Varl Profile and Backstory

This character profile is all about Varl, one of the main characters in Horizon Forbidden West. Read on to learn about Varl's backstory and his interactions with other characters in the Horizon series.

Warning: This page contains spoilers for the story of Horizon Zero Dawn

Varl Basic Information

Varl
Voice Actor	John Macmillan
Appearances	・Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) ・Horizon Forbidden West (2022)
Relationships	・ Sona (Mother) ・ Vala (Sister, Deceased) ・ Aloy (Ally)

Varl Profile and Backstory

Personality

As the eldest son of the legendary War-General Sona, Varl constantly competed with his sister Vala for his mother's attention when he was younger. Although he deeply respects his mother, their relationship is often strained, due to her high status. This leads to a personality that is somewhat stern and dutiful.

Along with Teb and to a lesser extent, Vala (due to her sudden death), Varl is one of the few true friends that Aloy makes throughout her journey. Unlike Aloy he is a strong believer of the Nora faith, however, he is willing to put those traditions aside if he deems it necessary.

Horizon Zero Dawn

As a result of the sudden attack by the Eclipse during the Proving, a war party was formed to counterattack the cultists, but they were ambushed at the Embrace Gates. Varl was commanded by Sona to take care of the wounded while the survivors of the ambush pursued their attackers. Aloy first meets Varl at the Embrace Gates immediately after becoming a Seeker. Similar to his sister Vala, he soon befriends her as she helps him find his mother.

The two eventually catch up with Sona and stage a three-part attack on the Eclipse. Due to Aloy and Varl's efforts, the Nora war party successfully defeats the Eclipse warriors.

Varl also assists Aloy in the final battle against HADES. Varl helped to fight off the Corrupted Machines so that Aloy could focus on the Deathbringer transporting HADES.

Horizon Forbidden West

Varl follows Aloy on her journey to the Forbidden West. Not only has he grown a beard in the past six months, but he has also acquired a Focus.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent Combat Ability and Battle Experience

As the son of a legendary War-Chief, as well as being a Nora Brave and eventually a Seeker, Varl has a high level of combat talent and experience on the battlefield. He has shown proficiency in close-quarters combat and is especially skilled with spears.

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