Horizon Forbidden West: 10 Pro Tips for Mastering Machine Combat and Exploration

Introduction

Aloy's journey in Horizon Forbidden West is bigger and more dangerous than ever. With new machines, larger maps, and deeper RPG mechanics, even seasoned hunters can get overwhelmed. Whether you're a returning player or new to the series, these 10 pro tips will help you dominate machine combat, explore efficiently, and make the most of your resources.

1. Master the Pullcaster for Vertical Mobility

The Pullcaster isn't just for puzzles. Use it to zip up to grapple points during combat to gain height advantage. Many machines have weak points on their backs or heads; attacking from above with a heavy strike can stun them. Also, combine Pullcaster with the Shieldwing glider to cover huge distances without touching the ground.

2. Exploit Elemental Canisters

Most machines carry elemental canisters that explode when hit with the corresponding element. For example, Fire Bellowbacks have blaze canisters; hit them with fire arrows to cause a massive explosion. Use the Focus to scan and mark these canisters, then target them with the right element. This can turn a tough fight in seconds.

3. Upgrade Your Pouches Early

Don't hoard resources. Use them to upgrade your pouches at any workbench. More carrying capacity for arrows, potions, and traps means less time scavenging. Prioritize the resource pouch for machine parts and the potion pouch for healing items. A fully upgraded pouch lets you carry 12 large health potions—a lifesaver in boss fights.

4. Use Stealth to Thin the Herd

Before engaging a group, use tall grass and silent strike to take out weaker machines one by one. The Stealth Stalker Valor Surge (unlocked later) makes you nearly invisible. Even without it, crouch-walking and using whistle can lure enemies into your kill zone. For larger machines, override a nearby machine to cause chaos.

5. Optimize Your Weapon Wheel

You can carry many weapons, but only four slots are quick-access. Customize your weapon wheel to include one arrow type for each element (fire, frost, shock, acid) plus a sharpshot bow for long-range and a hunter bow for versatility. Keep a sling for area-of-effect damage and a tripcaster for traps. Discard weapons you don't use to avoid clutter.

6. Learn Machine Weaknesses via the Notebook

The Machine Catalogue in your notebook is your best friend. Before hunting a new machine, read its entry to learn elemental weaknesses, weak points, and loot. For example, a Thunderjaw is weak to fire on its blaze canisters and shock on its heart. Targeting these not only deals more damage but can also remove powerful attacks.

7. Use the Shieldwing to Avoid Fall Damage

The Shieldwing (glider) is obtained early in the main story. Always deploy it before hitting the ground—it nullifies fall damage. Use it to leap off cliffs for quick escapes or to descend into combat zones. Combine with the Pullcaster to chain jumps and cover vertical terrain without ever touching the ground.

8. Invest in the Right Skills First

Skill points are precious. Early on, focus on the Hunter tree for double notch and concentration+, the Trapper tree for more trap damage and resourceful traps, and the Survivor tree for healing boosts and extra health. Avoid branching too wide; a specialized build is more effective. Later, respec if needed.

9. Craft on the Fly with Resources

Don't wait for workbenches. Use the D-pad to craft arrows and potions during combat if you have the resources. Machine muscle and ridge-wood are common; always pick them up. Also, collect animal bones and skins for pouch upgrades. Stopping to craft mid-fight can save you from death if you run out of ammo.

10. Prioritize Tallnecks for Map Reveal

Tallnecks reveal large portions of the map and mark points of interest. Some require puzzles, others battles. Complete them as soon as you can—they make exploration less tedious. After unlocking a Tallneck, fast travel to the nearest campfire and start clearing the revealed areas for valuable loot and side quests.

Conclusion

With these tips, you'll be ready to conquer the Forbidden West. Remember to adapt your tactics, upgrade wisely, and always scan new machines. Happy hunting, Nora!