Where is hzd set

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: HZD is set in a post-apocalyptic United States approximately 1,000 years after a catastrophic event in the mid-21st century. The game primarily takes place in the region spanning from Colorado to Utah, with key locations including the Nora Sacred Lands, Carja Sundom, and the Forbidden West. The story begins in 3020 AD, with protagonist Aloy's journey starting in the Nora territory.

Key Facts

The game is set approximately 1,000 years after a catastrophic event in the mid-21st century
Primary locations span from Colorado to Utah in the former United States
The story begins in 3020 AD with protagonist Aloy
Key regions include Nora Sacred Lands, Carja Sundom, and Forbidden West
The game world covers approximately 10.8 square miles of explorable terrain

Overview

Horizon Zero Dawn (HZD) is set in a post-apocalyptic version of the United States approximately 1,000 years after a catastrophic global event that nearly wiped out human civilization. The game takes place in the 31st century, specifically beginning in 3020 AD, in a world where nature has reclaimed the ruins of advanced human society. This setting creates a unique blend of primitive tribal cultures coexisting with the remnants of highly advanced technology, particularly the robotic creatures that now dominate the landscape.

The game's world spans from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, covering what was once the western United States. Players explore this vast open world as Aloy, a young hunter from the Nora tribe who sets out to discover her origins and the truth about the world's collapse. The setting is meticulously crafted with real-world geographical features reimagined through a post-apocalyptic lens, creating one of gaming's most distinctive and immersive environments.

How It Works

The game's setting functions through several interconnected systems that create a living, breathing world.

Geographical Layout: The game world covers approximately 10.8 square miles of explorable terrain, divided into distinct regions with unique ecosystems and weather patterns. Each area features specific terrain types, from the snowy mountains of the Nora territory to the desert expanses of the Carja Sundom, with elevation changes reaching up to 1,500 virtual meters.
Time Progression: The game features a dynamic day-night cycle with 24-minute days (1 minute of real time equals 1 hour of game time) and changing weather systems. This affects gameplay mechanics, as certain machines become more active at night, and weather conditions impact visibility and combat effectiveness.
Tribal Territories: The world is divided among several distinct tribes, each controlling specific regions with unique cultures and architectures. The Nora control the mountainous eastern regions, the Carja dominate the desert southwest, and the Oseram inhabit the industrial ruins to the north, with each tribe's territory spanning approximately 2-3 square miles of game space.
Machine Ecosystems: Over 25 different types of robotic creatures populate specific habitats based on their design and function. Herbivore-class machines like Grazers and Striders inhabit plains and forests, while predator-class machines like Sawtooths and Thunderjaws patrol more dangerous areas, with population densities varying from 2-3 machines per square kilometer in safe zones to 10-15 in hostile territories.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Horizon Zero Dawn Setting	Traditional Post-Apocalyptic Settings
Time Period	1,000 years after collapse (3020 AD)	Immediate to 100 years after collapse
Technology Level	Primitive tribes with advanced ancient tech	Either primitive or maintaining pre-collapse tech
World State	Nature reclaimed, vibrant ecosystems	Desolate, barren landscapes
Primary Threats	Robotic creatures and tribal conflicts	Human factions and resource scarcity
Civilization Recovery	Multiple organized tribal societies	Small survivor groups or complete anarchy

Why It Matters

Narrative Innovation: The 1,000-year time gap allows for complete societal reset and mystery, creating one of gaming's most original post-apocalyptic stories. This setting enabled the game to sell over 20 million copies worldwide by 2022, establishing it as one of PlayStation's most successful new franchises.
Environmental Storytelling: The juxtaposition of primitive tribal life against advanced ancient ruins creates constant visual and thematic contrast. This approach helped the game win over 60 awards, including Game of the Year nominations from multiple publications and organizations.
Gameplay Diversity: The varied terrain and ecosystems support multiple playstyles, from stealth in forested areas to open combat in plains. This environmental diversity contributed to the game maintaining an 89% Metacritic score and 9/10 user rating across platforms.

The setting of Horizon Zero Dawn represents a significant evolution in open-world game design, demonstrating how environmental storytelling can drive both narrative and gameplay. By placing players in a world that has moved beyond immediate survival to cultural development, the game explores themes of knowledge preservation, environmental stewardship, and technological responsibility. As the franchise expands with Horizon Forbidden West and future installments, this carefully crafted setting provides a foundation for exploring increasingly complex questions about humanity's relationship with technology and nature, ensuring the series' continued relevance in gaming's evolving landscape.