Ever feel like you’re battling robotic dinosaurs with one hand tied behind your back in Horizon Forbidden West? It’s a stunning game, no doubt, but those machines can be relentless!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many players find themselves struggling against the tougher enemies. This guide is packed with Horizon Forbidden West tips and tricks to win, helping you transform from a struggling survivor into a formidable warrior.
Ready to master the Forbidden West? Let’s dive in!
Mastering Combat: Horizon Forbidden West Tips and Tricks
The Forbidden West throws some seriously tough machines your way. Here’s how to even the odds.
Understanding Enemy Weaknesses
Forget brute force; knowledge is your greatest weapon. Every machine has specific elemental weaknesses.
Freeze, fire, acid, shock – experiment and learn what works best. The Focus scanner is your best friend here. Use it to identify weak points and elemental vulnerabilities before engaging.
Utilizing Traps and Tripwires
Don’t just run in guns blazing! Setting traps is crucial, especially against larger machines.
Tripwires can stagger enemies, giving you precious time to aim. Place explosive traps in strategic locations for massive damage.
Mastering the Valor Surges
Valor Surges are powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Unlock and upgrade them wisely.
Experiment with different Valor Surges to find the ones that suit your playstyle. Some boost damage, while others offer defensive advantages.
Perfecting Your Dodging and Sliding
Aloy is agile; use that to your advantage! Dodging and sliding are essential for avoiding enemy attacks.
Practice timing your dodges to avoid taking damage. Sliding can help you quickly reposition yourself during combat.
Switching Weapons Strategically
Each weapon type has its strengths and weaknesses. Don’t rely on just one!
Use the Sharpshot Bow for long-range precision attacks. The Hunter Bow is great for sustained damage. The Boltblaster is perfect for tearing off armor.
Exploration and Resource Gathering Tips

The Forbidden West is vast and full of resources. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Prioritizing Resource Gathering
Resources are essential for crafting ammo, upgrading gear, and healing. Don’t ignore them!
Pick up everything you can find, even if you don’t need it immediately. You never know when you’ll need that rare component.
Using Your Focus Effectively
The Focus isn’t just for scanning enemies. It can also highlight valuable resources and collectibles.
Use your Focus regularly to uncover hidden items and pathways. It can also reveal climbable surfaces and other points of interest.
Unlocking and Utilizing Mounts
Traveling on foot can be time-consuming. Unlock and utilize mounts to explore the world faster.
Override machines like Chargers and Bristlebacks to use them as mounts. They can also help you in combat.
Completing Side Quests and Errands
Side quests and errands offer valuable rewards, including experience, resources, and new gear.
Don’t just focus on the main story. Explore the world and help the people you meet along the way.
Paying Attention to the Environment
The environment can be your ally. Use it to your advantage during combat and exploration.
Climb to high vantage points for a better view of the surrounding area. Use tall grass to hide from enemies.
Gear and Skill Upgrades for Success
Upgrading your gear and skills is crucial for progressing through the game.
Prioritizing Weapon Upgrades
Upgrading your weapons increases their damage output and adds new perks.
Focus on upgrading your favorite weapons first. Pay attention to the upgrade requirements and gather the necessary resources.
Choosing the Right Armor
Different armor sets offer different resistances and perks. Choose the armor that suits your playstyle.
Some armor sets are better for stealth, while others are better for combat. Consider the challenges you’ll be facing.
Investing in the Right Skills
Aloy has a variety of skills to unlock and upgrade. Choose the skills that complement your playstyle.
Some skills improve your combat abilities, while others enhance your exploration and crafting skills.
Utilizing Weaves and Coils
Weaves and coils can be added to your armor and weapons to provide additional bonuses.
Experiment with different weaves and coils to find the perfect combination for your playstyle.
Learning the Crafting System
Crafting is essential for creating ammo, potions, and traps. Learn the crafting system early on.
Gather resources and experiment with different crafting recipes. Some recipes are more efficient than others.
Advanced Combat Tactics
Ready to take your combat skills to the next level?
Mastering the Resonator Blast
Hitting an enemy with multiple arrows charges up a Resonator. Shooting the Resonator with a Sharpshot Bow creates a powerful explosion.
This is a great way to deal massive damage to heavily armored enemies. Practice timing your shots to maximize the damage.
Utilizing Tear Damage Effectively
Tear damage is used to remove armor and components from machines.
Use weapons and ammo with high tear damage to expose enemy weak points. Removing components can disable enemy abilities.
Exploiting Elemental Buildup
Applying elemental effects to enemies builds up over time. Once the buildup is complete, the enemy will suffer a powerful status effect.
Freeze enemies to slow them down. Shock enemies to stun them. Burn enemies to deal damage over time.
Understanding Machine States
Machines have different states that affect their behavior.
Alert machines are more aggressive and have increased awareness. Staggered machines are vulnerable to attack. Overridden machines are friendly and will fight alongside you.
Utilizing Stealth Effectively
Stealth is a powerful tool for avoiding combat and setting up ambushes.
Use tall grass and other cover to hide from enemies. Use silent strikes to eliminate enemies without alerting others.
Conclusion
Mastering Horizon Forbidden West takes time and practice. By implementing these Horizon Forbidden West tips and tricks to win, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the Forbidden West and saving the world. Remember to experiment, adapt, and most importantly, have fun! What are your favorite strategies for surviving in the Forbidden West? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Horizon Forbidden West.
Q: What’s the best way to farm resources in Horizon Forbidden West?
A: Focus on areas with high concentrations of specific resources. Use your Focus to highlight them and create a farming route. Consider completing resource-gathering errands for bonus rewards.
Q: How do I beat the toughest machines in the game?
A: Preparation is key! Scan the machine to identify its weaknesses. Use the appropriate elemental ammo and target its weak points. Utilize traps and Valor Surges for maximum damage.
Q: What are the best skills to unlock early in the game?
A: Skills that improve resource gathering, crafting efficiency, and combat effectiveness are great early investments. Consider skills that increase your carrying capacity, reduce crafting costs, or boost your damage output.