Horizon Forbidden West’s Base Teases an Ambitious MMO Evolution

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2022’s Horizon Forbidden West showcased a multitude of novel elements and functions compared to its 2017 precursor, Horizon Zero Dawn. Characters like Aloy were now able to engage in strategic Machine Strike games across the western outposts, soar through the skies with the Shieldwing, take flight on Sunwings or Waterwings, and hold their breath indefinitely underwater using a diving mask as some of the fresh mechanics introduced. However, one innovation specifically debuting in Horizon Forbidden West has significant potential for development in future Horizon sequels and spinoffs, such as the rumored MMO game. This groundbreaking feature is the customization and expansion of the Base.

Horizon Forbidden West’s Base Explained

In the highest snow-capped mountains of the Forbidden West’s No Man’s Land, gamers will uncover an empty Regional Control Center 9, which was initially built by the artificial intelligence GAIA from Zero Dawn for adult graduates from ELEUTHIA-9, a cradle facility. Over the centuries following the Faro Plague, this center remained vacant primarily because Ted Faro erased the APOLLO database, preventing the children of EELEUTHIA-9 from receiving advanced education. Instead, these kids were released into the wild during their teenage years and formed the initial members of the Banuk, Carja, Nora, Oseram, Tenakth, and Utaru tribes.

The peace at Regional Control Center 9 persisted until the start of the 31st century when MINERVA, an autonomous AI seeking refuge from GAIA’s self-destruction, took shelter there. As Aloy pursued the renegade AIs to restore GAIA, she first sought out MINERVA and was able to persuade it to collaborate, granting her entry into the entire facility. Later on, Aloy designated the center as her base of operations, where she went on to recover more AIs. Throughout the events of Forbidden West, Aloy’s companions gradually moved into the Base and personalized their living spaces, such as Zo adorning his with Utaru plants or Aloy arranging her space with weapons, armor, and personal belongings.

In actuality, although Horizon Forbidden West’s Base appears to be nestled in the rugged peaks of No Man’s Land, it is actually situated within the Hayford Peak of the Sheep Range mountains, which can be found in the beautiful state of Nevada.

The Potential of Custom Bases in Future Horizon Games

In light of the undisclosed launch dates for the multiplayer version of Horizon 3, as well as rumors of an MMO Horizon game, Guerrilla Games might explore developing further on the Base system introduced in Forbidden West. Since both Forbidden West and Horizon Call of the Mountain are set in fresh locations beyond those seen in Zero Dawn, it’s plausible that future Horizon games will also be set in new environments. These new landscapes could offer players additional chances to personalize and even construct bases of their own, much like Aloy’s companions customized their spaces within the Base. For instance, each significant tribal settlement could provide an opportunity for players to buy a plot of land where they could design and customize their very own small base.

In the upcoming games, these novel bases might take inspiration from architectural styles of past civilizations we’ve encountered, like the stonework of the Carja, the coastal designs of the Quen, or the icy structures of the Nora. As players delve deeper into the region and accomplish quests, they could unlock additional base designs and decorative elements, reminiscent of how Mother’s Heart adornments are obtained in LEGO Horizon Adventures. Furthermore, these bases could serve as strategic strongholds when allies and companions join, enabling defense against potential attacks by marauding bandits or leftover Eclipse and Regalla’s Rebels forces.

A New Base Trading Mechanic in Future Horizon Games

To enhance the compatibility with the approaching Nemesis danger depicted in Horizon Forbidden West, developers Guerrilla might enable players to trade resources between their outposts for a more effective defense against Nemesis’ invasion. Aloy and her allies have previously discussed obtaining assistance from various tribes to combat Nemesis, as hinted by Erend mentioning his attempts to enlist the Oseram in their struggle during the Burning Shores DLC. By constructing bases that facilitate trade connections across known territories, players can become more engaged with the overall Nemesis conflict beyond Aloy’s notable adventures. Although trades can be arranged and administered from outposts, Guerrilla could visually represent some of these transactions by featuring tribal and machine caravans traversing the map, such as Bristlebacks and Chargers adorned with equipment.

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2025-02-07 23:47