This study examines posthumanist dimensions of humanity and identity formation through an analysis of Aloy, the protagonist in the action role-playing game Horizon: Zero Dawn (2017). The aim is to investigate how Aloy’s identity as a clone created by advanced AI, her integration with technology, and her interactions with her surroundings align with posthumanist theory, which challenges conventional humanist boundaries that separate humans, animals, and machines. By utilizing the three aspects of embodiment, relational identity, and self-perception– derived from posthumanist core concepts of identity formation – as a framework for analysis, Aloy’s posthuman identity is highlighted. To achieve this aim, the study employs close reading of dialogues, character interactions and plot developments pertaining to Aloy and the perceptions of her identity. 

The results reveal that Aloy’s humanity and identity transcend conventional and fixed humanist boundaries between humanity and identity, according to which there is a distinct separation between humans and non-humans. Instead, her identity is hybrid, combining human and technological elements. These aspects align with posthuman theory in suggesting that her identity is shaped by her technological connections, social interactions and personal choices, effectively echoing the posthumanist conception of an entity whose boundaries are continuously formed and reformed through interactions with the material world. Thus, Aloy’s posthuman identity redefines humanity itself. This conclusion underscores the relevance of posthumanism in re-evaluating concepts of humanity and identity in the contemporary context of rapid technological advancements.