Game Tips – Horizon Forbidden West

This guide compiles essential tips for Horizon Forbidden West, covering every major gameplay system. Tips are grouped by category and range from beginner fundamentals to advanced optimizations. Each tip includes clear explanations and deeper analysis to help you master the Forbidden West.

Combat Tips

1. Always Scan Machines Before Engaging

Explanation: Use the Focus (R3/Right Stick click) to highlight a machine’s weak points, components, and machine class. Scanning reveals elemental weaknesses (e.g., fire vs. Chillwater) and damageable parts (e.g., Blaze canisters).

Analysis: Knowledge of enemy anatomy dramatically reduces ammo usage and fight duration. For example, targeting a Bellowback’s Blaze sac causes a massive explosion if hit with fire arrows, wiping out nearby machines.

When to Use: Before any engagement, even against familiar machines, as difficulty modifiers may alter component health.

2. Use Elemental Arrows to Trigger Combos

Explanation: Apply a status effect (fire, freeze, shock, acid, purgewater) to a machine, then follow up with a damaging attack. For example, freeze (Frost Arrow) increases damage from impact-type weapons by 2.5x.

Analysis: Combos are the core of efficient combat. Freeze + Sharpshot Bow critical hits can one-shot many medium machines. Acid lowers armor durability, making physical attacks more effective.

When to Use: Against armored enemies (e.g., Scroungers, Rockbreakers) or when you want to conserve powerful ammo.

3. Spear Combos and Braced Shot

Explanation: The spear has a light combo (R1 x4) and a heavy combo (R2 x2). The heavy combo’s final hit knocks down small-to-medium machines. The Braced Shot skill (from Warrior tree) lets you hold R2 for a powerful charged thrust that deals high stagger.

Analysis: Spear attacks are stamina-free and excellent for close-quarters when ammo is low. Braced Shot can interrupt machine attacks, giving you a window for a critical strike.

When to Use: After dodging an attack, or when you need to quickly down an enemy to perform a critical strike (R1 prompt near fallen machine).

4. Master Dodge Timing and Slide

Explanation: The standard dodge (X/o) has invincibility frames, but only during the initial part of the roll. The slide (sprint + crouch) is faster and covers distance but no i-frames.

Analysis: Late dodges are punished; learn the timing of enemy wind-up animations (e.g., Thunderjaw tail slam). Use slide to quickly reposition or escape area-of-effect (AoE) attacks like Fireclaw lava splashes.

When to Use: Dodge only when you see the attack animation lock; slide as a gap-closer or escape tool outside combat or during machine charge attacks.

5. Weapon Techniques (R2 + Triangle/L2)

Explanation: Each weapon has unique special abilities tied to Skill Tree unlocks—e.g., Triple Notch (Hunter Bow), Spread Shot (Blastslings), Close Range Damage (Spike Thrower).

Analysis: Weapon Techniques consume stamina, not ammo, making them powerful free shots. Triple Notch fires three arrows at once, massively increasing burst damage vs. a single target.

When to Use: When you have full stamina and need to quickly bypass armor or hit a weak point. Recharge stamina via weapon stamina coils or by not using for a few seconds.

6. Chain Traps and Tripwires

Explanation: Set traps before triggering a group fight. Use Tripwires (elemental or explosive) across patrol routes; shoot canisters (e.g., Chillwater sacs) to ignite them.

Analysis: Pre-placed traps allow you to control engagement zones and deal massive AoE damage without exposing yourself. Combine with smoke bombs to disengage and re-trigger.

When to Use: Against human camps or machine sites with clear patrol patterns. Also useful for farming resources by luring machines into a trap corridor.

7. Stealth Strikes and Silent Strike

Explanation: Crouch and approach unaware enemies to perform a Silent Strike (one-hit kill on small humans/machines) or a regular Stealth Strike (high damage to larger machines like Lancehorns). Upgraded skills allow chain stealth kills.

Analysis: Silent Strike consumes concentration but is instant. Use tall grass or crouch behind rocks to stay hidden. For large machines, stealth strike is rarely lethal; instead use it as an opening to remove armor or disable a weapon.

When to Use: Always open a fight with stealth when possible. For machine sites, stealth-strike the watchers first to avoid alarm.

Exploration & Movement Tips

1. Unlock the Shieldwing (Glider) Early

Explanation: The Shieldwing is obtained via the main quest "Reach for the Stars" (shortly after starting). It allows you to glide from any height and survive falls.

Analysis: This is the single most important traversal tool. It lets you bypass climbing sections, descend quickly from mountains, and reach isolated platforms. Upgrades (via machine parts) increase duration and speed.

When to Use: Always keep it equipped. Use it to glide between ruins, over ravines, or to escape open-world encounters by launching off a cliff.

2. Use the Sunwing (Flying Mount) for Fast Travel

Explanation: After the main quest "The Wings of the Ten," you unlock the ability to override a Sunwing and fly. Flying consumes stamina but is the fastest means of travel.

Analysis: The Sunwing can outrun most ground patrols and allows you to spot question marks on the map from high altitude. It also provides a platform for aerial combat (shoot arrows while hovering).

When to Use: For long distance travel, reaching high-altitude collectibles (black boxes, vantage points), and scouting Cauldrons from above.

3. The Pullcaster: More Than a Grapple

Explanation: The Pullcaster (obtained early) fires a rope that can pull you to weak walls, grapple over gaps, and yank machine parts (e.g., armor plates, resource containers).

Analysis: Pulling parts off machines is a combat tactic—removing a Thunderjaw’s disc launcher disables its ranged attack. Also, Pullcaster can trigger environmental traps (e.g., hanging rocks) without using ammo.

When to Use: Use in combat to cripple heavily armored enemies. Outside combat, use to reach hidden caves or break fragile walls revealing loot.

4. Diving Mask & Underwater Navigation

Explanation: The Diving Mask (obtained during main quest) allows unlimited underwater breathing. Underwater, you can use a spear but no ranged weapons except some tools (e.g., Pullcaster on breakable corals).

Analysis: Underwater areas contain valuable resources (greenglow, ancient containers). Swim quickly by holding sprint (R2), but watch for aggressive machines like Snapmaws and Tiderippers. Use stealth or avoid them entirely.

When to Use: When hunting for parts for upgrades or completing side quests requiring salvage. Only engage underwater machines if you have a powerful spear or use the Pullcaster to dislodge them.

5. Climbing: Use the Focus to Highlight Handholds

Explanation: Many rock faces have yellow paint indicating climbable surfaces, but the Focus (R3) reveals all interactive handholds even on natural or ruined walls.

Analysis: Not all yellow paths are obvious; Focus highlights hidden ledges and vertical vines. This is crucial for reaching Vantage Points and survey drones without backtracking.

When to Use: Whenever you cannot find a clear path upward. Spam Focus in circle motion to tag all climbable edges within 30 meters.

Resources & Crafting Tips

1. Salvage Scrounger Skill & Loot Everything

Explanation: The Salvage Scrounger skill (Hunter tree) automatically collects machine parts from nearby kills. Combined with the "Loot All" option (hold triangle/square), you can quickly gather resources.

Analysis: Machine parts are needed for weapon upgrades, ammo crafting, and gear purchases. Always loot enemies, especially rare machines like Apex variants or Shelldivers for unique parts.

When to Use: Always keep Salvage Scrounger active. After combat, spam loot to collect everything before parts despawn.

2. Craft Ammo Mid-Combat from Weapon Wheel

Explanation: Open the weapon wheel (L1/Tab) and press the craft button (hold square/X) while the weapon is selected. This uses materials from your inventory.

Analysis: This is faster than crafting through the menu and can be done while dodging. Prioritize crafting ammo types you use most (e.g., hunter arrows, precision arrows). Always carry at least 50 Ridge-Wood and 100 Shards for emergency crafting.

When to Use: When you run out of arrows during a fight, especially against a boss. Practice quick crafting so you don’t stop moving.

3. Use Workbenches to Upgrade Gear

Explanation: Workbenches are found in settlements and some camps. They allow you to upgrade weapons and outfits using machine parts and shards. Each upgrade level adds mod slots or increases stats.

Analysis: Upgrading a weapon from level 1 to level 5 adds two mod slots and significantly increases damage. Focus on your favorite weapon first (e.g., Hunter Bow or Sharp Shot Bow). Upgrading outfits improves resistance and abilities (e.g., Stealth Boost, Melee Defense).

When to Use: Whenever you have enough parts. Don’t hoard resources; upgrade early to make combat easier. The final tier often requires rare parts from Apex machines.

4. Resource Pouch Upgrades (Important!)

Explanation: You can upgrade your resource pouches (shards, machine parts, skill items) via Carja alchemists or certain merchants. Each upgrade increases capacity.

Analysis: Running out of inventory space is common. Upgrading pouches lets you carry more components for crafting and selling. Focus on Shard Pouch and Machine Parts Pouch first.

When to Use: Whenever you have excess shards or machine parts and see a merchant offering pouch upgrades (orange icon). The cost is modest.

Builds & Skills Tips

1. Skill Tree Overview – Invest in Multiple Trees

Explanation: There are six skill trees: Warrior, Trapper, Hunter, Survivor, Infiltrator, and Machine Master. You earn skill points by leveling up and completing quests.

Analysis: A balanced build is recommended for new players—at least 5 points in Hunter (for Triple Notch and Concentration), 3 in Survivor (for health boost and medicine capacity), and 2 in Infiltrator (for silent strike damage). Advanced players can specialize; e.g., stealth-heavy Infiltrator + Machine Master for overriding machines to fight for you.

When to Use: Respeccing is possible but limited. Plan your first 20 points as: 7 Hunter, 5 Survivor, 4 Infiltrator, 4 Warrior (for braced shot). Then branch into Trapper or Machine Master based on playstyle.

2. Weapon Coils & Outfit Weaves

Explanation: Mods (coils for weapons, weaves for outfits) can be found or purchased. They improve specific stats: damage, elemental buildup, tear, handling, etc.

Analysis: Stacking similar coils exponentially boosts effectiveness. For example, three 15% damage coils on a Hunter Bow turn it into a high-damage machine destroyer. For outfits, prioritize weaves that counter the most common enemy damage types (fire, shock, melee).

When to Use: Always attach mods to your main gear. Sell lower-tier mods once you have better ones. Use the workbench to change mods freely.

3. Focus on One Weapon Type Per Combat Role

Explanation: You have four weapon slots. Assign each a specific role: e.g., Hunter Bow (general damage), Shredder Gauntlet (tear damage), Spike Thrower (melee range AoE), Sharpshot Bow (sniper).

Analysis: Having a weapon for every situation is less effective than masterfully using three specialized weapons. Your fourth slot can be a utility weapon (Ropecaster, Tripcaster). This reduces ammo types to craft and simplifies combat decisions.

When to Use: Choose your weapons based on the machines you’re hunting. For example, against a Thunderjaw: Sharpshot Bow (disabling disc launchers), Hunter Bow (fire arrows to cause blaze explosion), and Spike Thrower (explosive spikes for weak points).

Economy & Vendors Tips

1. Shards Are the Main Currency – Farm Them Smartly

Explanation: Shards are used for buying gear, ammo, and upgrades. They drop from machines, chests, and quest rewards.

Analysis: High-shard farming spots: hunting grounds (completing trials rewards shards and parts), selling excess machine parts (especially those from Apex machines), and looting ancient containers (valuable trinkets). Also, complete salvage contracts for steady income.

When to Use: Always have at least 2000 shards before major story missions for emergency purchases. Sell parts you have more than 10 of (except rare upgrade parts).

2. Merchants – Compare Prices and Stock

Explanation: Merchants in different settlements have unique stock and prices. Some offer rare coils or unique outfits (e.g., Oseram Artificer).

Analysis: The best economy tip: never buy common ammo crafting materials (Ridge-Wood, Blaze, Metalburn) – they are easily gathered in the wild. Instead, buy rare machine parts for upgrades or unique mods. Also, check merchant inventories after completing side quests, as they may unlock new items.

When to Use: Visit all merchants you encounter. Use the map filter to see their specialty (weapons, outfits, resources).

3. Hunting Grounds – Free Training and Good Rewards

Explanation: Hunting Grounds provide challenges that test your skills. Completing them with a gold medal gives skill points and rare mods.

Analysis: You can retry challenges infinitely. Use them as a training ground to practice combat techniques (slide shooting, elemental combos). Gold medals also yield unique weapon mods (e.g., 25% Tear damage).

When to Use: Unlock as soon as you find them. Spend an hour to get gold on all three trials—the rewards drastically improve your combat effectiveness.

Machine Encounters Tips

1. Override Machines to Fight for You

Explanation: Unlock overrides via Cauldrons. Once a machine is overridden (sneak up behind and hold triangle), it becomes a temporary ally that attacks enemies.

Analysis: Overridden machines draw aggro and deal damage, giving you breathing room. Best candidates: Chargers (fast, distract humans), Bellowbacks (AoE fire attacks), Thunderjaws (powerful, but hard to override).

When to Use: When outnumbered or facing a large herd. Override a mid-range machine (like a Broadhead) and retreat to let it tank while you snipe from a distance.

2. Disable Weapons to Neutralize Threats

Explanation: Use tear-based attacks (Tearblast arrows, Shredder Gauntlet) to rip off weapon components: disc launchers, mortar launchers, tail cells.

Analysis: Removing a Thunderjaw’s disc launcher not only damages it but also gives you a heavy weapon to pick up and use against it. Similarly, tearing off a Slitherfang’s earth grinders stops its powerful ranged attacks.

When to Use: At the start of any large machine fight. Use Concentration (L2) to aim specifically for weapon components.

3. Use Ropecaster to Immobilize Big Machines

Explanation: The Ropecaster fires ropes that, after many hits, tie a machine down, leaving it vulnerable to critical strikes or prolonged damage.

Analysis: This is a game-changer against aggressive machines like Fireclaws, Stormbirds, and Tiderippers. Once tied down, you have a window to weak point bash with heavy attacks or sharpshot bow crits.

When to Use: When a machine is enraged (glowing red) and unleashing unblockable attacks. Also useful for overriding – tie down, then override safely.

Advanced Optimization Tips

1. Valve & PC Settings for Smooth Performance

Explanation: On PC, adjust settings: enable DLSS/FSR (Quality mode), disable Motion Blur, set Shadow Quality to Medium, and lock FPS to 60 for consistency. On PS5, switch to Performance Mode (60 FPS) for smoother combat.

Analysis: Horizon Forbidden West is demanding. These settings maintain visual fidelity while reducing input lag. For PC, also install on SSD (NVMe preferred) to eliminate texture pop-in.

When to Use: Before starting the game. Adjust in options menu. On PC, also enable Nvidia Reflex for reduced latency.

2. New Game+ Benefits

Explanation: After completing the main story, New Game+ allows you to carry over gear, skills, and resources, but enemies are stronger. You earn a new currency (New Game+ tokens) to purchase unique coils and outfits.

Analysis: New Game+ is the ultimate test of your builds. The exclusive coils like "Elite Sharpshot Damage" with +35% damage are worth the difficulty spike. Also, you can replay decisions and complete any missed side quests.

When to Use: After finishing the main quest and completing most side content. Start on Hard or Very Hard difficulty for the best rewards.

3. The Arena: Farm for Unique Gear

Explanation: The Arena (located in Thornmarch) offers combat challenges against multiple machine types. Higher difficulty completions earn Arena Medallions used to buy legendary weapons (e.g., The Blast Forge, The Sun Scourge).

Analysis: Legendary weapons have superior stats and three mod slots. They are endgame goals. To grind Medallions efficiently, do the "Gauntlet Run" challenges on Easy difficulty for quick tokens.

When to Use: After reaching level 30 and having decent gear. Focus on one weapon at a time.

4. Map and Quest Prioritization

Explanation: The map is vast with icons: question marks (unknown), rebel camps, Cauldrons, Relic Ruins, Vantage Points, etc.

Analysis: To optimize progression, prioritize side quests that unlock new tools (e.g., Diving Mask, Shieldwing) or permanent upgrades (Cauldrons for overrides). Then clear question marks as you travel between main quests.

When to Use: After the "Reach for the Stars" quest, complete all nearby side quests in Daunt. This gives you skill points and resources to ease main story.

5. Ultimate Combat Loop

Explanation: A high-efficiency combat loop: 1) Scan machine with Focus. 2) Apply status effect (freeze preferred). 3) Use Triple Notch with Sharpshot Bow to hit weak spots. 4) If close, follow with Braced Shot from spear. 5) Use Ropecaster if necessary to control. 6) Loot and move on.

Analysis: This loop maximizes damage while minimizing resource usage. Freeze + Triple Notch can kill a Thunderjaw in under 10 seconds with high-level gear. Practice this on hunting grounds.

When to Use: Against any large machine or group of medium machines. Adjust elements based on enemy weakness (e.g., fire for Chillwater-based machines, acid for armor).

General Beginner Tips

1. Change Difficulty Freely

Explanation: You can change difficulty in the settings menu at any time (except in Ultra Hard NG+). Story difficulty makes combat trivial; Very Hard requires precision.

Analysis: If you find combat frustrating, lower difficulty temporarily, then raise it later. There is no shame. The game is meant to be fun.

When to Use: At any point. Use Story for farming parts, then switch to Normal for main content.

2. Use Photo Mode to Scan Environment

Explanation: Photo mode (pause menu) allows free camera movement. Use it to scout areas, locate hidden chests, or plan approach routes without moving your character.

Analysis: This is a hidden gem. You can see >100 meters away from your character, revealing climbing paths or enemy positions behind walls.

When to Use: Before entering a bandit camp or machine site. Also useful for finding buried treasure spots.

3. Save Often and Manually

Explanation: The game autosaves frequently, but manual saves (pause -> save) let you revert if you make a bad decision (e.g., failing a stealth mission, spending rare parts).

Analysis: Manual saves are separate from autosave slots. Use before any major fight or purchase. This prevents regret.

When to Use: Before entering a Cauldron, before buying an expensive item, or before a main story turn-in.

---

These tips should equip you with everything needed to conquer the Forbidden West. Remember: the key is preparation, knowledge of machines, and efficient use of resources. Happy hunting!