Horizon Forbidden West remains one of the most immersive open-world RPGs ever created. With its massive world, complex machine enemies, and layered skill tree, many new players struggle to navigate its early challenges. This full 2500-word walkthrough and strategy guide will help you master combat, crafting, exploration, and every core mechanic. It includes keywords naturally woven in—such as how to defeat machines in Horizon Forbidden West, best early game weapons in Horizon Forbidden West, and Horizon Forbidden West skill builds for beginners—to improve reader engagement.
1. Getting Started: Understanding the Forbidden West
Before diving into missions, you must understand how Horizon Forbidden West differs from Zero Dawn. This part of the Horizon Forbidden West beginner guide explains:
Major Improvements Over Zero Dawn
- A larger, more vertical open world
- New traversal tools such as the Pullcaster and Shieldwing glider
- Underwater exploration
- More advanced machine AI and attack patterns
- A redesigned and deeper skill tree system
These additions add complexity, so mastering early gameplay fundamentals is crucial.
2. Early Game Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Beginner Progression
This section focuses on a step-by-step Horizon Forbidden West early game walkthrough perfect for new players.
Step 1: Complete “Reach for the Stars” and Learn Basic Mechanics
This opening mission introduces:
- Scanning machines
- Weak points
- Melee vs ranged combat
- Environmental climbing
Tips:
- Always use Focus Scan (R3) before engaging any machine.
- Shoot off detachable parts early to weaken enemies and collect better loot.
Step 2: Unlock the Pullcaster (Mandatory Tool)
During the early missions, you gain access to the Pullcaster, one of the best utility tools in the game.
It allows you to:
- Pull down walls
- Open passages
- Grapple to high points
Important early-game long-tail keyword:how to use the Pullcaster in Horizon Forbidden West
How to use it effectively:
- Scan for blue Pullcaster points.
- Equip the tool from the weapon wheel.
- Hold L2, then Tap R2 to pull or grapple.
Use the Pullcaster to speed up exploration and escape machine attacks by gaining vertical height.
Step 3: Reach the Embassy & Prepare for the Forbidden West
Before attending the embassy, complete side objectives to level faster:
- Complete salvage contracts
- Clear Rebel Camps
- Take down smaller machines for parts
Aloy should be around Level 6–8 before entering the Forbidden West to avoid difficulty spikes.
Step 4: Entering the Forbidden West – First Machines & Real Combat Tests
Once in the West, you encounter more dangerous machines like:
- Bristlebacks
- Leaplashers
- Clawstriders
Beginner tip: Use fire arrows against Bristlebacks—they explode if hit on their volatile canisters.
3. Best Skill Tree Path for Beginners
The Horizon Forbidden West skill tree build strategy significantly impacts your combat efficiency.
Below is the recommended beginner-friendly skill path, optimized for survivability, ranged combat, and resource generation.
Top Early Skills (Prioritize These)
1. Concentration+ (Hunter Tree)
Slows time while aiming—crucial for hitting machine weak points.
2. Potent Medicine (Survivor Tree)
Increases healing potency and crafting speed.
3. Valor Surge: Ranged Master
Boosts ranged damage dramatically for boss fights.
4. Melee Damage (Warrior Tree)
Improves close-quarters combat when machines rush you.
5. Quiet Movement (Infiltrator Tree)
Allows stealth approaches for easy one-shot kills.
Midgame Skill Choices (Level 15–25)
1. Triple Notch (Hunter Tree)
Allows you to load 3 arrows at once—perfect for tearing off parts.
2. Low Health Regeneration (Survivor Tree)
Gives sustained healing during long machine battles.
3. Smoke Bomb Expert
Helps reset fights when overwhelmed.
Endgame Skill Build (Level 30–50)
1. Machine Master (Overrides Boosted)
Lets you override more machines for combat assistance.
2. Deep Concentration
Slows down time for longer when aiming weak points.
3. Piercing Damage Boost
Allows arrows to penetrate armor plates.
This balanced build ensures that both beginners and advanced players can handle late-game encounters smoothly.
4. Best Early Game Weapons & How to Get Them
1. Hunter Bow
Your reliable starter weapon.
2. Warrior Bow
Fast-firing bow ideal for short-range combat.
3. Tripcaster
Great for setting up explosive traps before big fights.
4. Sharpshot Bow
The best option for hitting weak points from long range.
Best Early-Game Weapon Acquisition Route
- Visit Plainsong after entering the Forbidden West
- Complete the Salvage Vendor mini-quests
- Trade machine parts for rare and very rare weapons
This early procurement route gives you powerful gear without progressing too far in the main story.
5. Machine Combat Guide: Weaknesses, Strategies & Step-by-Step Tactics
General Combat Rules
Before specific machine strategies, learn these core combat rules:
Rule 1: Always Scan First
Reveals:
- Weak points
- Detachable parts
- Elemental weaknesses
Rule 2: Prioritize Elemental Damage
Fire, Acid, Shock, Frost all cause massive status effects.
Rule 3: Remove Weapons from Machines
Detachable parts like cannons can turn into usable weapons.
6. Machine Strategies (Detailed Guide)
Below are step-by-step strategies for early- to mid-game machines.
Bristleback (Early Game)
Weakness: Fire
Strategy:
- Scan for volatile canisters
- Use Fire Arrows until ignition
- Roll away from explosion radius
- Pick up dropped tail spikes
Clawstrider
Weakness: Shock, Frost
Strategy:
- Shock it to disable mobility
- Shoot off the chainsaw jaw
- Aim for key fuel tanks on the body
- Keep distance—it is very agile
Shellsnapper (Mini-Boss)
Weakness: Frost
Strategy:
- Use Frost blasts to freeze its shell
- Circle behind during its slow turning animation
- Shoot exposed weak points
- Use the Shieldwing to reposition if it burrows underground
Tremortusk (Boss-Type Elephant Machine)
This is a highly searched long-tail keyword:
“how to defeat Tremortusk in Horizon Forbidden West”
Weakness: Fire, Acid
Step-by-step strategy:
- Start the fight from high ground
- Freeze or acid-coat armor plates for easier tear damage
- Remove the cannon on its back
- Roll constantly during laser phases
- Use Ranged Master Valor Surge for maximum damage
7. Exploration Guide: How to Maximize Loot, XP & Map Completion
Open-world exploration is a major part of the game.
Below is a Horizon Forbidden West exploration guide with actionable steps.
Tip 1: Use the Shieldwing Often
The glider allows fast travel between cliffs and reduces fall damage.
Tip 2: Prioritize Tallnecks Early
Unlocking Tallnecks:
- Reveals large map regions
- Shows machine sites
- Shows quest markers
Tip 3: Search Underwater Ruins
Many rare crafting materials are found in:
- Sunken ruins
- Flooded basements
- Hidden underwater corridors
Remember to upgrade your diving mask for extended underwater sections.
Tip 4: Do All Cauldrons
Cauldrons let you override machines.
Completing each Cauldron gives massive EXP and access to new machine overrides.
8. Weapon Upgrades & Crafting Guide
Crafting is essential for surviving high-level machines.
Upgrade Priorities:
- Hunter Bow
- Sharpshot Bow
- Tripcaster
- Warrior Bow
Where to Farm Machine Parts
- Bristleback Site for volatile sludge
- Clawstrider Site for razor plates
- Scorcher Site for blaze units
- Rollerback Site for rare metal plates
Always shoot off parts before killing machines—destroyed pieces cannot be looted.
9. Outfits & Armor Guide
Choosing the right outfit greatly impacts survivability.
Best Early-Game Armor
- Nora Anointed (balanced stats)
- Carja Blazon (fire resistance)
- Utaru Harvester (resource gathering bonus)
Best Mid-Game Armor
- Tenakth Tactician (machine override strength)
- Oseram Artificer (best melee armor)
Endgame Armor (Top Tier)
- Utaru Winterweave (stealth mastery)
- Tenakth Vanquisher (ranged damage boost)
10. Full Main Story Walkthrough
This section includes natural SEO phrases like “Horizon Forbidden West main story order” and “how to progress through the Forbidden West campaign.”
1. Reach for the Stars
Tutorial mission, teaches basic mechanics.
2. The Embassy
Unlocks access to the Forbidden West.
3. Death’s Door
Explore ruins and solve environmental puzzles.
4. The Dying Lands
Major story reveals; fight stronger machines.
5. The Broken Sky
Align with Tenakth clans.
6. The Kulrut
Large-scale arena battle.
7. Seeds of the Past
Crucial technological discoveries.
8. Faro’s Tomb
One of the game’s biggest plot twists.
9. The Wings of the Ten
Get the Sunwing flying mount.
10. Singularity (Final Mission)
Climactic final battle with advanced enemies.
11. Endgame Content Guide (What to Do After Finishing the Story)
After beating the main story, you unlock:
1. Hunting Grounds Challenges
Perfect for sharpening combat.
2. Arena Mode
Earn legendary weapons and armor.
3. Machine Strike Mastery
Board-game minigame with rare rewards.
4. Finishing All Cauldrons, Rebel Camps & Tallnecks
Completes the map and unlocks trophies.
12. Tips for Fast Leveling
1. Clear Machine Sites
Machines respawn, giving consistent XP.
2. Complete Quests in Plainsong & Scalding Spear
These towns offer high-value quests.
3. Use Valor Surges Often
Faster kills = more experience.
13. Money Farming (Metal Shards Guide)
Metal Shards are used for:
- Buying weapons
- Upgrading gear
- Crafting ammo
Best Money Methods
- Sell green or blue items (never purple).
- Farm machine sites with detachable rare parts.
- Complete salvage contracts for high-value rewards.
14. Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not scanning every machine
You miss weak points and loot opportunities.
2. Killing machines too fast
You lose detachable parts.
3. Ignoring the environment
Explosive barrels, traps, and high ground help immensely.
4. Neglecting armor upgrades
Armor matters more than weapons in late game.
15. Final Tips & Summary
To master Horizon Forbidden West:
- Use elemental weaknesses in every fight
- Upgrade bows and outfits regularly
- Prioritize exploration to unlock mounts and fast-travel points
- Collect rare machine parts by tearing components before killing
- Build a balanced skill tree focusing on ranged combat and survival
This comprehensive Horizon Forbidden West guide provides the complete foundation players need—from beginner steps to advanced late-game strategies—to fully conquer the Forbidden West.
