Trampler

The Trampler is a category of machine in Horizon Zero Dawn. A large, bovine-like machine, Tramplers peacefully perform their function given to them by the AI GAIA.

History
Tramplers were created by GAIA as part of the terraforming process after the Faro Plague destroyed Earth's biosphere in the mid-21st century. As such, they were one of the first machines encountered by humans as they explored and settled in their tribal lands. They seem to be equipped for mining and processing of soil, with the ability to excavate soil with their horns and produce explosions by releasing and detonating flammable gases.

Originally, Tramplers were completely docile, shying away from humans if they ever encountered any. However, humans began to hunt Tramplers, as well as other machines, for parts and resources. Due to this, the AI HEPHAESTUS reprogrammed the behaviour of Tramplers as well as other machines from docility to increasing hostility, becoming so aggressive that they attack humans on sight. This phenomenon is known among tribes as the Derangement.

Appearance
A Trampler is one of the larger GAIA terraformers. The machine's chassis resembles the body of a very large bull or bison, with a large head and a pair of large horns, a broad, powerful chest and shoulders, sturdy legs and hoof-like feet. Their mouth parts are composed of a pair of insectoid pincers. They have two visual sensors on each side of the face, in the same position as a bovine's eyes. Six power cells and two antenna-like structures sit on the lower back. Under the belly is a large, glowing, armored processing unit.

Behaviour
Tramplers can be found in their respective sites, using their horns to dig up the earth; it can be seen flying out in front of them. Soon after their grazing, they will move to a different area to do the same.

Abilities
As the name implies, Tramplers usually attack by charging at and running over and/or ramming an enemy. Their large size and normally slow, plodding gait belie an ability to run at a speed rivaling that of an athletic human. They can also release an explosive gas within a radius of about three times the length of their chassis and ignite it, causing a highly damaging explosive shockwave.