Under the cut, please find the complete ending guide to reach the romantic ending in Talanah's route, including descriptions from route writers behind the decision. Please note that during gameplay, answers may appear in a different order than indicated.
This is an important initial callback for these two. Even if Aloy’s response after the selection seems harsh, it’s the correct one! While they have somewhat of an awkward reunion, this aspect of their bond is still a meaningful touchpoint and an important reminder for them both.
Banter time! We see some of Aloy’s most enthusiastic and truly carefree moments whenever she’s hunting machines with Talanah. Talanah matches her energy effortlessly, leading to the comfort and familiarity of fighting together. This is how they relate, and this is what has opened the door for more.
The reasoning behind this selection is multifaceted. First, it involves Aloy articulating her emotional experience with Seyka to someone other than Varl—and, in doing so, evaluating in real-time how she feels about it now. Second, Talanah would value her candor about the situation—even if it might not be what she herself wanted to hear. Aloy’s response here leaves nothing to doubt and nothing hidden or minimized.
Another exercise in vulnerability. It would be one thing for Aloy to speak of the physical pain of her injury, as in the neutral response. It’s another thing entirely to speak of the lingering mental anguish. Talanah, at her core, cares. Deeply. And Aloy trusting her with her fears, giving them a new emotional ground on which to connect, marks a monumental step in their relationship.
While Talanah’s self-chastisement prior to this checkpoint isn’t exactly unwarranted, it’s not all the way correct, either. Aloy hearing her genuine remorse and responding based on the whole no-nonsense truth—that actions and inactions and doubts from both of them led to their parting of ways in the Forbidden West—would mean more to her than platitudes or righteous anger.
Breaking into new domains of vulnerability is a theme here, isn’t it? There’s something to be said about telling someone the story of your life. At this point, Aloy hasn’t had to actually do that for anyone. Choosing to tell Talanah everything in her own words is an endeavor in both openness and terrifying freedom. It means trust and it means being seen wholly, bare. And Talanah has always only wanted to see.
Referencing Talanah’s gift was pretty much a shoe-in for this path. Particularly the line about it being displayed directly outside of Aloy’s bedroom door at the Base. (It’s true. Go check!)
It’s all about the tension. It’s all about the yearning. It’s all about Aloy allowing herself to simply be in a moment, for once, and welcome the comfort the sight of Talanah brings after the dream from which she just woke. (It’s definitely all about the yearning. And almost, almost kissing. We considered going for it. In some other world, that version exists. Director’s cut.)
This might have been the one that tricked you. Probably thought about the inherent intimacy of tandem riding—the close contact, hands on hips, chin on shoulder, the tight grip—and you’re certainly far from incorrect! But the Sunhawk deserves to fly her own Sunwing and would take the challenge head-on. It’s another mark of Aloy’s trust in her abilities.
Points for being nice to Milu. Talanah cares a lot for that little sprout.
Letting Milu take the last shot on the Stormbird lends evidence to Aloy’s growing patience with others and her willingness to encourage them for encouragement’s sake alone—something Talanah would absolutely notice and appreciate as a teacher herself.
We hope you enjoyed your journey through the romantic Talanah route! Now that you know how to best get a smooch, try the other options to get different endings as well! If you reached the romantic epilogue, we encourage you to give it another look, and really… Focus.
