Cheats & Secrets

Cheats & Secrets: Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn does not have any traditional cheat codes, console commands, unlock codes, or developer debug menus available to players on any platform (PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5). There are no built-in codes to give yourself infinite health, unlimited resources, or instant machine kills. However, the game contains a wealth of hidden content, Easter eggs, and developer-intended secrets that are well worth discovering. This guide covers all known legitimate hidden features and secrets.

---

Official Secrets & Hidden Content

#### 1. Easter Eggs & Pop Culture References

• Machine References: Many machines are named after real-world animals or mythological creatures (e.g., Thunderjaw, Stormbird, Rockbreaker). The Corruptor and Deathbringer are direct callbacks to the Killzone series (also by Guerrilla Games).


• Frozen Wilds DLC: The expansion includes a side quest called "The Frozen Wilds" that features a hidden easter egg referencing "The Shining" – a typewriter with the phrase "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" typed repeatedly on a piece of paper. Found in a small cabin near the Banuk settlement.


• Metal Flowers: These collectibles have poems inscribed on them. The poems are quotes from various real-world poets (e.g., Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson) but also include one quote from "The Last of Us" (a Naughty Dog game): "Look for the light" – a reference to the Ellie’s song.


• Banuk Werak Shaman: In the Frozen Wilds, there is a shaman named Brina who tells a story about a "great shining one" that resembles E3 2015 demo footage of Aloy talking to a mysterious figure (later revealed to be Sylens). This is a self-referential nod.


• Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game Poster: Inside the Hunter’s Lodge in Meridian, you can find a poster on a wall that advertises a fictional board game called "Horizon Zero Dawn: The Board Game" – a real product later released.


#### 2. Hidden Dialogue & Optional Conversations


• Aloy’s Reflection: In certain reflective surfaces (like water), Aloy’s reflection is visible. If you stand near a campfire at night, she sometimes hums or mutters to herself.


• Mother’s Heart Banter: After completing certain main quests, NPCs in Mother’s Heart (the Nora village) have unique dialogue that disappears after progressing. Revisit early to catch all lines.


• Silent Striker NPC: In Meridian, there is a NPC named Jor who can be seen practicing combat moves. If you talk to him, he says “I’m training… in case the machines get in here.” He is a subtle homage to the generic guards in other games.


#### 3. Unmarked Locations & Secrets


• The Grave of a Friend: Near the first Carja fort (the one with the Shadow Carja), there is a small unmarked grave with a bouquet of flowers. Interacting with it gives no quest, but Aloy says a quiet line about loss.


• Sun-Pylon Jump Puzzle: In the Sundom, there is a tall Sun-Pylon structure. Climbing it leads to a high vantage point with a unique view and a small treasure cache (contains a datapoint about a Sun-Priest’s suicide note).


• Banuk’s Secret Hot Springs: In the northern part of the Frozen Wilds, there are natural hot springs. If you sit in them, Aloy relaxes and the game triggers a unique idle animation.


#### 4. Developer Self-References


• Killzone References: The Deathbringer and Corruptor machines have visual designs that clearly mimic the Helghast technology from Killzone. Also, the Focus UI resembles the HUD from Killzone: Shadow Fall.


• Guerrilla Games Employee Names: Many datapoints in the game are written by fictional scientists. Some names are anagrams or direct references to Guerrilla developers (e.g., “Dr. Sobeck” shares a partial name with the game’s creative director Mathijs de Jonge – though Sobeck is a fictional character).


---



Exploit-Safe Secrets (No Glitches, Intended by Developers)



#### 1. The "Secret" Machine Kill Trophies

• All Machines Killed Trophy: Requires killing at least one of every machine type. There is no in-game tracker, so use a checklist. Includes machines from the DLC.


• Sightseer Trophy: Reach the top of the Tallneck in the Frozen Wilds by climbing the Tallneck’s back and then jumping onto the platform – a hidden achievement.


#### 2. Hidden Collections

• Banuk Figures: In the Frozen Wilds, there are 6 hidden Banuk animal figures that unlock a unique decoration for your shelter. They are well hidden and require puzzle-solving.


• Pigment Plants: While not truly secret, the Bluegleam (Frozen Wilds currency) trade items are often overlooked. You can trade Bluegleam for rare weapons and armor from the Banuk merchants.


#### 3. The "New Game+" Special Items

• After completing the main story, you can start New Game+ and obtain Shadow Weapons – upgraded versions of all weapons that are exclusive to New Game+. Additionally, you unlock the ability to buy the Adept versions of armor which have two modification slots.


---



No Cheat Codes on Any Platform




• PC (Steam/Epic): There are no console commands or .ini file tweaks that give unfair advantages. The game has no developer console.


• PlayStation: No button combinations or save editor codes exist. Patches have fixed any glitches that allowed item duplication (early patch had a weapon crate glitch, but it was patched).

---

Summary of Legitimate Hidden Content

While there are no shortcuts, the world of Horizon Zero Dawn is rich with secret details that reward exploration and curiosity. For a full list of achievements/trophies, refer to the Trophy Guide section of the overall game guide.