The announcement of Horizon: Forbidden West has greatly increased interest in the series. Horizon: Zero Dawn is now being replayed by most fans to refresh their memories of the game, and this has simultaneously led to interest arising in the characters found here.
For the most part, the supporting cast isn’t the most engaging compared to other similar games. However, there are certain characters that do evoke reactions out of fans. Some of them are either outright hated or are simply uninteresting. Others are worthy of contributing to the story in the sequel. While five of these characters could very well be seen in Forbidden West, fans generally agree they’d rather not be present. Meanwhile, the remaining five will certainly be welcomed back.
10 Want: Teersa
Although she has similar fanatical beliefs as the others, including believing machines to be animals and Gods, Teersa is the only one to treat Aloy fairly. She served as a good character to come across, mainly because Teersa represented the more good-natured kind of her people.
It will be interesting to see where her faith lies now that the reality of her religion is known. Teersa could change her opinion of Aloy if her denial kicks in, or could once again be one of the few allies she has.
9 Don’t Want: Bast
A lot of characters died in Horizon Zero: Dawn. Of these, nobody mourned the death of Bast, who was an antagonistic figure for Aloy. Openly bigoted against her for being an outcast, Bast tried to sabotage Aloy’s win at the proving. He also attacked and wounded Aloy at a young age purely for fun and mocked her for it.
For this reason, even a return in flashbacks would not be welcome for him. Watching him display the same hostile attitude will only remind players of how annoying he was. Not to mention there’s nothing interesting in his character to warrant a flashback about him.
8 Want: Avad
Most of the characters encountered had an unfriendly demeanor to them, making Avad a good exception. Although he killed his father, it was due to the latter being a corrupted king who refused to surrender. He’s also proven quite popular among cosplayers who liked his distinct style.
The most interesting thing about him, though, was his attraction toward Aloy. She was quick to reject him, but these feelings can be expanded in the sequel. Moreover, it would also be interesting to see Avad potentially turning evil, placing him as one of the antagonists with a history with Aloy.
7 Don’t Want: Teb
Not being a fighter, and someone who could only provide add-ons like clothing, Ted isn’t exactly the most engaging character. While he’s one of the few to never be sour towards Aloy, that’s just about the only notable quality in him.
When put in a position to defend his people, Teb was rather clueless and needed Aloy’s assistance. Watching him flub his way once again isn’t something that’s needed, and Teb should remain exclusively in Zero Dawn.
6 Want: Dr. Sobeck
Fans are still talking about the unresolved storylines opened up due to Dr. Sobeck being Aloy’s predecessor. It seems as if her past might have been explored enough, but there’s a whole lot fans want answered.
Mostly, though, the fanbase would love to play as Dr. Sobeck in a flashback sequence where the world in the past can be seen. Any potential interactions with Aloy using futuristic technology would most certainly be welcome.
5 Don’t Want: HADES
Fans remember HADES for being the difficult boss fight it brought. However, it was the antagonist of the game mainly due to it being designed to destroy. HADES played its part well in Zero Dawn, but it’s time to move on.
Bringing HADES back would mean treading the same ground as before. Rather than continue the story with “resurrecting” this machine, it’s better to bring in a different antagonist so that Forbidden West feels more unique. The plans Sylens has with him should instead be delayed to a third Horizon game.
4 Want: Sylens
Being an extremely complex character with hidden intentions and secrets, Sylens is too interesting not to return. Having been responsible for HADES’ machinations, Sylens is placed as the potential villain for Horizon Forbidden West.
Even if that’s not the case, fans will delight in his return as he represents the plot twists in the story. Sylens also brings with him more exposition, and any time he’s onscreen further revelations are to be expected.
3 Don’t Want: Lansra
The opposite of Teersa in characterization, Lansra was much more hostile to Aloy. It’s pretty annoying in the beginning, before becoming downright infuriating to see Lansra treat Aloy with such lack of respect.
With the Nora’s reality exposed in Zero Dawn, and Lansra also proven to be a weak character who instantly changes her allegiance to Aloy, she has no more part to play. Turning her into a villain can be an option, but her extremely unlikable nature makes this sound unappealing.
2 Want: Rost
There was always something off about Rost’s supposed demise. While the game treated it as a confirmed event, the fantasy nature of the series means Rost can easily be brought back. If not, Aloy spent her entire childhood with him, meaning there’s more than enough memories to show.
Being Aloy’s adoptive father, Aloy’s childhood can be further explored with his influence depicted. Without having to set up the story like Zero Dawn had to, Forbidden West can ease into the relationship Aloy and Rost enjoyed before she grew up.
1 Don’t Want: Ted Faro
Responsible for making the machines that ultimately ended the existence of the old humans, Faro’s identity was among the many plot reveals. After learning of this, though, his role has been completed and there needn’t be further expositions of his activities.
Dr. Sobeck is enough for a past character’s influence, and bringing Faro back would basically be a rehash of Zero Dawn’s plot. It’s likely his past could be expanded upon, seeing that the circumstances of his death are unclear, yet you won’t find many fans who care enough to know about these events.
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