Erend

Lore & Background

Erend's narrative arc is deeply intertwined with the personal history of his friend, Ersa. In the comic series *Horizon Zero Dawn: The Liberation of Meridian* (or simply *The Liberation of Meridian*), set during the events of *Horizon Zero Dawn* between the missions 'The City of the Sun' and 'The Grave-Hoard', the story follows Erend and Aloy as they hunt Korl, an Oseram assassin responsible for the murder of an Oseram named Jorvik—a killing tied to Ersa's disappearance. Through this journey, Erend recounts the "Liberation of Meridian," detailing Ersa's escape from Carja captivity and their role in unifying the Oseram and Carja resistance. This backstory highlights his commitment to justice and his deep emotional ties to his people, moving beyond his initial reputation as a mere rogue.

In Their Own Story

During the hunt for Korl, Erend teams up with Aloy to track down the assassin who took a merchant's life. As they navigate the dangers of the old world, Erend shares the tragic history of Ersa, revealing how she escaped Carja captivity and how their efforts contributed to the unification of Oseram and Carja resistance forces. This partnership in *Liberation* showcases his transition from an individualist to a leader who fights for the collective good. His actions are not just about survival but about honoring those lost, such as Ersa, and ensuring that the resistance against tyranny continues.

Reader's Guide

Erend serves as a key ally for players navigating *Horizon Zero Dawn* and its associated media. In gameplay terms, he is a companion who assists in combat and exploration, utilizing traditional hunting weapons like spears and bows. His storyline, particularly explored in the comic *Liberation*, provides essential context to his motivations and relationship with Aloy. Players can engage with his character through dialogue and missions that reveal his past struggles and growth. His role is pivotal in bridging the gap between tribal conflicts and the broader threat of machine corruption, making him an indispensable part of Aloy's journey.

Did You Know?

• Erend is featured prominently in the comic miniseries *Horizon Zero Dawn: The Liberation of Meridian* (or simply *The Liberation of Meridian*), which is set during the events of *Zero Dawn* and focuses on his hunt for Ko
• In *The Liberation of Meridian*, Erend recounts the "Liberation of Meridian," detailing how he and others helped Ersa escape Carja captivity and unify Oseram and Carja resistance forces.
• The comic series *Horizon Zero Dawn: The Liberation of Meridian* was co-created and written by Anne Toole, expanding on Erend's backstory beyond the main game.
• Erend is an Oseram hunter, a tribe distinct from Aloy's Nora origins, yet he becomes one of her most trusted allies in the fight against HADES.
• The *Lego Horizon Adventures* game (2024) features Erend as a playable character alongside Aloy, Varl, and Teersa in a family-friendly retelling of the original story.

The Protagonist's Journey

Aloy serves as the central figure across the franchise, beginning her story as an outcast of the Nora tribe in the post-apocalyptic United States. Her narrative arc is defined by a quest to uncover her origins, which ultimately reveals she is a clone of the 21st-century scientist Elisabet Sobeck. This discovery connects her to Project Zero Dawn, an initiative designed to restore life after the ancient world was destroyed by self-replicating military robots. Throughout her travels, Aloy utilizes an augmented reality device known as a Focus to navigate ruins reclaimed by nature and battle animal-like machines using stealth and tribal weaponry. Her journey expands from stopping the rogue AI HADES in the first game to confronting the Far Zeniths and the vengeful Nemesis in later entries. Alongside allies like Sylens, Erend, and her cloned sister Beta, she consistently works to prevent extinction-level threats while navigating complex conflicts between various human tribal societies.

Evolution of the Game World

The Horizon universe is set in a 31st-century landscape where nature has overtaken the ruins of human civilization, creating an open world filled with mechanical fauna. The series originated from art director Jan-Bart van Beek's concept and is primarily developed by Guerrilla Games for Sony Interactive Entertainment. While initially exclusive to PlayStation consoles, the franchise has expanded its reach to Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and upcoming mobile platforms. The narrative scope grows significantly across titles; the main games explore different regions of the United States, from the snowy Cut region in the *Frozen Wilds* expansion to the volcanic ruins of Los Angeles in *Burning Shores*. Spin-offs like *Call of the Mountain* introduce new protagonists such as Ryas within the Sundom, while *Lego Horizon Adventures* offers a family-friendly, slapstick retelling that downplays the darker apocalyptic lore for cooperative multiplayer fun.

Critical Reception and Commercial Success

Since its debut with *Horizon Zero Dawn* in February 2017, the franchise has garnered mostly positive critical acclaim and achieved massive commercial success. Industry awards have recognized the series for its tactical combat systems, intricate worldbuilding, and high visual fidelity. Scholars have further analyzed the games for their exploration of environmental ethics and the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. As of November 2025, the franchise has sold over 40 million units globally, establishing it as one of Sony's best-selling first-party properties. This success has spurred a diverse media expansion beyond video games, including comic books, Lego sets, and tabletop adaptations. The popularity also paved the way for future projects like the MMORPG *Steel Frontiers* and a feature film adaptation currently in development.

Future Expansions and New Formats

The Horizon franchise continues to evolve with ambitious new entries planned across various gaming formats. Upcoming titles include *Horizon Steel Frontiers*, an upcoming free-to-play MMORPG developed by NC that will be available on Windows and mobile devices. Set in the Deadlands region inspired by Arizona and New Mexico, this game focuses on machine hunting and faction-based combat without a PlayStation release. Additionally, *Horizon Hunters Gathering* is announced as a cooperative multiplayer experience. The franchise's multimedia reach extends to a feature film adaptation of *Zero Dawn* currently in production. These developments demonstrate the series' transition from a console-exclusive action RPG into a broader entertainment ecosystem, ensuring its narrative continues to captivate audiences through diverse interactive and cinematic mediums.