How far in the future is Horizon Zero Dawn set?
Horizon Zero Dawn is set about 1,000 years in the future, in the 31st century, around the year 3040. The world ended in the 2060s, when a swarm of self-replicating war robots consumed Earth's biosphere. The game's mystery is what happened in between: how humanity was destroyed, how life returned and why machines now roam the wilds.
The timeline in short
- 2060s: the Faro Plague, a rogue swarm of military robots, consumes all life. Scientists launch Project Zero Dawn to restore life on Earth after the extinction.
- The following centuries: the AI GAIA and her subordinate systems rebuild the biosphere and bring humans back.
- About 1,000 years later: humans live in tribes among the ruins, with no memory of the old world. Aloy's story begins.
Where it takes place
The game is set in what used to be the western United States, especially around Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Forbidden West continues the story further west.
FAQ
How many endings does Horizon Zero Dawn have?
One. The story ends the same way for everyone, though you have small dialogue choices.
What is the maximum level in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The base game's level cap is 50; The Frozen Wilds expansion raises it to 60.
How long is Horizon Zero Dawn?
The main story takes roughly 20–25 hours; doing most side content takes 40 hours or more.
What game is about the girl Aloy?
The Horizon series: Horizon Zero Dawn (2017), its sequel Horizon Forbidden West (2022), plus Horizon Call of the Mountain for PS VR2, where Aloy appears.
Who voices Aloy?
Ashly Burch voices Aloy in the English version.