Embark on a compelling, emotional journey and unravel mysteries of tribal societies, ancient artifacts and advanced technologies that will determine the fate of this planet, and of life itself.

In this latest behind-the-scenes look at the game, Guerrilla Games’ chief Hermen Hulst, game director Mathijs De Jonge and art director Jan-Bart van Beek give us a glimpse of Aloy’s place in their new world, shedding new light on who she is and what drives her to survive as an outcast – and read on for Hermen’s thoughts on the creation of a new heroine.

“It never was our goal or intention – it was a happy coincidence!” says studio co-founder and Managing Director Hermen Hulst. “We just wanted to make a great character for the game. “The creation of Aloy was relatively constant. Of course you always develop and iterate as you go along, but we decided she’d be a young red-headed female from day one.

“We didn’t want this typical hulking dude, but an agile person who wouldn’t necessarily be able to hold her ground against the sheer gun power of these Machines, but is able to outsmart them. We’re really happy with our choice.”

It’s a choice which has resulted in a swiftly growing cosplay community, where Aloy’s distinctive low tech garments meet high tech scavenging look is increasingly favoured at conventions. Aloy’s style has been such a hit that Guerrilla has already created a costume creation guide to help out anyone looking to join the Horizon Zero Dawn tribe.

But it’s Aloy’s attitude and character which is bound to keep her locked in the imagination of fans, long after any conventions end. “We wanted somebody who was very curious, intelligent and takes in this wondrous world full of mystery to unravel,” explains Hermen. “And she can be fierce. We didn’t want a Disney type princess.

“There are a lot of beliefs and mythology in the tribes you meet in the game, but she doesn’t really buy into that and is a very down to earth girl who questions and puts everything into her own perspective.

“I think they make her a great character to follow through the story.”

Key Features:

• A Lush Post-Apocalyptic World – How have machines dominated this world, and what is their purpose?  What happened to the civilization here before?  Scour every corner of a realm filled with ancient relics and mysterious buildings in order to uncover your past and unearth the many secrets of a forgotten land.
• Nature and Machines Collide – Horizon Zero Dawn juxtaposes two contrasting elements, taking a vibrant world rich with beautiful nature and filling it with awe-inspiring highly advanced technology. This marriage creates a dynamic combination for both exploration and gameplay.
• Defy Overwhelming Odds – The foundation of combat in Horizon Zero Dawn is built upon the speed and cunning of Aloy versus the raw strength and size of the machines.  In order to overcome a much larger and technologically superior enemy, Aloy must use every ounce of her knowledge, intelligence, and agility to survive each encounter.
• Cutting Edge Open World Tech: Stunningly detailed forests, imposing mountains, and atmospheric ruins of a bygone civilization meld together in a landscape that is alive with changing weather systems and a full day/night cycle.