How Tribes in Horizon 3 Might Evolve Beyond Zero Dawn and Forbidden West

Now that Guerrilla Games has successfully launched Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered and LEGO Horizon Adventures, the studio can shift more focus towards developing the yet-to-be-named Horizon multiplayer game and the highly anticipated Horizon 3. Since the release of 2022’s Horizon Forbidden West and the 2023 Burning Shores expansion, fans have eagerly speculated about the possible directions the final chapter of the Horizon trilogy might take. Could Aloy embark on a journey across the Pacific Ocean to seek the help of the technologically advanced Quen Empire? Or perhaps Sylens might harness ancient 21st-century tech to vanquish Nemesis. Yet, an intriguing element Guerrilla might explore in Horizon 3 is how existing tribes respond to revelations about humanity’s past, rather than introducing entirely new tribes.

The destruction of the APOLLO subroutine by Ted Faro during Project: Zero Dawn left humanity in a primitive state for thousands of years. While remnants of 21st-century relics and enormous robotic creatures adorn the landscapes of this post-apocalyptic world, early societies had to interpret their surroundings without the context of ancient knowledge. Just as our early ancestors did, these tribes have developed their unique beliefs. The isolated Nora regard automated security systems as the sacred All-Mother, while the Carja revere the sun as a deity. Without proper context, various tribes have come to see robots and AI as demonic entities punishing their forebears.

Despite this, a few civilizations managed to hang on to traces of old knowledge. The Quen unearthed antique Focus devices, enabling them minor insights into the past, which fueled the growth of their tech-savvy empire. The Tenakth took cues from museum artifacts to refine their military tactics, while the Oseram used surviving technology, like the holograms of Las Vegas, as a springboard to stimulate their inventions. Adventurous individuals have stumbled upon Focus devices scattered throughout the land, granting them access to remnants of old-world facilities, much like Sylens did in Horizon Zero Dawn.

As Aloy progresses through Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, her understanding of the old world has deepened through her Focus, Sylens’ guidance, and her unique genetic link to Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, Project: Zero Dawn’s architect. By Forbidden West’s conclusion, Aloy and her comrades secured a copy of APOLLO from the outer space dwellers, the Far Zenith, and integrated its knowledge with GAIA, the core AI of Project: Zero Dawn. This integration led them to unravel more layers of humanity’s history as they sought ways to confront the looming threat of Nemesis. The Burning Shores expansion further expands this narrative, with Erend determined to arm the Oseram with Focus devices to gear up for the anticipated battle.

While Erend and Aloy’s allies mean well by sharing ancient wisdom with their tribes, this might stir resistance. Long-settled civilizations may not easily embrace truths that challenge deep-rooted cultural beliefs. Tribal leaders, especially religious figures within the Utaru and Carja, could perceive the old-world revelations as a threat to their authority. For instance, Sun Priests might struggle to reconcile the notion of their deities as anything other than divine beings.

Among the tribes, the Quen might pose the biggest challenge. Their society thrives on an authoritarian control of ancient knowledge, restricted to nobles and governmental elites. Aloy’s intention to democratize knowledge could disrupt the established order within the Quen Empire. Conversely, the Oseram and Tenakth might welcome new insights, using them to boost technology, refine weaponry, and enhance combat strategies. Despite Aloy’s proven track record of gaining trust across the Horizon series, she may still have to navigate societal biases and win over the tribes wholeheartedly if they are to join forces against Nemesis.

The Horizon universe showcases a rich tapestry of seven tribes, each with intricate cultures and histories— the Nora, Carja, Oseram, Banuk, Utaru, Tenakth, and Quen. As the series unfolds, the dynamics between these tribes and their reaction to the unraveling of ancient knowledge will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and Aloy’s next adventure.