With its stunning visuals and captivating post-apocalyptic setting, Horizon Zero Dawn has quickly become one of the most beloved video games of all time. And while the game’s combat is certainly challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. In order to succeed, you’ll need to master the art of using the game’s various weapons. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best weapons in Horizon Zero Dawn, and show you how to use them effectively.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn is the type of enemy you’re facing. Each enemy has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to adapt your strategy accordingly. For example, if you’re facing a group of small, fast-moving enemies, you’ll want to use a weapon with a high rate of fire. This will allow you to quickly take down multiple enemies before they can get close to you. On the other hand, if you’re facing a large, heavily armored enemy, you’ll need to use a weapon with more power. This will allow you to deal significant damage to the enemy, even if it takes longer to fire.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a weapon is your own personal playstyle. Do you prefer to engage in close-quarters combat, or do you prefer to stay at a distance and pick off enemies from afar? If you prefer close-quarters combat, you’ll want to choose a weapon with a short range and a high rate of fire. This will allow you to quickly take down enemies at close range. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay at a distance, you’ll want to choose a weapon with a long range and a high accuracy. This will allow you to pick off enemies from afar without having to worry about getting hit yourself.
The Sharpshot Bow: Silent and Precise
The Sharpshot Bow is the weapon of choice for stealthy hunters looking to strike from afar. Its main advantage is its ability to deliver deadly shots with a high degree of accuracy and precision. Unlike other bows, the Sharpshot Bow is equipped with a scope that enhances the user’s aim and stability, allowing for effective shots at extended ranges.
Its silence is another key feature that makes the Sharpshot Bow ideal for stealthy operations. Unlike other weapons, such as crossbows or rifles, the Sharpshot Bow does not produce any noise when firing, making it perfect for situations where you need to remain undetected. This makes it particularly useful for hunting large prey or passing through enemy territory without alerting any enemies.
Furthermore, the Sharpshot Bow provides excellent customizability to accommodate different hunting styles and preferences. You can equip various types of arrows, each with its own unique properties and damage types. For instance, the Precision Arrow offers exceptional penetration and accuracy, while the Tearblast Arrow deals substantial damage to machine components.
| Arrow Type | Properties |
|---|---|
| Precision Arrow | High penetration and accuracy |
| Tearblast Arrow | Damages machine components |
| Fire Arrow | Ignites targets |
With its superior accuracy, silence, and customizability, the Sharpshot Bow stands as the ultimate weapon for hunters seeking stealthy and precise kills from a distance in Horizon Zero Dawn.
The Banuk Power Bow: Devastating Impact
The Banuk Power Bow is a fearsome weapon in the hands of a skilled hunter. Its immense power and versatility make it a formidable tool for taking down even the most formidable machines. Here’s a closer look at what makes this bow so exceptional:
**Exceptional Power:** The Banuk Power Bow boasts an exceptional draw weight, allowing it to fire arrows with devastating force. This raw power is unmatched by any other bow in the game, making it capable of piercing through even the thickest armor and delivering significant damage.
**Elemental Versatility:** One of the key strengths of the Banuk Power Bow is its ability to switch between different elemental arrow types on the fly. This versatility gives it an advantage in any situation. Hunters can choose from fire arrows that ignite enemies, freeze arrows that slow their movements, corruption arrows that deal damage over time, or shock arrows that temporarily disable machines.
**High Critical Chance:** In addition to its power and versatility, the Banuk Power Bow also boasts an impressive critical hit chance. This means that it has a higher likelihood of dealing critical damage, which can significantly increase the overall damage output. Combined with its high power and elemental flexibility, this critical chance makes the Banuk Power Bow a nightmare for any machine.
Optional Modifications: Enhancing the Power Bow
To further enhance the effectiveness of the Banuk Power Bow, several optional modifications are available:
| Modification | Effect |
|---|---|
| Banuk Warrior Bowstring | Increases draw weight for even greater power |
| Banuk Power Coil | Boosts the damage dealt by elemental arrows |
| Oseram Arrow Sac | Increases arrow capacity for extended use |
The Hunter’s Bow: Versatile and Reliable
The Hunter’s Bow is the perfect weapon for both beginners and experienced players alike. It’s versatile enough to take on a wide variety of enemies, and it’s reliable damage output makes it a great choice for any situation.
Arrow Types
The Hunter’s Bow can fire a variety of arrow types, each with its own unique properties. These include:
| Arrow Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Normal Arrows | Standard damage |
| Hardpoint Arrows | Increased damage against armored enemies |
| Fire Arrows | Deals fire damage over time |
| Freeze Arrows | Freezes enemies, making them easier to hit |
Modifications
The Hunter’s Bow can also be modified with a variety of parts, which can further improve its performance. These include:
- Bowstirngs: Increase draw speed
- Limbs: Increase damage
- Grips: Increase stability
- Scopes: Increase accuracy
Situational Effectiveness
The Hunter’s Bow is a great all-around weapon, but it’s particularly effective against the following enemies:
- Striders
- Watchers
- Grazers
- Snapmaws
The War Bow: Unmatched Firepower
The War Bow is Horizon Zero Dawn’s most potent ranged weapon, boasting exceptional precision and devastating power. This iconic weapon is crafted from the rib of a Thunderjaw, a colossal machine with formidable strength and resilience. Its unique design allows for both quick and powerful shots, making it ideal for both close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.
Unparalleled Accuracy
The War Bow’s pinpoint accuracy is its defining characteristic. Its high stability and minimal recoil ensure that each arrow finds its mark with deadly precision. This accuracy makes the weapon invaluable for taking down fast-moving targets or hitting critical weak points on machines.
Devastating Damage Output
In addition to its accuracy, the War Bow packs a serious punch. Its arrows pierce through armor with ease, dealing immense damage to both human and machine foes. The bow’s power is further enhanced by the use of elemental arrows, which inflict additional damage based on the element chosen.
Customization and Versatility
The War Bow’s customization options further enhance its versatility. Hunters can modify the bow’s draw weight to increase its power or decrease its recoil, allowing them to tailor the weapon to their preferred playstyle. Additionally, the War Bow can be equipped with a variety of attachments, such as mods that increase damage or reduce reload times.
| Attachment | Effect |
|---|---|
| Damage Mod | Increases arrow damage |
| Reload Speed Mod | Reduces arrow reload time |
| Critical Hit Chance Mod | Increases the chance of landing a critical hit |
The Spike Thrower: Explosive Versatility
The Spike Thrower is a unique and highly adaptable weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn, renowned for its exceptional versatility in dealing with a wide range of combat scenarios.
Modularity and Customization
The Spike Thrower stands out for its ability to be modified with different ammunition types, providing near-infinite possibilities for customization. Regardless of the enemy’s strengths or weaknesses, there is always a specialized Spike Thrower configuration to outplay and defeat them.
Ammunition Variety
The following table outlines the various types of Spike Thrower ammunition and their key characteristics:
| Ammunition Type | Damage Type | Special Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Spike Thrower | Impact | Basic impact damage |
| Blast Spike | Explosive | Explodes on impact, dealing blast damage |
| Freeze Spike | Frost | Inflicts frost damage and slows enemies |
| Acid Spike | Acid | Deals acid damage over time |
| Charged Spike | High-impact | Deals very high impact damage |
Tactical Applications
With its ability to switch between ammunition types on the fly, the Spike Thrower empowers players with a tactical edge in combat. They can exploit enemy weaknesses, control engagements, and defeat challenging foes with ease. Whether facing hordes of smaller adversaries or facing off against formidable machines, the Spike Thrower offers a potent solution.
The Sling: Versatile and Agile
The Sling is a fundamental weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn, offering a versatile and agile option for hunters. Its lightweight design and diverse ammunition types make it adaptable to various combat situations.
Accuracy and Range
The Sling boasts impressive accuracy, allowing for precise shots even at long distances. Its range is adjustable, making it suitable for engaging targets both near and far.
Ammunition Versatility
The Sling supports a wide range of ammunition types, including:
| Ammunition Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Stone | Basic ammunition with decent damage and accuracy |
| Hardpoint Arrows | Penetrates through heavy armor, ideal for tough machines |
| Tearblast Arrows | Detaches valuable components from machines for crafting |
| Freeze Arrows | Freezes machines, slowing them down and making them vulnerable |
| Fire Arrows | Deals continuous damage over time, effective against large machines |
| Sticky Bombs | Explodes on impact, useful for hitting weak points |
Agility and Handling
The Sling’s design facilitates quick and agile movements. Its lightweight construction allows for fast firing and evasion, making it ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
Upgrades and Customization
The Sling can be upgraded and customized to enhance its performance. Coils can be added to increase damage, accuracy, or handling, while modifications offer additional functionality, such as increased magazine capacity or faster reload times.
The Hunter’s Lodge: A Masterful Tool
Sharpshot Bows: Precision at Its Finest
Sharpshot bows are renowned for their exceptional accuracy and devastating long-range damage. They are the ideal choice for taking down large machines from a distance, as they can pierce through armor and inflict critical hits. Sharpshot bows also have the added ability to fire precision arrows, which can target specific components of a machine, such as its sensors or weapons.
War Bows: Versatility and Crowd Control
War bows offer a balance between power and rate of fire, making them versatile weapons for both close-quarters and mid-range combat. They are especially effective against groups of smaller machines, as they can fire multiple arrows in rapid succession. War bows also have the ability to fire explosive arrows, which deal heavy damage to a wide area.
Sling: Stealth and Quick Reloads
Slings are compact and concealable weapons that are perfect for stealthy encounters. They fire small projectiles with moderate damage, but they have a fast reload speed and can be used to quickly overwhelm enemies from close range.
Ropecasters: Immobilizing and Manipulating
Ropecasters are unique weapons that can immobilize machines with ropes. This makes them invaluable for capturing or disabling machines without killing them. Ropecasters also have the ability to pull down machines or create tripwires, giving players a tactical advantage in combat.
Blast Slings: Explosive Damage and Elemental Effects
Blast Slings are versatile weapons that fire explosive projectiles. They are particularly effective against heavily armored machines or groups of enemies. Blast Slings also have the ability to fire elemental projectiles, which can cause additional damage and inflict status effects, such as fire, ice, or shock.
Tripcasters: Trapping and Detonating
Tripcasters are陷阱, can be placed on the ground or on objects. When triggered, they detonate with explosive force, dealing significant damage to nearby enemies. Tripcasters can be used to create traps or set up ambushes, making them a valuable tool for strategic combat.
Precision Arrows: Focused Damage and Critical Hits
Precision arrows are specialized projectiles that can be fired from sharpshooter bows. They have a slower rate of fire but inflict significantly more damage than regular arrows. Precision arrows are designed to hit specific components of a machine, such as its sensors or weapons, allowing players to exploit their weaknesses effectively.
| Weapon | Damage Type | Range | Rate of Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpshot Bow | Precision, Long-Range | High | Low |
| War Bow | Versatility, Crowd Control | Medium | Medium |
| Sling | Stealth, Quick Reloads | Close-Range | High |
| Ropecaster | Immobilization, Manipulation | Medium | Low |
| Blast Sling | Explosive Damage, Elemental Effects | Medium | Medium |
| Precision Arrows | Focused Damage, Critical Hits | Long-Range | Low |
The Shredder Gauntlet: Unrelenting Fury
Blazing Sun: Unrivaled Firepower
The Shredder Gauntlet’s Blazing Sun upgrade unleashes a torrent of incendiary bolts, creating scorching explosions that engulf enemies in flames. This upgrade amplifies the flamethrower’s range and damage, rendering it a devastating weapon against susceptible machines.
Tinker’s Touch: Enhanced Precision
Tinker’s Touch refines the Shredder Gauntlet’s controls, granting increased precision when aiming both bolts and flames. With this upgrade, you can effortlessly hit distant targets or maneuver through close-quarters combat with surgical accuracy.
Quickdraw: Swift and Lethal
Quickdraw dramatically reduces the Shredder Gauntlet’s draw and holstering times, enabling you to engage or disengage with lightning-fast speed. This upgrade proves invaluable in ambushes or when facing multiple enemies simultaneously.
Nimble Striker: Agile Maneuvering
Nimble Striker enhances the Shredder Gauntlet’s handling, allowing you to sprint or roll without penalty while the weapon is equipped. This upgrade empowers you to maintain mobility in combat, dodging attacks or pursuing enemies with relentless speed.
Advanced Tinker: Ultimate Customization
Advanced Tinker unlocks the full potential of the Shredder Gauntlet’s modifications. With this upgrade, you can freely rearrange the gauntlet’s coils, maximizing its versatility and adapting it to any combat situation.
Sustained Fire: Extended Duration
Sustained Fire prolongs the Shredder Gauntlet’s flamethrower duration, granting you more time to deal damage without interruption. This upgrade proves particularly effective against larger machines or during prolonged encounters.
Precision Targeting: Sharpened Aim
Precision Targeting enhances the Shredder Gauntlet’s targeting reticle, providing a clearer and more precise aiming experience. This upgrade ensures your bolts and flames hit their intended targets with deadly accuracy.
Elemental Bolt Capacity
| Element | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Fire | 20 |
| Ice | 15 |
| Electric | 15 |
The Rockbreaker: Brutal and Efficient
The Rockbreaker is a fearsome Heavy Weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn, famed for its devastating capabilities against armored foes. Its brutal melee strikes and specialized ammunition make it an indispensable tool for taking down heavily armored machines.
The Rockbreaker’s unique design boasts a sturdy hammerhead on a hydraulic arm. This allows it to deliver thunderous blows that shatter armor and stun machines. When the situation demands, it can also unleash a barrage of explosive canisters that detonate on impact, dealing massive damage to a wide area.
To maximize the Rockbreaker’s effectiveness, it is crucial to position it strategically and time attacks carefully. Its immense power comes at the expense of slow firing rate and limited mobility, making it vulnerable to agile enemies. However, when wielded skillfully, the Rockbreaker becomes an unstoppable force in combat.
Ammunition Types
| Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Plasma Canisters | Ignites on impact, causing fire damage. |
| Hardened Plasma Canisters | Improved penetration and damage against armored targets. |
| Electro Canisters | Deals shock damage and briefly stuns machines. |
| Time-Delayed Plasma Canisters | Explodes after a short delay, creating a larger blast radius. |
With its unparalleled power and versatility, the Rockbreaker reigns supreme among Heavy Weapons in Horizon Zero Dawn. Its unmatched ability to crush armor and inflict massive damage makes it a formidable ally against even the most formidable foes.
The Forgefire: A Technological Wonder
10. Damage Unparalleled
The Forgefire’s ultimate strength lies in its unmatched damage output. With a base damage of 112, it far surpasses any other bow in the game, making it the ideal choice for taking down even the most formidable machines. Its high impact and piercing bonus ensure that every arrow hits hard, adding to its impressive stopping power.
9. Precision Engineering
The Forgefire’s handling is as exceptional as its damage. Its excellent stability and low recoil allow for precise shots, even at long distances. The accurate aim and reduced arrow drop make it possible to strike targets with pinpoint precision, ensuring maximum efficiency in combat.
8. Enhanced Capacity
In addition to its formidable damage and handling, the Forgefire boasts an impressive capacity of six arrows before needing to reload. This ample capacity allows for sustained fire, enabling hunters to take down multiple targets in rapid succession without wasting precious time on reloading.
7. Versatility in Ammunition
The Forgefire accepts a wide range of ammunition, including Hardpoint, Sharpshot, and Hunter arrows. This versatility allows for customization based on the specific needs of the hunter and the challenges faced during the hunt. Hardpoint arrows excel against heavily armored machines, Sharpshot arrows provide precision and penetration, while Hunter arrows offer a balance between damage and penetration.
6. Elemental Enhancements
Beyond its exceptional damage and handling, the Forgefire also has the unique ability to inflict elemental damage. By equipping it with elemental coils, hunters can modify their arrows with fire, ice, or electric effects. These elemental bonuses increase the bow’s effectiveness against specific types of machines, further enhancing its versatility in combat.
5. Mod Slot Options
The Forgefire features three mod slots, providing ample opportunities for hunters to customize their weapon according to their preferred playstyle. These slots can accommodate a variety of valuable mods, such as those that enhance damage, critical hit chance, or handling, allowing for a tailored hunting experience.
4. Refined Aesthetics
Not only is the Forgefire a technological marvel, but it is also a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Its sleek design, intricate engravings, and vibrant colors make it a visually stunning weapon that complements the high-tech world of Horizon Zero Dawn.
3. Rarity and Acquisition
The Forgefire is a rare weapon that can only be obtained through completing the Frozen Wilds DLC questline. Its exceptional abilities come at a price, as the quest to acquire it is both challenging and time-consuming, requiring the hunter to prove their skill and dedication.
2. Forgefire Master Strike
The Forgefire has a unique Master Strike, the “Critical Mass,” which unleashes a powerful barrage of arrows that explode upon impact. This devastating attack can take down even the most formidable machines with a single well-executed strike, making it a valuable tool in any hunter’s arsenal.
1. Legacy of the Past
The Forgefire represents a technological advancement that bridges the gap between the ancient past and the present world. It incorporates ancient Oseram knowledge with modern engineering, symbolizing the evolution and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Best Weapons in Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was released for the PlayStation 4 in 2017 and for Microsoft Windows in 2020. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over the planet. Players control Aloy, a young hunter who must learn to survive in this dangerous world.
There are a variety of weapons that Aloy can use to defeat her enemies. These weapons can be divided into four categories: bows, slings, tripcasters, and ropecasters. Each type of weapon has its own advantages and disadvantages. Bows are the most versatile weapons, as they can be used to attack from a distance or up close. Slings are less powerful than bows, but they can fire faster. Tripcasters can be used to set traps for enemies, and ropecasters can be used to pull enemies closer or tie them down.
The best weapon for Aloy will depend on her playstyle and the enemies she is facing. However, some of the most popular and effective weapons in the game include the following:
- Hunter Bow: The Hunter Bow is a versatile weapon that can be used for both short-range and long-range attacks. It is a good all-around weapon for beginners.
- Sharpshot Bow: The Sharpshot Bow is a powerful weapon that can deal heavy damage from a distance. It is ideal for taking down large enemies or enemies that are difficult to reach.
- Tearblast Arrow: The Tearblast Arrow is a special type of arrow that can tear off enemy components. This can be useful for disabling enemy weapons or armor.
- Freeze Arrow: The Freeze Arrow is a special type of arrow that can freeze enemies. This can make them easier to kill or capture.
