Developer Guerilla Games has confirmed that aside from the main storyline, "Horizon: Zero Dawn" will also offer side quests that will further expand the game.
In a demo for Game Informer, the creative team revealed that as many as five expansion mission types are available in "Horizon: Zero Dawn." Each side mission ranges from simple random events when trying to accomplish the main story, to the more complex Hunter Challenges.
According to the reveal, the simple expansion missions are the spontaneous quests which players will unlock while traversing the in-game world. The missions are decision-type activities, and it is up to the player if the side mission will be accomplished. The demo showcased players trying to help an injured man. The side quest gives out rewards depending on the accomplishment. On the demo, helping the injured man leads to more side quests, finishing up with a sacred spear quest. Completing the quest will net the players with a spear upgrade reward.
Meanwhile, as a related expansion activity for the main storyline, "Horizon: Zero Dawn" also introduces Tribe Quests. These events are tied closely to the story, although the missions are different from the main quests. These special quests vary from tribe to tribe, and it is up to the players when and how to finish each quest.
Area-specific side quests are also available. Certain locations in the in-game map are cordoned-off as Corruption Zones where hostile machines roam freely. While not integral to the main story, the demo hints that players may need to clear out as many Corruption Zones as possible since each location nets the highest rate of experience and reward drops that players need to upgrade the main character.
The different side quests also include the free-roam hunting and crafting missions, where players will need specific in-game items to complete quests.
"Horizon: Zero Dawn" will be launched on February 28, 2017 for the PlayStation 4.
