Decoding Horizon Zero Dawn’s Ending: One True Conclusion, Many Meaningful Variations
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Horizon Zero Dawn offers one primary ending that concludes Aloy’s quest to stop HADES and save the world. While there are no drastically different cutscenes or diverging storylines that change the core resolution, the game provides a richer, more impactful experience depending on the completion of side quests and interactions with other characters. This culminates in the “All Allies Joined” trophy and additional dialogue during the final battle, making it a conclusion that feels uniquely tailored to your gameplay journey. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this phenomenal game’s ending and all the nuances surrounding it!
Delving Deeper into Horizon Zero Dawn’s Finale
The culmination of Horizon Zero Dawn centers around the final battle against HADES. Regardless of the choices you make throughout the game, the core objective remains the same: defeat HADES and prevent the activation of the Faro robots. Aloy succeeds in this endeavor, ensuring the survival of humanity.
However, the significance of your journey lies in the details. Before embarking on the final mission, if you’ve invested time in completing various side quests and forming alliances with different tribes and individuals, these allies will appear to support you during the final confrontation. This adds emotional weight to the ending, showcasing the impact Aloy has had on the world and the relationships she’s forged.
This isn’t a matter of choosing between dramatically different outcomes. Instead, it’s about enriching the ending with the presence of those who have become important to Aloy and the narrative. Seeing familiar faces fighting alongside you, delivering unique lines of encouragement, and participating in the defense of Meridian amplifies the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
The Significance of “All Allies Joined”
The “All Allies Joined” trophy underscores the importance of engaging with the game’s side content. To unlock this trophy, you must complete specific side quests involving key characters such as:
- Erend of the Nora tribe
- Varl of the Nora tribe
- Petra of the Free Heap
- Talanah of the Hunters Lodge
- Aluki of the Banuk tribe
- Ria and Janeh of the Carja tribe
Completing these quests not only ensures their presence in the final battle but also provides valuable insights into their backgrounds and motivations, deepening your connection to the world of Horizon Zero Dawn.
Post-Credits Scene: A Glimpse into the Future
Even after the credits roll, Horizon Zero Dawn offers a tantalizing post-credits scene. This scene hints at the continuation of the story and sets the stage for Horizon Forbidden West. We see Sylens capturing HADES, suggesting he has further plans for the rogue AI. This cliffhanger leaves players eager to discover what Sylens intends to do with HADES and how Aloy will face this new threat.
The post-credit scene is not affected by your gameplay choices. It is a fixed element that serves as a bridge to the sequel. So, no matter how many side quests you did or did not complete, or whether Olin lived or died, this scene will play.
Understanding the True Ending
Ultimately, Horizon Zero Dawn delivers a single, definitive ending where Aloy defeats HADES. However, the richness and emotional impact of that ending are significantly enhanced by the player’s choices and engagement with the side content. It’s a testament to the game’s storytelling that even without multiple branching narratives, the final moments can feel deeply personal and satisfying. If you would like to learn more about the impact of these games on education visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horizon Zero Dawn’s Ending
1. Does Horizon Zero Dawn have multiple endings?
No, Horizon Zero Dawn does not have multiple endings in the traditional sense. The core outcome—Aloy defeating HADES—remains consistent. However, the game offers a richer experience depending on how much side content you complete.
2. What is the “All Allies Joined” trophy?
The “All Allies Joined” trophy is earned by completing specific side quests that allow key characters to join Aloy in the final battle. This trophy highlights the importance of forming alliances and engaging with the world beyond the main storyline.
3. Does killing Olin matter to the ending?
No, killing Olin does not impact the main story’s ending. Whether you spare or kill Olin only affects whether he assists you in the quest or not. Regardless of your choice, you can still achieve all trophies.
4. How long does it take to 100% Horizon Zero Dawn?
To achieve 100% completion in Horizon Zero Dawn, you can expect to spend around 76 hours. This includes completing all main quests, side quests, errands, collectibles, and other activities.
5. How do you get everyone at the end of Horizon Zero Dawn?
To ensure all allies join Aloy at the end, you must complete their respective side quests. These quests typically involve helping them with their personal struggles or assisting their communities.
6. What happens when you reach the max level in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Upon reaching the level cap of 60 (after The Frozen Wilds DLC), you will continue to earn “ghost levels”, though no additional skill points are awarded. Each level gained increases your maximum health.
7. Is Horizon Zero Dawn a hard game?
Horizon Zero Dawn can be challenging, especially at the start. But learning enemy weaknesses, mastering combat mechanics, and utilizing the game’s weapons effectively will make it more manageable.
8. Which Horizon game is better, Zero Dawn or Forbidden West?
Both games have their strengths. Zero Dawn is often praised for its compelling story, while Forbidden West boasts enhanced graphics, expanded gameplay mechanics, and a larger open world. The decision of which is “better” comes down to personal preference.
9. What is needed to 100% Horizon Zero Dawn?
Achieving 100% completion in Horizon Zero Dawn involves completing all:
- Main quests
- Side quests
- Errands
- Hunting Grounds
- Cauldrons
- Bandit Camps
- Corrupted Zones
- Collecting all Ancient Vessels, Animal Figurines, and Banuk Figures.
10. What is the hardest enemy in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Rockbreaker and Fireclaws are often considered the most challenging machines in Horizon Zero Dawn due to their high damage output, aggressive behavior, and unique attack patterns.
11. Should I let Olin come with me?
Your choice to let Olin come with you on his associated quest does not have a big impact on the overall mission or the ending of the game.
12. Do your choices matter in Horizon Zero Dawn?
While dialogue choices don’t drastically alter the main storyline, they do influence Aloy’s character development and can affect interactions with other characters.
13. Why did Sylens save HADES?
Sylens saved HADES to gain access to its knowledge of the Old World. He seeks to understand the technology and secrets of the ancient civilization, even if it means risking the future.
14. Will there be a third Horizon Zero Dawn game?
While not officially announced, indications suggest that a third mainline Horizon game is in development, continuing Aloy’s story. Guerrilla Games has hinted at expanding the Horizon universe with Aloy’s next adventure.
15. What is the best armor in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Shield-Weaver armor is widely regarded as the best armor in Horizon Zero Dawn. It provides a protective energy shield that absorbs damage, making Aloy incredibly resilient in combat.
Conclusion: A Meaningful Journey, A Single Destination
Horizon Zero Dawn may not offer a multitude of branching endings, but its strength lies in the depth and impact of its core narrative. By engaging with the world, forming alliances, and completing side quests, players can shape their experience and create a truly memorable journey. The “All Allies Joined” trophy and additional dialogue serve as a testament to the power of choice within a single, compelling storyline. While the destination remains the same, the path you take and the relationships you forge along the way are what make Horizon Zero Dawn a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.