistic and grounded appearance. The team has said that they are not aiming to make her conventionally “supermodel” attractive.
6. What is the controversy surrounding Aloy and Seyka’s romance?
Some players felt the romance was rushed or forced, while others were dissatisfied with the lack of male romantic options for Aloy. Some gamers may also complain about the fact that Aloy is not portrayed as a “supermodel”. However, many players have praised the developers for showing a different side of Aloy.
7. Was there romance in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Horizon Zero Dawn lacked explicit romance options for Aloy, although she has been shown to have some flirting moments with characters such as Vanasha and Petra. Aloy’s focus in the game was primarily on unraveling her origins and saving the world.
8. Is Aloy asexual?
Prior to the Burning Shores DLC, some speculated that Aloy was asexual, due to her lack of romantic interests. With the confirmation of her attraction to Seyka, Aloy is not asexual.
9. Is Aloy a feminist character?
Many players view Aloy as a feminist character because she is a strong, independent woman who challenges societal expectations and consistently defies those who doubt her abilities.
10. Who is Aloy based on?
Aloy’s physical likeness is based on the Dutch actress Hannah Hoekstra.
11. What ethnicity is Aloy?
Aloy is a white female character with red hair and freckles.
12. Will there be a third Horizon game?
Yes, Guerrilla Games has announced that a third mainline game in the Horizon series is in development, expanding Aloy’s world and adventures.
13. Is there romance in Harvestella?
Unlike Horizon Zero Dawn, Harvestella has romance options for all characters, regardless of gender.
14. What is Aloy’s height?
Aloy is 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches) tall.
15. Why does Aloy have a beard?
The “beard” some players have noted is actually peach fuzz, a natural occurrence on most women’s faces, not a true beard.
The Future of Aloy and Seyka
While the ending of Burning Shores leaves the future of Aloy and Seyka’s relationship uncertain, it establishes a significant and meaningful connection between them. Whether they will reunite in future installments remains to be seen, but their impact on each other’s lives is undeniable.
Their romance represents a step forward for representation in gaming and adds depth to Aloy’s character, demonstrating her capacity for love and connection alongside her unwavering dedication to saving the world. It opens the door to explore complex themes of identity, duty, and personal fulfillment in future Horizon installments.
Furthermore, the nuanced portrayal of Aloy’s queerness offers players a character they can deeply identify with, reflecting the increasing diversity of the gaming community. By providing meaningful and authentic representation, games like Horizon Forbidden West can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world.
Games can serve as powerful tools for learning and empathy. Organizations like the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) are dedicated to exploring the potential of games for education and social impact. They support research and development that promotes the use of games for learning, problem-solving, and social change.
In conclusion, Aloy and Seyka’s relationship in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a complex and meaningful exploration of love, duty, and identity. While their future remains uncertain, their connection has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both characters and the Horizon universe. Their story speaks to the evolving landscape of representation in gaming and the potential of games to foster empathy and understanding.