Horizon Forbidden West: Aloy's Arsenal - Mastering New Weapons and Tools

Liam Alexander 25 Feb 2024

In the visually breathtaking and narratively rich world of Horizon Forbidden West, players are invited to once again step into the shoes of Aloy, a skilled hunter and warrior tasked with saving her world from an array of formidable machines and human foes. This action-packed RPG from Guerrilla Games expands upon the original in every conceivable way, including a vast arsenal of new weapons and tools for Aloy to utilize. Mastering these new additions is key to surviving in the dangerous frontiers of the Forbidden West. This in-depth guide explores each new weapon and tool, providing strategies for their effective use in your quest.

The Hunter Bow 2.0

The Hunter Bow returns with enhanced features and upgrades, making it more versatile and deadlier than before. Its rapid-fire capability allows Aloy to dispatch enemies quickly. Adding new arrow types, including the adhesive arrow, which can temporarily immobilize targets, adds a new tactical layer to combat. Utilizing modifications can increase the bow's damage, tear, and handling stats, making it an all-around weapon suitable for various combat scenarios.

The Shredder Gauntlet: A Tactical Game Changer

A brand-new addition to Aloy's arsenal, the Shredder Gauntlet offers a unique approach to combat. This weapon fires disc-like projectiles that ricochet off surfaces, hitting targets from unexpected angles. The Shredder Gauntlet is perfect for taking on groups of enemies or for hitting foes taking cover. The key to mastering this weapon lies in understanding the trajectory of the discs, enabling Aloy to hit targets even when they are out of direct sight.

Spear Upgrades and Abilities

Aloy's trusted Spear has received significant upgrades, enhancing its capabilities both in melee combat and as a tool for interaction with the environment. New Spear abilities, such as the ability to override more machine types and the inclusion of Valor Surges, powerful charged attacks, make the Spear more vital than ever. Practicing the timing of Valor Surges can turn the tide in challenging encounters, making mastering these new abilities essential for survival.

Smoke Bombs and Stealth Tactics

Stealth has always been a key element of gameplay in the Horizon series, and Horizon Forbidden West introduces Smoke Bombs to Aloy's stealth arsenal. These can be used to create a dense cloud of smoke, allowing Aloy to hide from enemies or escape when outnumbered. Coupling Smoke Bombs with silent takedowns or using them to safely reposition can give players a significant advantage in encounters where direct confrontation might be lethal.

The Pullcaster: Mobility and Puzzle-solving

The Pullcaster is an innovative tool that significantly expands Aloy's mobility and puzzle-solving capabilities. Functioning both as a grappling hook and a winch, the Pullcaster can be used to quickly scale cliffs or dismantle obstacles. Learning to quickly switch between the Pullcaster and other weapons or tools can significantly enhance Aloy's effectiveness in combat and exploration, allowing for rapid repositioning or accessing vantage points for attacks.

Defensive Options: The Shielding

The introduction of the Shieldwing provides Aloy with unprecedented defensive capabilities. This deployable glider not only allows for safe descent from great heights but can also be used tactically in combat to dodge or counter enemy attacks. Mastering the timing for deploying the Shieldwing can help avoid damage from powerful attacks that would otherwise be devastating, making it a crucial tool for survival against tough opponents.

The Diving Mask: Exploring New Depths

Exploration in Horizon Forbidden West is not just limited to land; with the new Diving Mask, Aloy can explore aquatic environments in depth. This tool opens up entirely new areas of the map, filled with underwater secrets and resources. Managing oxygen levels and avoiding underwater machines requires a tactical approach to these new environments, making mastery of the Diving Mask essential for those looking to uncover all the Forbidden West has to offer.

Adapting to New Environments with the Frost and Plasma Gauntlets

The Frost and Plasma Gauntlets introduce elemental attacks to Aloy's arsenal, allowing her to exploit the weaknesses of machines and human enemies alike. The Frost Gauntlet can freeze enemies, making them more vulnerable to damage, while the Plasma Gauntlet can cause explosions, dealing massive damage to groups of enemies. Learning to switch between these gauntlets based on the vulnerabilities of your foes can significantly increase your combat efficiency.

Utilizing the Sunwing: Aerial Advantage

Though not a weapon in the traditional sense, the ability to override and ride Sunwings offers a strategic advantage by providing aerial reconnaissance and a swift means of travel. By mastering the use of the Sunwing, players can scout enemy positions and plan their approach to each encounter with greater precision. The aerial perspective can also reveal paths and resources that might be missed on the ground, making the Sunwing a valuable ally in exploration.

Conclusion

The world of Horizon Forbidden West is harsh and unforgiving, but with a keen understanding and mastery of Aloy's expanded arsenal, players can turn the tide of battle in their favor. From the versatility of the Hunter Bow 2.0 and the tactical innovations of the Shredder Gauntlet to the defensive prowess of the Shieldwing and the exploratory utility of the Diving Mask, each new weapon and tool offers unique ways to approach combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. By effectively utilizing these new additions, players can fully immerse themselves in the rich, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Forbidden West, facing its challenges head-on and emerging victorious.