Horizon Forbidden West was a worthy successor to Zero Dawn, challenging Aloy and finally getting her to the point where she understands the importance of allies. Unfortunately, this came a bit too late for one of the series’ most beloved characters, Varl, who died in an attempt to protect Aloy and Beta from the Far Zeniths. With the death of Varl, there is a chance that the Horizon Forbidden West sequel will include his mother, the Nora War-Chief Sona, in a big way, either as an ally or an enemy.
With the Far Zenith threat dealt with, Regalla’s rebels stopped, and Sylens a part of Aloy’s forces standing against NEMESIS, the next Horizon game is in the market for a new minor antagonist that complicates Aloy's mission. Sona could perfectly fit this role, forcing Aloy to drop her plans of finding reinforcements and head back to the Nora Sacred Lands in the hopes of reconciling with this influential figure. On the other hand, a new powerful ally that can fill the role of Varl would be a welcomed addition, especially one who will be more concerned about protecting Zo and the child and as a result, will not allow Aloy to take unnecessary risks.
Who is Sona?
Sona is introduced during the events of Horizon Zero Dawn. She is the War-Chief of the Nora tribe, commanding the Nora army and formulating tactics to use in battles. Aloy first meets Sona as she tries to catch up with the Eclipse group responsible for killing nearly all the participants of the Proving. She is the mother of Vala, one of those killed during the attack, and Varl, one of Aloy’s most trusted allies, who was killed by Erik of the Far Zenith during the events of Horizon Forbidden West.
Sona was most likely absent throughout the second game because she was tasked with protecting the Nora Tribe as it began to rebuild following the destruction caused in the first game. However, with Varl now gone, there is a big place left open in Aloy’s inner circle, and with NEMESIS on its way toward Earth, even the Savior of Meridian will need all the help she needs. On the other hand, Sona may view the death of Varl as Aloy’s fault, which could turn her into a minor antagonist in the next Horizon game.
Sona Could Help Zo Raise Her Child
During Horizon Forbidden West, Varl grew close to one of Aloy’s newest allies, Zo, an Utaru Gravesinger who agreed to work with the group after they helped cure one of the machines that the Utaru worship as Land-Gods. As the game progressed, it was clear that Varl and Zo’s relationship blossomed into romance, and it was revealed that Zo was now pregnant with their child. With Varl now gone, it is possible that Sona will step in and help take care of both Zo and the child after it arrives.
While Sona was never portrayed as a tender mother, she will likely impose herself onto Zo in an effort to keep a part of her son alive, and to ensure that her grandchild survives the incoming threat. If Sona decides to ally with Aloy, the group will have a great warrior and a skilled tactician, along with someone who will likely butt heads with Sylens, allowing for better interactions between Horizon's NPCs. Her presence could also mean that Aloy will have the Nora army on her side in the fight against NEMESIS.
Sona Could See Aloy As The Reason For Varl’s Death
In the first game, Sona was one of the first people among the Nora to retaliate against the Eclipse, and while it was her duty as War-Chief, the loss of her daughter could also be explained as her reason for being so quick to act. With Varl now dead, along with Erik, the Zenith that killed him, it is likely that Sona will look for someone to blame, and if that is the case, that blame will probably fall on Aloy. This could mean that Sona will return as a minor enemy in the next Horizon game, halting Aloy’s plans as she prepares for the NEMESIS threat.
Sona, along with a few of her followers from the Nora, could be a constant threat to Aloy as she explores the lands in search of a way to stop NEMESIS. Sona could take up the same role that Regalla had throughout Horizon Forbidden West, especially if she eventually turned to help Aloy towards the final fight. Sona could be one of the most fearsome enemies that Aloy would need to fight before setting her sights on NEMESIS, and would even be a great way to show that Aloy still has a strong bond with the Nora.
Horizon Forbidden West has set the stage for an explosive final game where Aloy must fight the biggest threat she has ever faced. With this threat looming large, Aloy will be desperate to gather as many allies as she can, including her own tribe, the Nora. However, the death of Varl could mean that she will not have the Nora’s formidable War-Chief on her side. Sona could prove to be a thorn on Aloy’s side or a supportive grandmother to Varl and Zo’s child, learning from her mistakes in raising her children.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now for PS4 and PS5.
