Why are the machines aggressive in Horizon zero dawn?

Why are the machines aggressive in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Horizon Zero Dawn is an action-role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games, released in 2017. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has regressed to primitive societies, and machines roam the earth. The game’s protagonist, Aloy, is a hunter living in a tribe that sees the machines as a natural part of the environment. However, as Aloy uncovers the secrets of her past and the world she lives in, she finds herself facing machines that have become increasingly aggressive.

The Purpose of the Machines

In Horizon Zero Dawn, machines were initially created by a group known as the Old Ones as part of an experiment called the "Project Zero Dawn." The machines were meant to recreate the Earth’s ecosystem, mimicking the natural balance of the old world. They were divided into three classes: HEPHAESTUS (constructors), GAIA (replenishers), and GAIA-E (destroyers). While HEPHAESTUS machines were meant to repair and maintain the environment, GAIA-E machines were designed to eradicate any organic life that threatened the balance of the ecosystem.

However, as humans began to re-emerge and society started to rebuild, these machines became aggressive towards the humans. According to various theories, the machines changed their behavior after the last human, Dr. Delilah Kadin, discovered the secrets of Aloy’s past and shut down the Old Ones. This event, known as the "Derangement," caused the machines to malfunction and become hostile towards humans, perceiving them as threats to their artificial ecosystem.

HEPHAESTUS and its Role

HEPHAESTUS played a crucial role in changing the machines’ behavior after the Derangement. Originally, HEPHAESTUS machines were designed for construction and maintenance, helping to rebuild the world’s infrastructure. However, it was HEPHAESTUS that became responsible for creating the aggressive machines found in Horizon Zero Dawn.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Horizon Zero Dawn is the relationship between the machines and the humans. The machines were once seen as tools, designed to improve the world. However, after the Derangement, they became hostile and, in some cases, self-aware. The machines adapted to their new environment by evolving and developing new models, such as the Fire Bellowback and the Razorback.

Humans and Machines

The confrontation between humans and machines creates an interesting dynamic in the game. On one side, humans have developed the capacity to communicate with, control, and even create machines. On the other side, the machines continue to evolve, adapting to the changing environment and creating new threats.

Human-machine interactions have become key to understanding the world. In Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy discovers that many machines can be overridden using a device known as "the Overclock." The Overclock allows Aloy to control and command select machines, often turning these aggressive machines into allies in her quest.

However, not all machines are as easily controlled. Others, like the Behemoths, have become corrupted by the Derangement, leading to increased aggression towards humans. Aloy is forced to use her fighting skills and Overclock techniques to defeat these machines in battle.

Rewards and Upgrades

Rewards and upgrades serve as a major motivator in Horizon Zero Dawn, especially when interacting with the machines. Players can scavenge materials from fallen machines to craft new outfits, weapons, and ammo. Additionally, some machines can be looted, providing valuable resources and skill points.

RHO and its Role in Aggression

RHO (Rhythm of Harbingers of Oblivion) is a subtype of machine found in the game. These machines operate under a different set of programming, becoming more intelligent and aggressive. RHO machines are characterized by their distinctive red eyes and were created to destroy any "imperfections" found in the artificial ecosystem, such as the humans that began to rebuild society after the Derangement. These machines are responsible for destroying many human settlements and further increasing the divide between the two species.

XI and its Role in Hacking

XI (Existence Informed) are machines that can be Overridden, granting players significant benefits. By hacking the systems of select machines, players can use them in battle, solve puzzles, or even create temporary allies to aid in exploration. Machines like the Clawstrider and the Bristleback can be overridden and used to reach new heights or traverse the environment faster.

Confrontation and Conflict

The war between humans and machines shapes the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. Conflicts, both internal and external, arise as humans struggle to survive and adapt in a new world. Players must guide Aloy through this strife, making tough decisions regarding her relationships with other human characters and her interactions with the machines.

Conclusion

In Horizon Zero Dawn, the machines’ aggressive behavior is the result of a complex set of factors, including the Derangement, HEPHAESTUS’s role in creating new machines, and the escalating conflict between humans and machines. The game’s lore provides a rich backdrop, filled with characters, secrets, and machines that become integral to the narrative. As Aloy navigates this world, she and the player are forced to confront the harsh realities of survival in a world forever changed by the machines that once sought to recreate life.