With just over a month until the release of Horizon Forbidden West, the folks at Guerrilla are eager to share some details on how the sequel will improve upon the original. Taking in feedback from fans and utilizing newly available technologies, the developer has worked to make Aloy’s next adventure an even better experience. One way they aim to do that is by having Aloy spend less time exploring the wilds on her own and more time with companions.

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A new cover story by Game Informer delves into Forbidden West and what differences the fans can expect from its predecessor. These changes will include improved graphics and cinematics, a world that feels more “lived in,” various HUD improvements, revamped side quests, and much more. In fact, one of the big focal points for Guerrilla this time around was the relationship building between Aloy and her companions. Narrative Director Benjamin McCaw said they worked hard to create a bond between the player and the companion characters. "The big focus, though, that we wanted to change from the first game to the second, is that you get to spend more time with key characters,” he shared.

Horizon Forbidden West Companions

Having her form a bond with companions gives depth to the story and a “realness” to the world that may have been missing the first time around. Many of the characters that Aloy met in Horizon Zero Dawn offered a side quest or a bit of story and then faded into the background. These new relationships will not only be felt through the main quest, but also the revamped side quests. As McCaw explains, building relationships was "something we tried to do consistently throughout the game. Not just for characters that you meet along the main quest, but also certain side quest characters — they don’t just go away after one quest.”

Creating these bonds within the world of Horizon will up the stakes for Aloy as she works to save the world... again. Plus the player will have a greater stake in ensuring these new friends survive whatever machine horrors that Forbidden West has in store.

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