Will Horizon Zero Dawn Get a Sequel? Exploring the Future of the Franchise
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The short answer is yes, indirectly, but not in the way you might expect. While there won’t be a direct sequel titled “Horizon Zero Dawn 2,” the Horizon franchise is absolutely continuing with a third mainline entry already confirmed to be in development. This upcoming game, widely speculated to be Horizon 3, will follow the narrative threads established in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, furthering the story of Aloy and the post-apocalyptic world she inhabits. Instead of a direct sequel, Horizon Forbidden West serves as the immediate continuation of Zero Dawn’s story and sets the stage for the next installment.
The Horizon Saga: A Continuing Story
The Horizon series has captivated players with its unique blend of open-world exploration, engaging combat against robotic creatures, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, technology, and the resilience of humanity. Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017, introduced us to Aloy, a Nora outcast who uncovers the secrets of the old world and her own origins. Horizon Forbidden West, which launched in 2022, expanded upon that world, offering a larger map, improved gameplay mechanics, and further revelations about the past. The success of these two games has cemented the series as a flagship franchise for PlayStation, making a third game a highly anticipated and logical step for Guerrilla Games and Sony.
Confirmation of Horizon 3 and Beyond
Guerrilla Games has openly confirmed that they are working on a third mainline entry in the Horizon series. This announcement should come as no surprise to fans who have been eagerly following Aloy’s journey. It signifies a long-term commitment by the studio and publisher to the world of Horizon. This commitment extends beyond just a third game. Alongside this major sequel, a new multiplayer installment in the Horizon universe is also in development, expanding the scope of the franchise and offering new ways for players to engage with the world. While details about both projects are still scarce, it’s clear that the future of the Horizon series is bright and full of new possibilities.
What to Expect From Horizon 3?
Given the narrative arcs established in the first two games, it’s likely that Horizon 3 will focus on the imminent threat of Nemesis. Nemesis was introduced as a looming threat, and it seems probable that the upcoming installment will involve the various tribes of the world uniting to defend against it. We can anticipate another sprawling open-world setting, an evolution of gameplay mechanics, and a continuation of Aloy’s character arc. The series is known for its diverse cast and rich lore, and we can expect these elements to be further developed in the next game.
The Legacy of Horizon Zero Dawn
While Horizon 3 will move the story forward, it’s important to remember the impact of Horizon Zero Dawn. The game’s innovative world design, engaging combat, and emotional storytelling laid the foundation for the entire franchise. Its sales success, having generated around $300 million for Sony plus PS4 sales, proved there was a huge audience eager for such a title. The experience of playing Horizon Zero Dawn is not only critical for understanding the events of Forbidden West but also crucial for appreciating the upcoming installments. Playing through Aloy’s origin story and struggles is fundamental to appreciating her character development.
The Burning Shores DLC and the Future Platform
The recent release of the Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West is a significant event in understanding the future of the series. This DLC was released exclusively for the PlayStation 5, and this decision strongly hints that Horizon 3 will also be a PS5-exclusive title. This move demonstrates that Guerrilla Games is fully embracing the current generation console’s capabilities and is likely planning on using that power to its full extent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Horizon series to further clarify the situation and provide additional valuable information:
1. Is Horizon Zero Dawn 3 confirmed?
Yes, while not explicitly named “Horizon Zero Dawn 3”, a third mainline game in the Horizon series has been confirmed by Guerrilla Games. This is expected to directly follow the narrative of Horizon Forbidden West.
2. Will Horizon 3 conclude Aloy’s story?
It is possible that Horizon 3 will conclude Aloy’s main story arc, especially as the narrative has been building towards a final confrontation with Nemesis. However, the world and mythology of Horizon are expansive enough to support future stories and protagonists.
3. Is Aloy LGBTQ?
While Aloy’s creator, Elisabet Sobeck, was queer, Aloy’s sexuality is explored further in Horizon Forbidden West and the Burning Shores DLC. The player can choose to have Aloy pursue a romantic relationship with Seyka, confirming that she is indeed queer.
4. Why did Horizon Forbidden West feel like a failure despite high sales?
Despite selling 8.4 million copies, some felt Horizon Forbidden West didn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, with a few stating that while visually stunning and expansive it lacked some of the narrative impact of the original game.
5. Why is Horizon Forbidden West better than Zero Dawn?
Horizon Forbidden West introduces several quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to change the time of day, which was absent in Zero Dawn. It is generally considered more expansive in size and scope, and visually superior to Zero Dawn.
6. Who does Aloy kiss in Horizon Forbidden West?
Aloy can kiss Seyka, her companion in the Burning Shores DLC, if the player chooses to pursue a romantic relationship with her.
7. Are Aloy and Seyka a couple?
Aloy and Seyka can become a couple through the romantic options in the Burning Shores DLC, however, they ultimately part ways at the end of the DLC.
8. How old is Aloy in the games?
Aloy is roughly 18 or 19 years old during the events of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.
9. Where will Horizon 3 take place?
The location of Horizon 3 is not yet known. However, based on the narrative of the first two games, it is expected to continue expanding the post-apocalyptic world of the Horizon series, most likely incorporating a wide variety of locations.
10. What is the story of the Burning Shores DLC?
The Burning Shores DLC continues Aloy’s story after the events of Horizon Forbidden West, taking her to a volcanic Los Angeles, where she meets Seyka and uncovers more about the world.
11. Why does Aloy have hair on her face?
Aloy has vellus hair or “peach fuzz” on her face, which is natural for many women and is not a beard.
12. Is Petra flirting with Aloy?
Yes, Petra from the Nora tribe does flirt with Aloy throughout the game, though it’s never a main focus for Aloy’s character.
13. Why doesn’t Aloy have a love interest in the initial two games?
Aloy’s focus was primarily on her quest to uncover her origins and save the world. Her personal relationships were not the main focus of the narrative until the introduction of Seyka, making room for a potential romance.
14. Why does Aloy wear an earpiece?
The earpiece is not related to hearing impairment but a futuristic device providing important information to Aloy.
15. Should I play Zero Dawn before Forbidden West?
Absolutely. Horizon Zero Dawn introduces the world, characters, and lore, which are essential for understanding Horizon Forbidden West. It’s highly recommended to play Zero Dawn first for the best experience.
Conclusion
While a direct “Horizon Zero Dawn 2” isn’t in the cards, the franchise’s future is bright with the confirmed third mainline game, Horizon 3, and a new multiplayer installment on the way. The series continues to build on its foundations, expanding the world, deepening its lore, and evolving the gameplay. With the narrative building towards the looming threat of Nemesis, fans have a lot to look forward to as Aloy’s journey continues on the PlayStation 5. It’s clear that the Horizon saga is far from over, and we can expect to see more of this rich and compelling universe in the years to come.