Why is There No Romance in Horizon Forbidden West?
The absence of romantic options in Horizon Forbidden West has been a topic of much discussion among fans. The direct answer to why there’s no romance lies in the narrative focus of the game: Aloy is primarily driven by her mission to save the world. Her intense dedication to this crucial task leaves little room for exploring romantic relationships. This isn’t to say that she doesn’t form deep bonds with characters. On the contrary, she builds several close and meaningful relationships, but these remain firmly within the realm of platonic connection throughout the main storyline. The developers at Guerrilla Games have consistently emphasized that Aloy’s primary motivation is to understand her origins and prevent the extinction of life, not to find a romantic partner.
This narrative decision reflects a conscious choice to portray Aloy as an independent and self-sufficient hero. Her singular focus on world-saving, exploring the vast and dangerous Forbidden West, and unraveling ancient mysteries demands her full attention. Introducing a romantic subplot could potentially detract from this core focus and dilute her character’s unwavering drive. Furthermore, the high-stakes nature of her quest—facing off against monstrous machines, dealing with warring tribes, and understanding the far-reaching impact of ancient technology—simply doesn’t lend itself to developing romantic relationships. Aloy is always on the move, constantly facing existential threats, and rarely has downtime to cultivate romantic connections.
The team at Guerrilla Games has been forthright in confirming this artistic direction. They wanted to focus on Aloy’s personal growth, her understanding of her identity, and her role as a savior, rather than placing her romantic pursuits front and center. The absence of romance in the main storyline is not about a lack of depth in Aloy’s character or a denial of her potential for love. Rather, it’s a strategic choice that prioritizes the game’s overall narrative arc.
The Exception: The “Burning Shores” DLC
It’s important to note that while the main game lacks romance options, the “Burning Shores” DLC offers a significant shift. In this DLC, Aloy develops a romantic connection with Seyka, a Quen marine. This relationship culminates in a kiss and an acknowledgment of romantic feelings. This development doesn’t negate the lack of romance in the main game; instead, it serves as a significant character progression for Aloy within the specific context of the DLC. The deliberate choice to introduce a romance in this expansion suggests a thoughtful evolution of Aloy’s character rather than a sudden change in narrative philosophy. The open-ended nature of their relationship, with both acknowledging their responsibilities and the distance between them, further highlights that Aloy’s romantic journey is complex and does not overwrite the core tenets of her mission-driven life.
Understanding Aloy’s Character
It’s also crucial to understand Aloy’s unique background. As a clone of Elisabet Sobeck, she was created for a very specific purpose. Growing up as an outcast, she had limited social interaction and developed a strong sense of self-reliance and independence. These experiences have shaped her into someone who isn’t actively seeking romantic relationships. While she does form deep bonds, her relationships are driven by respect, shared goals, and mutual understanding. This self-sufficient nature and the trauma of her past contribute to her lack of romantic involvement in the main game. This is not to say she is incapable of love. Instead, it emphasizes that her primary focus remains on her journey and the mission at hand. The introduction of the romance with Seyka in “Burning Shores” is a significant step in Aloy’s emotional development, showcasing her capacity for love when the situation and the relationship allow.
The Importance of the World-Saving Narrative
In summary, the lack of romance options in Horizon Forbidden West is a deliberate narrative choice designed to reinforce Aloy’s primary focus on saving the world. Her mission, her self-discovery, and her relationships with her allies take center stage. The choice to introduce romance in the “Burning Shores” DLC shows an evolution in the character and her potential for relationships. While players may have desired romance in the main game, it’s clear that the developers prioritized Aloy’s overarching mission and character development over a romantic subplot that would detract from that focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Horizon Forbidden West have romance options?
No, Horizon Forbidden West does not have romance options in the main game. Aloy forms close, meaningful relationships with many characters, but none develop into romantic ones.
2. Why doesn’t Aloy have a love interest in the main game?
Aloy’s primary focus is on her mission to save the world. This demanding task leaves little room for pursuing romantic relationships. The narrative prioritizes her self-discovery, her mission, and her platonic relationships.
3. Does Aloy fall in love with Seyka?
Yes, in the “Burning Shores” DLC, Aloy develops a romantic relationship with Seyka, culminating in a kiss and the acknowledgment of their feelings.
4. Who did Aloy kiss?
Aloy shares a kiss with Seyka in the “Burning Shores” DLC. This is a significant moment that confirms the romantic nature of their connection.
5. Is Aloy LGBTQ+?
Aloy’s sexuality was not explicitly defined in the main games, but the romantic relationship with Seyka in the “Burning Shores” DLC confirms that she is queer. Many players had speculated this prior to the DLC’s release due to her characterization. Additionally, Aloy is a genetic clone of a queer woman, adding another layer to this discussion.
6. Is there a possibility of romance in future Horizon games?
While nothing has been confirmed for the future, the introduction of romance in the “Burning Shores” DLC suggests that Guerrilla Games is open to exploring this aspect of Aloy’s character in future storylines.
7. Does Aloy get a boyfriend in the main game?
No, Aloy does not have a boyfriend in the main game. There are no romantic options or love scenes with any male characters.
8. Is Petra flirting with Aloy?
Yes, Petra does flirt with Aloy on several occasions. While these interactions are playful, they do not lead to a romantic relationship.
9. Are there any LGBTQ+ characters in Horizon Zero Dawn?
While Aloy’s sexuality was not explicit in Horizon Zero Dawn, the game does feature other LGBTQ+ characters, establishing a precedent for inclusivity within the Horizon universe. Aloy’s own identity as a clone of a queer woman added to the conversation surrounding her potential queerness.
10. How old is Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West?
Aloy is approximately 19 or 20 years old in Horizon Forbidden West.
11. Is Aloy related to Elisabet Sobeck?
Aloy is a genetic clone of Elisabet Sobeck, the scientist who created Project Zero Dawn. She is not Elizabeth’s daughter in the traditional sense.
12. Why did they change Aloy’s appearance?
The developers made subtle adjustments to Aloy’s character model over the games based on player feedback. This is a common practice in video game development to refine character designs and make them more appealing to players. The changes are made to enhance the game experience.
13. Does Sylens like Aloy?
Sylens is interested in Aloy’s ability to interact with Old World technology and sees her as a tool for his own research. While he does eventually come to respect her, their relationship is not based on romantic feelings but mutual goals and a grudging respect.
14. Why does Aloy talk to herself so much?
Aloy talks to herself as a coping mechanism, a way to deal with loneliness. Growing up as an outcast, she often had no one else to speak with and developed this habit as a form of companionship and self-narration.
15. Is there a second DLC for Horizon Forbidden West?
As of now, Horizon Forbidden West is unlikely to get a second DLC. The “Burning Shores” expansion was the most significant update to the game. There has been confirmation of an upcoming third Horizon game which suggests the team is moving into the next adventure.