(The world of Horizon Zero Dawn features diverse climate zones, each of which affects human survival and lifestyle in unique ways. The climate ranges from snowy mountain peaks to hot deserts, dense forests, and marshy lowlands. These contrasts create a sense of a living world that is recovering from a catastrophe but is still in a state of flux. For instance, the northern territories are inhabited by the Banuk tribe, which has adapted to the harsh conditions of an eternal winter, while the Carja tribes live in warmer and drier regions. Technologies and Artifacts)

(Although civilization has collapsed, traces of its advanced technologies still exist in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. People discover and use ancient devices such as the "Focus" — a miniature augmented reality device that Aloy uses to scan the environment, analyze data, and interact with machines.)

(Many technologies from the ancient world remain a mystery to the current tribes. They perceive these artifacts as magical objects or sacred relics. For example, ancient ruins are vast, abandoned bases where robots were once developed and data was stored. Some tribes try to use remnants of old technology to improve their lives, while others fear and avoid it.)

(The machines are the pinnacle of past technologies. They served various functions, from maintaining ecosystems to combat operations. Now, many of them have gone rogue and become a threat to the surviving humans. Aloy not only has to fight these machines but also use their components to craft weapons and equipment.)

(The technologies of the old world in Horizon Zero Dawn raise questions about how misuse and uncontrolled development can lead to catastrophic consequences for all of humanity.) In the bustling marketplace of Meridian, surrounded by towering buildings and vibrant tents, Aloy stands at a stall where people are actively trading and chatting.

With growing frustration, she says to the bow trader “Reliability is crucial. I’m willing to pay more for something that won’t let me down.”