Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West Didn’t Jump to Conclusions, and Neither Should Horizon 3

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The following contains spoilers for Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.

The Horizon series by Guerrilla Games has a knack for weaving tales steeped in mystery, leaving players on the edge of their seats with each new disclosure. Just when you think you’re about to uncover the truth, another layer unfolds, posing even more enigmas while answering some. This element of mystery is one of the series’ defining traits, and it’s essential for maintaining that sense of discovery which keeps players eagerly anticipating the storyline. This was evident in both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, so it’s reasonable to expect the third installment will adhere to this format as well.

While it seems likely that Horizon 3 might conclude Aloy’s story and possibly wrap up the series due to the common trilogy format, the Horizon games have shown they aren’t in a hurry to explain everything. Both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West added new plot twists, mysteries, and narratives, taking their time to reach conclusions. Given this pattern, it wouldn’t be surprising if Horizon 3 followed suit, potentially extending the series beyond three games, even if that means a prolonged narrative arc.

Horizon 3’s Story Needs to Resist Premature Closure

Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West Kept Their Mysteries Intact

Upon the launch of “Horizon Zero Dawn”, it wasn’t initially apparent that it marked the start of a trilogy or an initial chapter in a more expansive narrative. Rather, it offered a self-contained adventure centered around exploration, while subtly leaving mysteries surrounding GAIA’s hidden functions, the enigmatic machines, and the world itself unanswered by the conclusion of its tale. By the story’s end, Aloy had discovered her identity, yet much about the planet’s future remained a mystery. This ambiguity provided room for the narrative to organically progress without necessitating a forced continuation.

After Horizon Forbidden West, the narrative pattern persisted. Instead of moving towards a definitive end, it expanded the scope by introducing characters like the Tenakth, the Zeniths, and ultimately Nemesis, who serves as the series’ main antagonist. Some critics view this development as a prequel setup, but it aligns with the series’ tradition of gradually unveiling layers within the larger storyline rather than simplifying it. By leaving more questions unanswered than resolved, Horizon Forbidden West emphasized that Horizon isn’t a story racing towards an end but one that evolves at its own pace.

Why Horizon 3 Should Follow the Same Approach

As a fan eagerly anticipating Horizon 3, it’s a bit surprising to think of it as the concluding chapter in the series. It seems like a departure from the format of the first two games, and while a trilogy structure might seem logical, it could potentially push Guerilla into hurriedly wrapping up arcs that require more depth and exploration.

Stories like GAIA’s restoration, Hephaestus’ independence, the Zenith threat, and Nemesis are complex threads that could benefit from multiple games to unfold without feeling rushed. Compressing these narratives into a single game might dilute their power and impact.

Mainly, Aloy’s world, beyond the territories of Nora, Carja, Oseram, and Tenakth, remains largely unexplored. Countless civilizations have crumbled, leaving behind ruins untouched by both “Horizon Zero Dawn” and “Forbidden West”. There is ample space for new areas, societies, and a multitude of machines that could extend the series beyond a solitary narrative. By keeping the “Horizon” universe open-ended in “Horizon 3”, Guerilla can continue to emphasize its primary strength: a world that appears vastly larger than what a single game’s story can encompass.

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2025-08-28 21:04