Nil's Character Evolution Paves Way for Epic Horizon Finale

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While Aloy is undoubtedly a beloved character, the Horizon franchise owes much of its appeal to her supporting cast of friends. Varl, Erend, Beta, Zo, and other companions have all contributed to the vast lore that defines Horizon Forbidden West. Nil is one such character, although his role in the game is more subdued than before. In Horizon Zero Dawn, Nil helped Aloy take down bandit camps, but in the sequel, he is harder to find. Nevertheless, his appearance hints at his continued growth and suggests that he could become an even more significant character in Horizon 3.

Each of Aloy's allies has their own distinct personality, from Beta's anxious pessimism to Kotallo's warrior spirit. However, Nil stands out as a unique presence in the game. Although Aloy works with him, she finds it hard to relate to his unquenchable thirst for blood and his self-interested pursuit of thrills. Despite this, Nil feels a strong connection to Aloy, and the two of them have accomplished much together in the world of Horizon. As Nil's life changes in Horizon Forbidden West, his relationship with Aloy takes on new dimensions. He may yet become a key player in the fight against Nemesis.

With his complex personality, Nil could well find a new calling in Horizon Forbidden West. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be eager to see how his character develops in future installments.

In Horizon Zero Dawn, Nil stands out as a renegade amidst a franchise where tribe allegiances define nearly every character. Although he identifies as a Carja, he lacks connections or friendships and prefers to hunt bandits as a lone wolf. However, Aloy seems to be the exception to this rule as she is his only true friend. With the release of Forbidden West, Aloy can find Nil living among the Tenakth, participating in Horizon Gauntlet Runs. This newfound community of machine riders seems to have sated Nil's violent urges, and his life appears to have become more comfortable.

With Nil finally having allies beyond Aloy, it is possible that he will have a significant journey in Horizon 3. Aloy and her companions now face the threat of NEMESIS, Far Zenith's malevolent AI, which seeks to destroy the Earth as retribution for its treatment. Although it would not be surprising to see Nil fight alongside Aloy in pursuit of excitement, he may stand with her for more than just cheap thrills. This may be the perfect opportunity for him to protect people whom he truly values and demonstrate how far he has come since Zero Dawn.

Nil's character in Forbidden West still maintains his menacing side, but he also reveals a deep kinship with his Tenakth friends. While he may not express his feelings in the same manner as others, he certainly demonstrates his care for them in his own unique ways. Protecting the Tenakth machine riders by battling NEMESIS' machine terrors would be the ultimate way for Nil to prove the extent of his commitment to his newfound community.

This presents an excellent opportunity for Guerrilla Games to delve deeper into the Carja-Tenakth relations and the Red Raids, as Nil admits to participating in some of the atrocities committed by the Mad Sun-King in Tenakth territory. Horizon 3 could shed new light on the Red Raids and Nil's specific role, raising questions about his place among the Tenakth and whether their tribe as a whole can forgive and accept him.

Having played a limited role in Horizon Forbidden West, Nil certainly deserves a more significant chance to impact the Horizon storyline in a way that suits his journey. Despite living a more peaceful life now, Nil's amoral core remains intact, and Horizon 3 should not overlook this. Allowing him to use his brutality for a greater cause that is genuinely personal to Nil, rather than just a means to an end, would highlight his growth while preserving the fundamental aspect that made him such an intriguing character in the first place.

Horizon Forbidden West is available now for PS4 and PS5.