The Meridian Gate is a gate location in Horizon Zero Dawn, and a cutscene only location in Horizon Forbidden West.
Description[]
The Meridian Gate controls the primary route of entry to and exit from the Carja capital of Meridian. The gate itself is little more than an archway with a watchtower. However, the pathway from the gate is a long wooden bridge, connecting directly to the mesa where Meridian is located. The ground nearby the gate is surrounded by the wares of artisans hoping to sell their products.
History[]
The Meridian Gate was constructed sometime after the founding of the Carja, made to control access to the mesa. Until the construction of the Meridian elevators, the Meridian Gate was the only way to access the city.
During the Liberation, the Meridian Gate was one of three locations where Avad's forces targeted their efforts. To get past the barricades, the gate was destroyed by Petra using Oseram Cannons, allowing the Carja rebels and Oseram to break through to the city. On Avad's orders, the shots on the gate were the final shots fired at Meridian.[1] Following Avad's ascension to the throne, the Meridian Gate was rebuilt.
Horizon Zero Dawn[]
When a body appearing to be Ersa's was found at Red Ridge Pass, the Carja military ordered nearly everyone to submit to search before passing through the Meridian Gate. This decision was met with protest from the Carja artisans, whose businesses were hurt by the additional security.[2]
Aloy, who had come to Meridian in search of Olin, snuck through the Meridian Gate, but was stopped at the entrance to Meridian itself by a Carja guard. When greeted by Erend, as Captain of the Vanguard, he gave her permission to come and go as she pleased without having to be searched.[2]
Horizon Forbidden West[]
Returning to Meridian, Aloy and Varl stop outside the Meridian Gate, where they are greeted by some Carja citizens and Blameless Marad. Aloy later rides a Charger out of Meridian, through the Meridian Gate, on her way to Barren Light.[3]