Horizon 3 is poised to follow in the footsteps of the successful Horizon series, hinting at an expansion post-launch, given the franchise's history with Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. These expansions by Guerrilla Games have enriched the series with new landscapes, characters, narratives, and treasures.
Each expansion, like Horizon Zero Dawn's Frozen Wilds and Horizon Forbidden West's Burning Shores, has its unique storyline. While the former delves into a side narrative, the latter sets the stage for Horizon 3, acting as a quasi-sequel. Yet, a common thread runs through all these expansions, hinting at the theme of a potential Horizon 3 expansion.
Predicting Horizon 3's Expansion Theme
Exploring Elemental and Weather Themes
The Horizon universe boasts diverse ecosystems, a consistent motif across expansions. The shared theme of weather and elemental forces in these expansions hints at the possible setting for Horizon 3's expansion. It could revisit familiar terrains or venture into uncharted realms.
The Frozen Wilds showcased icy landscapes inhabited by the resilient Banuk tribe. On the other hand, The Burning Shores depicted fiery environments with lava-spewing islands, teasing what's to come in Horizon 3.
Potential Elemental & Weather Themes for Horizon 3
Having covered ice and fire, the franchise can now explore a myriad of elements like wind, earth, acid, water, and electricity. These elements offer a canvas for Guerrilla Games to craft new challenges and environments:
- Wind
- Earth
- Acid/Poison
- Water
- Electricity
Each element can influence the machine designs and terrains Aloy encounters, paving the way for unique ecosystems and landscapes.
Envisioning Horizon 3's Expansion
Wind and Electricity Elements
Combining wind and electricity could introduce enhanced flying mechanics and aerial combat mechanics in a wind-themed expansion for Horizon 3. The concept of Stormbirds and electrified landscapes could add an exciting dimension to the gameplay.
Electricity could power stormy ecosystems with fierce battles against electrified machines or civilizations harnessing ancient technology.
Acid and Water Elements
An acid-themed expansion could introduce deadly machines like the Bilegut, while water could lead to swampy terrains inhabited by menacing creatures like the Shellsnapper. These environments offer Aloy new challenges and encounters.
Earth Element
The earth element opens up possibilities for underground civilizations, expansive cave networks, or muddy landscapes that test Aloy's skills and equipment. Discovering lost cities or tribes dwelling underground could add depth to Horizon 3's world.
While the development of an expansion for Horizon 3 remains uncertain, the franchise's legacy suggests it's a strong possibility. If realized, these elemental themes could enrich the gameplay experience and align with Horizon's elemental motifs.