In Horizon Zero Dawn, players are introduced to Aloy, who is born an outcast but becomes a Nora Brave. The Nora tribe isn't the only one around, and there are plenty of other ones she discovers and learns about. One of the biggest tribes she comes across is the Carja tribe, which is led by King Avad. The tribe is sun-centric, and it has a long and bloody history. As Aloy prepares for the arrival of Nemesis, she may find herself turning to the Carja who could prove themselves useful in many ways.
As players learn in Horizon Zero Dawn, the Carja tribe has many warriors and weapons, which could come in handy in the fight against Nemesis. Furthermore, the tribe's influence on other tribes could be used to bring more tribes onto Aloy's side. Aloy's battle against Nemesis is sure to be her greatest one yet, and she will need all the help she can get to save humanity from this terrible threat.
The Carja Tribe Explained
Thanks to the Faro Plague, the tribes that players come across are quite primitive, and they pale in comparison to the complex cities of today's world. They engage in basic agricultural methods, live in simplistic homes, and wield spears for personal protection. Not all tribes are equal, however, and some have managed to achieve staggering levels of complexity. One of the most notable examples is the Carja tribe, which is the biggest and most advanced tribe seen.
The tribe shares its history with the Nora tribe. The Nora tribe is very territorial, and it has a taboo around leaving the Sacred Lands where they dwell. Eventually, one Nora named Araman discovers ancient documents from the Old Ones, and they make him curious about the rest of the world. Some Nora share his curiosity, but most respond with hostility. Eventually, Araman and his followers are kicked out of the tribe, and they travel westward where they establish the Carja kingdom.
The Carja tribe grows large and they eventually dominate the neighboring tribes. Although the Carja tribe was hostile to other tribes at one point, things change under the rule of King Avad who seeks to make amends for the violent Red Raids. Thanks to King Avad, the Carja form a good relationship with the Oseram tribe. While things are still tense between the Oseram and the Banuk and Tenakh, they have called a truce and interact peacefully with each other.
Nemesis' Incoming Threat
In Horizon Forbidden West, players discover more about what the Old Ones do once they realize the full extent of the Faro Plague's threat. Some of the world's top minds band together and form the Far Zenith. Together they flee to Sirius and attempt to build themselves a paradise there. Using advanced technology, they grant themselves physical immortality. This isn't enough for them, and they want to also save their consciousness digitally. To do this, Nemesis is formed. Although the AI is advanced, the project is deemed a failure, and Nemesis is locked up forever.
Nemesis doesn't like this, and it develops a deep resentment for humans. It eventually destroys the entire Sirius colony, and only eleven Far Zenith members escape, including Erik Visser and Tilda van der Merwe. Nemesis also sends out the extinction signal to Earth which triggers HADES, though Aloy is fortunately able to stop that threat. Nemesis is not done with its revenge on humankind, and it is headed straight for Earth to finish what it has started. The AI will be Aloy's greatest challenge yet, as not even the geniuses of Far Zenith were able to stop it, and it will take everything she has to defeat this vengeful enemy. Aloy has a few friends on her side to help her out, and her good deeds have earned her the favor of a few tribes, including the Carja who could be invaluable in the upcoming battle.
How the Carja Tribe Can Help defeat Nemesis
In Aloy's upcoming battle against Nemesis, the Carja tribe could be of great assistance. The size of the tribe, as well as its stock of resources and warriors, is just what Aloy needs when going to war. Although the tribe has embraced peace for the last few years, they are certainly not strangers to conflict, and they know how to defend themselves if needed. Having been on the frontlines of the Battle of the Alight during Horizon Zero Dawn, the Carja tribe is more than familiar with conflict, and with working together with Aloy. They are also aware that if Aloy warns of incoming danger, it is probably best to listen to her.
The Carja tribe's relationship with other tribes could also come in handy. Although not all tribes are friendly with the Carja, the tribe has at least managed to establish peaceful relationships with most of its neighbors. The tribe's influence could be used to sway other tribes to join Aloy's struggle against Nemesis. Warning tribes against killer AI from outer space may be a hard sell, but if Aloy has the Carja on her side, it may be easier to convince others to begin preparing. Aloy will also need to prepare, and for that, she will need a safe base. The Carja Sundom could provide such a location thanks to how protected it is.
Horizon Forbidden West's cliffhanger ending lets gamers know that Aloy's story is far from over. There are likely more tribes to meet, more machines to discover, and greater dangers to overcome. As usual, Aloy will likely tackle most obstacles on her own, although she will inevitably need help for bigger problems. To deal with Nemesis, she may find herself turning to the Carja, a tribe that has learned to embrace peace but is no stranger to war.
Horizon Zero Dawn is available on PC and PS4.
