Summary
TheHorizonfranchise is a fascinating series of games with a unique world and lots of incredible characters, such as Aloy, Erend, Varl, and many more. Several of thememorable characters fromHorizonhave appeared in bothHorizon Zero DawnandHorizon Forbidden West, whether they’re part of a side quest or take on a bigger role.
However, there are a few characters inHorizon Zero Dawnthat either didn’t appear inHorizon Forbidden Westor had a smaller role compared to other returning characters. Some of these characters played important roles in side quests and main story quests and others had close relationships withthe core cast of characters.
7Nil
Carja Raider Turned Tenakth Racer
Although Nil appeared inHorizon Forbidden West, he had a very minor role and could be missed by the player altogether if they don’t complete the entirety of the “Gauntlet Run” side quest. InHorizon Zero Dawn, Nil had quite a bloodlust and would occasionally be waiting for Aloy outside of bandit camps so he could raid the camp with a partner. Luckily, inHorizon Forbidden West, Nil found something he loves that doesn’t involve bloodshed, and that was Gauntlet Runs.
Nil would be an excellent character to make a return inHorizon 3, and a more prominent role would be a great opportunity for players to learn more about what he’s been up to sinceZero Dawnother than his racing inForbidden West. Nil could be a valuable ally in her fight against Nemesis.
6Vanasha
The Handmaiden Of Queen Nasadi
Another character who has a small cameo inHorizon Forbidden Westis Vanasha. Vanasha was trained in the art of espionage by Marad, also known as Blameless Marad. She spent several years undercover inthe Shadow Carja, and eventually, (with the help of Aloy), helped Nasadi and Itamen escape the Shadow Carja.
When Aloy meets Vanasha in the prologue ofForbidden West, it is revealed that Vanasha is now the personal handmaiden of Queen Nasadi, although Aloy’s conversation with Vanasha is optional and can be entirely skipped. Vanasha is shown to be protective of Nasadi and Itamen, and with the threat of Nemesis, she would likely want to do what she can to protect them.
5Uthid
The Former Shadow Carja Captain
Yet another character fromHorizon Zero Dawnwho only appeared in the prologue ofHorizon Forbidden West. Just like with Vanasha, Uthid’s conversation can be skipped as well. Uthid is a former Shadow Carja captain who eventually defected after being framed for a series of murders by the Shadow Carja leaders. Sometime after being rescued by Aloy, he is appointed as the new military advisor to Sun King Avad.
Considering that Uthid is the military advisor of the Sun Carja, it gives plenty of opportunity for him to return inHorizon 3in some capacity. Perhaps Avad sends him to aid Aloy in the fight against Nemesis. Or perhaps Aloy visits Meridian to ask Avad for help against Nemesis and encounters Uthid.
4Resh
The Former Acting War Chief Of The Nora
An unexpected character in this discussion. Resh was the acting war chief of the Nora tribe in Sona’s temporary absence. After the Nora was attacked by the Eclipse, and Aloy was heralded as the anointed of the Nora, he chose to become an outcast. His fate after becoming an outcast is unknown, and thus it is entirely possible that he is still alive and could make a small cameo inHorizon 3.
Resh could possibly appear in a side quest inHorizon 3where he and Aloy must begrudgingly work together. Perhaps this potential side quest could bring the opportunity for a reconciliation between Aloy and Resh, although Resh’s stubborn nature might prevent that.
3Avad
The Sun King Of The Carja
Another character that also appeared inHorizon Forbidden West,Avad is the Sun King of the Carjaand was a valuable ally to Aloy inHorizon Zero Dawn. He even harbored a small crush on Aloy, which she did not reciprocate. Avad makes it into this discussion because he only appears in the prologue, and once players finish the game, they can skip the prologue when they start a new game.
With Avad being the Sun King of the Carja, it makes perfect sense for him to have an even bigger role inHorizon 3than his prologue cameo inZero Dawn. As the leader of a major tribe, he could be a valuable ally to Aloy and provide a lot of help in her fight against Nemesis.
An honorable mention would be Marad. However, considering he is Avad’s advisor, he likely won’t appear inHorizon 3unless Aloy travels to Meridian or Avad chooses to join Aloy.
2Teersa
The Compassionate High Matriarch Of The Nora
Teersa is one of the three high matriarchs ofthe Nora tribeand is the only one who shows compassion to Aloy from the very beginning. When she discovered Aloy as a baby, she always believed that there was something important about her, but the other matriarchs disagreed and, by Nora customs, Aloy was outcast.
Teersa didn’t appear inForbidden West, soHorizon 3could be the perfect opportunity for Aloy to reunite with her. It is possible for Teersa to have some sort of role inHorizon 3. Whether that is moral support for Aloy or to help her cause by sending Sona and the Nora Braves to help fight Nemesis.
1Sona
War Chief Of The Nora
Out of all the characters mentioned,Sona should appear inHorizon 3the most. Sona is the war chief of the Nora Tribe and Varl’s mother. Sona appeared throughout several missions inHorizon Zero Dawn, but never appeared or had a cameo inHorizon Forbidden West.
As the mother of Varl, (who tragically died inForbidden West), it would be a great opportunity for her to have some sort of role inHorizon 3. Whether that would be Aloy telling her of Varl’s death, and his child with Zo or Sona deciding to help Aloy in defending the planet from Nemesis. As the war chief of the Nora tribe, she would make an invaluable ally.
