Ranking All the Epic Characters in Horizon Forbidden West

Published 04/26/2023, 12:20 PM EDT

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Horizon Forbidden West is the perfect sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, as it introduces new things to make the series more exciting. Aloy sets on a new adventure across the mysterious Forbidden West, where she comes across new enemies. While on this journey, she also encounters new allies.

There are many new characters in this 2022-released action adventure. But only a few managed to get themselves the tag of epic characters in the series. There are some in-game characters who stood out from the rest. So let’s look into all these epic characters in Horizon Forbidden West.

10. Hekarro

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Hekarro, the Chief of the Tenakth tribe, deserves to be on this list. He is known as one of the greatest warriors, and he lives up to that reputation. He has not only earned the respect of his allies but also of his enemies.

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But it is not Hekarro’s strength that makes him stand out, but his personality. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest warriors, he never got drunk on his powers and tried to conquer lands. Instead, he sought an everlasting piece and stays true to his words.

9. Regalla

While the good ones suit this list, there are a few who fit these criteria despite being the ones we face. Even those from the dark side can also be impressive, and Regalla is one such character. She is Horizon Forbidden West’s secondary antagonist. Regalla is the leader of a Tenakth rebel organization whose exploits have rallied the tribe against them.

She might be a villain but her dedication to achieving her goal is worth every respect. Regalla will get her vengeance at all costs, no matter what extent she has to go for it. Players can also choose to kill or spare her life. If they choose the latter, she would join the final battle against Zeniths and will give one of the best scenes in the game.

8. Talanah Khane Padish

Talanah is one of the most prideful characters in Horizon Forbidden West, as she belongs to an illustrious line of Carja Noble Hunters. But what makes her an interesting character is her calmness in all situations. She is not someone who loses her cool under pressure.

This Carja Hunter is a side character, but players get to experience one of the best side quests because of her. After this quest, she doesn’t show up much in the game. Further, Talanah also helped Aloy take down one of the strongest machines, Shellsnapper.

7. Erend Vanguardsman

The legendary Vanguard Captain Erend from Horizon Zero Dawn makes a return in the sequel Forbidden West too. Ever since the first game, he has been a true ally who stood by Aloy whenever in need. His continuous support towards the game’s protagonist makes him loved by fans.

Horizon Forbidden West can get too dramatic and serious at times, but Erend Vanguardsman is there to bring some fun and humorous relief with him. Undoubtedly, Erend makes everyone wish for a trusted friend like him.

6. Tilda van der Meer

A great protagonist does make a game good, but what makes it truly excellent is an iconic villain. Tilda van der Meer is such a character, who makes you want to know more about her. She is the final boss villain of the game. But what truly makes her iconic is her mysterious and manipulative nature.

Throughout the game, it is hard to understand what she truly wants. Tilda has a unique relationship with the game’s protagonist Aloy and her “twin sister” Beta. It was revealed that she had a romantic relationship with Dr. Elizabeth Sobek, whose genetic clones are Aloy and Beta.

Tilda left Elizabeth behind centuries ago to form the Zenith colony in another solar system, which she always regretted. So after seeing Aloy’s similarities to her lost love, Tilda betrays the Zeniths. But her plans with Aloy lead to a conflict between the two.

5. Zo

Zo is an Utaru Gravesinger and a major character appearing in this 2022-released action-adventure game. She is a soft-spoken person, but don’t let her mannerisms shadow her brave fighting spirit. She is one of those characters who would fight the odds rather than give up.

What makes her even more compelling is her accepting nature. She is shown to be a person who holds her traditions dearly. But after knowing the truth about Earth and GAIA, she didn’t reject those new discoveries. Instead accepted them and incorporated them into her culture.

4. Kotallo

It seems there are many prideful characters in Horizon Forbidden West. The Tenakth Marshal Kotallo is one such character who is a major ally for Aloy in her fight to save Earth from Zeniths. Being born in a tribe, he values strength and keeps polishing his skills as a warrior.

But what makes Kotallo so iconic is his overall personality. He might appear as a stony character who might only care about battles, but from the inside, he just hopes for everlasting peace. His dry humor and poetic insight are just the cherries on top.

3. Sylens

Sylens has been a major character in the Horizon series since the first game, Zero Dawn. This character was made more iconic as it was played by the late American actor Lance Reddick.

This traveling researcher is the creator of the Eclipse and the Sons of Prometheus. He gets fascinated by the history and technology of the Old Ones and joins forces with Aloy to uncover the truth behind the machines and the destiny of the Old Ones. There are even speculations that this character might have more importance in the upcoming sequel.

2. Varl

Varl is possibly one of the most beloved characters in the Horizon series, since his first appearance in Zero Dawn. He’s been a true friend to Aloy from the first game. He even convinced Aloy that she doesn’t need to fight alone to protect Earth.

Varl’s personality and support make fans feel attached to him. Therefore his death, while trying to save Beta, makes everyone heartbroken. What makes Varl’s death even sadder is when Zo finds out about it and reveals she is pregnant with his child.

1. Aloy

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Who could have been the most epic character other than Aloy? She is one of the toughest characters in the game, as she shoulders the weight of saving the world from destruction. Her complex origin and character development make people get involved in the game.

From a young age, Aloy has been a tough girl who would fight against all odds. Her character helps her win the trust of the ones around her, including Tilda, who wanted to escape Earth with her to start a new civilization somewhere else.

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Who is your favorite character in Horizon Forbidden West? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Ripan Majumdar

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Ripan Majumdar is a senior eSports writer at EssentiallySports. With an impressive portfolio of over 1500 articles, Ripan has established himself as a prominent voice in the gaming community, providing valuable insights and expert analysis on topics ranging from streamers and creators to AAA video games. Ripan's love for gaming dates back to his early childhood, when he was captivated by the timeless gem of a game, Need For Speed: Most Wanted, which sparked his eSports journey.
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Edited by:

Jito Tenson