Every Horizon Tribe Explained

As a seasoned Horizon franchise veteran, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as we welcome newcomers to this vibrant world filled with robot-ruled landscapes and diverse tribes. Each tribe, from the Nora to the Quen, adds its unique flavor to the post-apocalyptic Western United States, making every journey an exciting cultural exploration.

As both Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and LEGO Horizon Adventures are about to debut, numerous gamers will embark on their initial journey within the Horizon series. These newcomers will have the opportunity to assume the role of Aloy for the first time, either in her natural human form or her humorous LEGO persona, as she embarks on a mission that combines self-exploration and planet protection amidst a world teeming with robots. Along her journey, Aloy will come across various tribes striving to exist within the post-apocalyptic American West, each with unique traditions, faiths, and cultures that enrich the Horizon universe. While players will only meet a few tribes in Zero Dawn and Adventures, additional tribes can be found in the Forbidden West and beyond.

Horizon Zero Dawn’s Tribes Explained

The Isolationist Nora Tribe

In the rugged peaks of what appears to be Colorado lies a tribe called the Nora, often being the first for players in the game as it’s Aloy’s home. This matriarchal society, isolated from others, reveres a deity known as the All-Mother, whom they believe brought all life and even the machine creatures into existence. Their deep faith makes them cautious stewards of their environment, favoring wooden constructions over technology. They view technology with suspicion, attributing its origins to a malevolent entity called the Metal Devil, who they believe sought to destroy All-Mother. Any individual going against these beliefs or leaving the sacred lands is seen as an outsider and barred from returning, except for special Seekers.

The Monarchal Carja Tribe

Among the notable societies players will come across in the Horizon series is the Carja. This society is thought to be descended from outcasts of an ancient Nora civilization and holds territories across much of the western United States, making them one of the most technologically advanced and far-reaching tribes. Unlike the Nora who revere the earth, the Carja are a patriarchal society that worships the sun as a god, while they believe an entity called the Buried Shadow destroyed the Old Ones and may do so again to the Carja. The Carja are governed by the Sun King and Sun Priests, who traditionally viewed other tribes as barbaric, although alliances have been formed with other tribes for mutual benefits such as resources and exploration purposes.

The Forging Oseram Tribe

The Oseram are one of the advanced yet scattered tribes encountered in the Horizon series. Instead of residing in a centralized town or area, their settlements are dispersed across the U.S., extending to the Forbidden West. These villages are governed by family clans and differ from the Nora and Carja in that they prioritize honor, craftsmanship, and technological discovery over religious beliefs. Unlike other tribes who use recycled machine parts, Oseram blacksmiths create their armor and weapons directly from raw iron in their forges. Their widespread presence allows them to engage in trade with various tribes, construct buildings, and serve as the Carja’s Vanguard.

The Shamanistic Banuk Tribe

Deep within the frigid, untamed mountain ranges of Montana, you’ll find the Banuk – a nomadic tribe. They dwell in compact communities known as weraks, which consist of tents and small fire pits. To the Banuk, confronting difficulties and persevering through hardship is paramount, for they never shy away from obstacles. This tenacity is reflected in their technology, as they shun foreign technologies designed to simplify life in favor of creating their own inventions like the Icerail and Stormslinger. In regards to their faith, the Banuk revere the Blue Light, a divine essence that exists within both machines and animals. As a result, they show great respect towards machines and incorporate cables into their bodies as a sign of reverence.

Horizon Forbidden West’s Tribes Explained

The Battle-Hardened Tenakth Tribe

In the heart of post-apocalyptic California and Nevada, known as the Forbidden West, resides a tribe born of conflict: the Tenakth. Originating from the remnants of the Mojave Battlefield Memorial Museum, their culture is deeply rooted in the holographic relics of the JTF-10 military unit and their battle tactics. Over time, the Tenakth have divided into three distinct clans – the Desert, Lowland, and Sky Clans – each enduring endless wars among themselves and with other tribes, such as the Carja. Yet, despite these conflicts, the Tenakth hold a strong sense of honor towards their fellow tribal members and any outsiders who can demonstrate their worth in combat.

The Choral Utaru Tribe

To the east of Scalding Spear, the capital of Tenakth Desert Clan, lies the fertile farmlands of Plainsong, inhabited by the peaceful Utaru tribe. Unlike their neighbors, the Utaru are predominantly farmers and musicians who prefer peace but will defend their land if provoked. Their unique culture and values stem from seven triceratops-like artifacts known as Plowhorns found near the Western Grand Array dishes. The early Utaru regarded these machines as deities because of their regular landscape fertilization and melodic humming sounds. The Utaru’s society is structured around music, with a ruling body called the Chorus guiding them.

The Seafaring Quen Tribe

As a devoted enthusiast, I must say that among the enigmatic tribes in the expansive world of Horizon, none captivate me more than the Quen. Unlike their counterparts who trace their roots to the post-apocalyptic United States, the Quen hail from the Asian mainland or Cradle facilities scattered across the Pacific Ocean.

So far, new tribes have been incorporated in every “Horizon” video game released, except for “Horizon: Call of the Mountain”.

2024-10-28 16:34