Flashpoint

A flashpoint is a mechanic that supports the dialogue and story in Horizon Zero Dawn.

Flashpoints occur at key moments in dialogue during quests. They give the player an opportunity to develop Aloy's personality by choosing between three different reactions. Each flashpoint choice will produce some unique dialogue, but only a small number of decisions impact the story itself.

Description

Flashpoints can be distinguished from regular dialogue options because they will include three icons representing the three possible ways for Aloy to respond: with heart, intellect, or threat.

Icon	Choice
	Choosing the heart option will cause Aloy to express compassion and understanding.
	Choosing the brain option will cause Aloy to use her insight to find a clever solution.
	Choosing the fist option will cause Aloy to confront the challenge abrasively.

Flashpoints with consequences

"The lesson will be taught in due time, Aloy. Until then, we wait." This article contains heavy spoilers. Read ahead with caution.

Main Quests

Prompt	Choice		Result
During Lessons of the Wild
Bast throws a rock at Aloy.		Drop your rock	Changes Aloy's response to Bast's taunts during Mother's Heart.
		Knock the rock from his hands
		Aim for his head
During Mother's Heart
Rost: "This is goodbye."		But I will find you	Changes Aloy's dialogue during her first visit to Rost's Grave.
		I understand
		Then good riddance
During The City of the Sun
Decide Olin's fate.		Redeem yourself	Changes the events of the errand Collateral.
		This is complicated
		Your life is forfeit
During The Sun Shall Fall
Avad: "I could use someone like you at my side."		I need to go my own way	Changes Avad's dialogue during his next encounter with Aloy.
		I'm not a substitute
		Like you "used" Ersa?
During The Heart of the Nora
Lansra: "We must stop her!"		Let go of your fear, Lansra	Changes Lansra's dialogue after Aloy exits ELEUTHIA-9.
		Ignore them and enter the Hatch
		You're not stopping me