Part of what makes Aloy such a beloved heroine is that she is capable and independent. This is a trait she retains inHorizon Forbidden West. Nevertheless, like any human, she cannot handle all of life’s challenges on her own, and she comes to rely on a few loyal friends. These friends are important, as they end up shaping her character and helping her grow. This is especially true of two characters - Talanah and Seyka.
Talanah and Seyka mirror Aloy, as all three women are fierce machine hunters who have experienced not being fully accepted and appreciated by their tribe. Talanah is introduced inHorizon Zero Dawn, and she shows Aloy that it is possible to overcome institutional forms of oppression with enough perseverance. Seyka shows up inHorizon Forbidden West’sDLC,Burning Shores, and she teaches Aloy that it is okay to show a more vulnerable side to those she loves.
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Seyka in Burning Shores DLC
InBurning ShoresDLC, Aloy takes a trip to Los Angeles to investigate a new threat. Not soon after arriving, she meetsSeyka, who is a member of the Quen tribe. The two are almost instantly friends. It can be hard to keep up with Aloy who is nimble and quick, but Seyka does so without breaking a sweat. Together, they make a great team, especially when they are dealing with multiple enemies.
Through Seyka, Aloy learns more about theQuen, which is a tribe that is very knowledgeable about the Old Ones, although some of their interpretations are inaccurate. Aloy also learns to embrace a more open, intimate side of herself with Seyka. Throughout the DLC, there are subtle hints that something other than friendship is stirring between Seyka and Aloy. This culminates with the possibility of the pair sharing a kiss in the last main quest. Regardless of whether players choose the romance path or not, it is an important moment for Aloy, as it gives her a chance to witness a warrior as brave as she put their emotions on show. This is an important lesson for Aloy. Though she loves her friends, she can sometimes be harsh toward them in an attempt to keep them away from danger.
Talanah in Horizon Forbidden West
Much like Seyka and Aloy,Talanah is an exceptional machine hunter. Unfortunately, the Carja tribe does not appreciate this as much as they should because she is a woman. Through perseverance and skill, she proves her worth and becomes the first female leader of the tribe’s Hunter’s Lodge. It is no surprise that the two are good friends because they both share a strong sense of justice and have endless grit.
Aloy is born to a tribe that labels her an Outcast, so she can relate to Talanah’s experience of not fitting in with her tribe. Talanah’s ascension within the Hunter’s Lodge demonstrates that tribes and their culture can change, though this can’t be done easily. There is hope that even the Nora may put to rest some of the more harmful cultural practices, such as ostracization.
With Nemesis on the way, Aloy will have to lean on her friends more than ever. She may even have new companions join her team. Aloy will have to remain vigilant, however. AsTilda van der Meer shows inHorizon Forbidden West, not everyone who claims to be a friend is truly loyal.
Horizon Forbidden Westis available on PS4 and PS5.
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