Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games’ critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn, has finally arrived, and with it, a plethora of questions about the game’s narrative and its multiple endings. As players embark on Aloy’s perilous journey through the post-apocalyptic world, they are met with a complex web of storylines, character arcs, and plot twists that ultimately lead to a thrilling conclusion. But, are there different endings in Horizon Forbidden West? In this article, we will delve into the game’s narrative structure, explore the various endings, and discuss the factors that influence the final outcome.
Understanding the Narrative Structure of Horizon Forbidden West
Before diving into the endings, it’s essential to understand the narrative structure of Horizon Forbidden West. The game’s story is divided into several main quests, side quests, and errands, each contributing to the overall narrative. The main quests drive the story forward, while side quests and errands provide additional context, character development, and world-building. The game’s narrative is also heavily influenced by the player’s choices, which can significantly impact the final outcome.
The Role of Player Choice in Shaping the Narrative
Player choice is a crucial aspect of Horizon Forbidden West’s narrative. Throughout the game, players are presented with various decisions that can affect the story, characters, and ultimately, the ending. These choices can be categorized into two types: major choices and minor choices. Major choices have a significant impact on the narrative, while minor choices may only affect specific characters or side quests.
One of the most significant player choices in Horizon Forbidden West is the decision to spare or kill certain characters. These choices can have far-reaching consequences, influencing the fate of entire settlements, characters, and even the world itself. Additionally, the player’s relationships with certain characters can also impact the narrative, as Aloy’s bonds with her allies can influence their actions and decisions.
Exploring the Different Endings in Horizon Forbidden West
Now that we’ve discussed the narrative structure and the role of player choice, let’s dive into the different endings in Horizon Forbidden West. The game features multiple endings, each influenced by the player’s choices throughout the game. While we won’t spoil the exact details of each ending, we’ll provide a general overview of the different conclusions.
The Main Ending
The main ending is the most straightforward conclusion, where Aloy completes the main questline and defeats the primary antagonist. This ending is influenced by the player’s major choices, such as sparing or killing certain characters, and their relationships with key allies.
The Alternative Ending
The alternative ending is a more nuanced conclusion, where Aloy’s choices have significant consequences for the world and its inhabitants. This ending is influenced by the player’s minor choices, such as completing specific side quests or errands, and their relationships with certain characters.
The Secret Ending
The secret ending is a hidden conclusion, only accessible by completing a specific set of tasks and making precise choices throughout the game. This ending provides additional context to the game’s narrative and offers a unique perspective on the world and its characters.
Factors Influencing the Final Outcome
Several factors influence the final outcome in Horizon Forbidden West, including:
- Player choice: As mentioned earlier, player choice plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and influencing the ending.
- Character relationships: Aloy’s relationships with her allies can impact the narrative and influence the final outcome.
- Side quests and errands: Completing specific side quests and errands can provide additional context and influence the ending.
- Main quest completion: Completing the main questline is essential to unlocking the different endings.
Unlocking the Secret Ending
To unlock the secret ending, players must complete a specific set of tasks, including:
- Completing a specific side quest: Players must complete a particular side quest, which provides additional context to the game’s narrative.
- Making precise choices: Players must make specific choices throughout the game, which influence the final outcome.
- Collecting specific items: Players must collect specific items, which are required to unlock the secret ending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Horizon Forbidden West features multiple endings, each influenced by the player’s choices throughout the game. The game’s narrative structure, player choice, and character relationships all contribute to the final outcome. By understanding the factors that influence the ending, players can unlock the different conclusions, including the secret ending. Whether you’re a completionist or a casual player, Horizon Forbidden West offers a rich and immersive narrative experience that is sure to captivate and inspire.
| Ending | Influencing Factors |
|---|---|
| Main Ending | Major player choices, character relationships |
| Alternative Ending | Minor player choices, side quests, errands |
| Secret Ending | Specific side quest, precise choices, collecting specific items |
By exploring the different endings in Horizon Forbidden West, players can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s narrative and the world it inhabits. With its engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and multiple endings, Horizon Forbidden West is an absolute must-play for fans of action-adventure games and science fiction.
What are the different endings in Horizon Forbidden West?
Horizon Forbidden West features multiple endings, each dependent on the player’s choices throughout the game. The main endings are determined by the player’s decisions regarding the fate of the world and the characters they interact with. These endings can be broadly categorized into three main types: the ‘good’ ending, the ‘bad’ ending, and the ‘neutral’ ending.
The ‘good’ ending is achieved when the player makes choices that prioritize the well-being of the characters and the world. This ending is often considered the most desirable outcome, as it results in a positive conclusion for the game’s protagonist, Aloy, and the people she cares about. On the other hand, the ‘bad’ ending is achieved when the player makes choices that harm the characters and the world, leading to a negative conclusion. The ‘neutral’ ending falls somewhere in between, with a mix of positive and negative outcomes.
How do player choices affect the ending of Horizon Forbidden West?
Player choices play a significant role in determining the ending of Horizon Forbidden West. Throughout the game, the player is presented with various decisions that impact the story and its characters. These choices can range from simple dialogue options to more complex decisions that affect the fate of entire settlements. The player’s choices are tracked throughout the game, and they ultimately contribute to the ending that the player receives.
The game’s developers, Guerrilla Games, have implemented a complex system that takes into account the player’s choices and actions. This system ensures that the ending is tailored to the player’s playstyle and decisions, providing a unique experience for each player. As a result, players are encouraged to experiment with different choices and playthroughs to see how the ending changes.
What is the ‘secret’ ending in Horizon Forbidden West?
The ‘secret’ ending in Horizon Forbidden West is a special ending that can be unlocked by completing a specific set of tasks and making certain choices throughout the game. This ending is not immediately apparent and requires the player to pay close attention to the game’s story and characters. The ‘secret’ ending provides additional context and insight into the game’s world and characters, and it is considered a bonus for players who are willing to put in the extra effort.
To unlock the ‘secret’ ending, players must complete a series of side quests and make specific choices during key moments in the game. The game does not provide explicit guidance on how to unlock this ending, so players must use their own judgment and intuition to make the correct choices. The ‘secret’ ending is a rewarding experience for players who are invested in the game’s story and characters.
Can I change my choices and get a different ending?
Yes, it is possible to change your choices and get a different ending in Horizon Forbidden West. The game features a ‘New Game+’ mode that allows players to replay the game with their existing character and equipment. In this mode, players can make different choices and experiment with different playstyles to see how the ending changes.
Additionally, the game’s developers have implemented a system that allows players to ‘reload’ their save file from a previous point in the game. This feature enables players to go back and make different choices, effectively changing the course of the story and the ending. However, this feature is only available for a limited time, so players must use it wisely.
How many playthroughs does it take to see all the endings?
To see all the endings in Horizon Forbidden West, players will need to complete the game at least three times. Each playthrough will require the player to make different choices and complete specific tasks to unlock the different endings. The game’s developers have estimated that it will take around 50-60 hours of gameplay to see all the endings, depending on the player’s skill level and playstyle.
However, it’s worth noting that the game’s endings are not mutually exclusive, and players can see elements of multiple endings in a single playthrough. Additionally, the game’s ‘New Game+’ mode allows players to replay the game with their existing character and equipment, making it easier to experiment with different choices and endings.
Are the endings in Horizon Forbidden West canon?
The endings in Horizon Forbidden West are considered canon, but they are also subject to interpretation. The game’s developers have stated that the endings are intended to be a reflection of the player’s choices and actions, and they are not necessarily ‘set in stone.’ The game’s story is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing players to create their own unique narrative.
However, the game’s main storyline and characters are considered canon, and the endings are intended to be a natural progression of the story. The game’s developers have also stated that they will be taking into account the player’s choices and endings in future games and DLCs, so the endings in Horizon Forbidden West will have a lasting impact on the game’s universe.
Will there be DLCs that add new endings to Horizon Forbidden West?
Yes, the game’s developers have announced plans to release DLCs that will add new endings to Horizon Forbidden West. These DLCs will provide additional story content and gameplay mechanics, and they will allow players to experience new endings and storylines. The DLCs will be available for purchase separately, and they will be included in the game’s season pass.
The game’s developers have stated that the DLCs will be designed to expand on the game’s story and characters, and they will provide new insights into the game’s world and lore. The DLCs will also include new gameplay mechanics and features, such as new machines and quests. The exact details of the DLCs have not been announced, but they are expected to be released in the coming months.