In this guide, we delve into the heart of combat, examining the best weapons that stand as testaments to Horizon Forbidden West's immersive gameplay, alongside insights on how to get these weapons.
Carja's Bane
Esteemed as the quintessential warrior's bow, Carja's Bane combines speed with versatility. Once the entire map is accessible after completing the Dying Lands mission, this bow becomes attainable, offering both incendiary and regular arrows for sustained damage over time. It excels against larger machines vulnerable to fire, suggesting a tactical approach: initiate with fire arrows to apply damage over time, then switch to standard arrows for the finishing strike.
How to get it: To claim Carja's Bane, conquer all four Gauntlet Runs dispersed across Horizon Forbidden West. Victory in the final Gauntlet Run grants this bow as a reward, presented within a chest at the race's conclusion.
Ancestor's Return
This weapon discharges projectiles in a boomerang fashion, returning to the wielder without expending ammunition. Each successful hit charges the weapon, and upon accumulating three charges, it detonates upon impact, unleashing considerable damage.
How to get it: Initiate the Nights of Lights Errand by speaking with Stemmur at the Hidden Ember. Completion of this task, followed by the collection of eight ornaments from Relic Ruins scattered throughout the Forbidden West, yields this formidable weapon.
Tinker's Pride
A Tripcaster by design, Tinker’s Pride serves as an instrumental tool for laying traps. Stealth is paramount when deploying tripwires to ensure unsuspecting enemies trigger them. While the Advanced Explosive Tripwires offer significant damage, they risk destroying valuable components. Conversely, Staggerbeams can incapacitate an enemy, allowing for strategic follow-up attacks.
How to get it: Achieving Full Stripes rank in all Hunting Grounds Trials, spanning four locations each with three trials, rewards the diligent with Tinker’s Pride.
Death Seeker's Shadow
Renowned as the pinnacle of hunter bows for its rapid deployment, Death Seeker's Shadow specializes in dismantling enemy components with precision.
How to get it: Available for purchase from Dukkah at The Maw of the Arena for 80 Arena Medals. These medals are earned by participating in Arena Challenges, accessible after completing the Main Quest, The Kulrut, and the subsequent quest to open the Arena.
Forgefall
Forgefall epitomizes the Sharpshot Bow, enhancing the Glowblast variant with a focus on Plasma Damage and explosive capabilities. It features Advanced Precision Arrows, which, alongside Advanced Plasma Precision Arrows, cater to those who prioritize Plasma damage, though its specialization might not suit all strategies.
How to get it: Forgefall is purchasable from Dukkah at The Maw of the Arena, requiring completion of all trials in the Amateur and Intermediate categories, plus the first trial in the Skilled category, to amass the necessary 80 Arena Medals.
The Blast Forge
Mirroring a minigun, The Blast Forge demands patience for its charge-up time but compensates with devastating damage output. It's particularly effective against heavily armored Machines, leveraging Explosive Bolts to breach armor before utilizing Advanced/Piercing Bolts for direct damage to vulnerable areas.
How to get it: Obtainable from the Prize Master at The Maw of the Arena, The Blast Forge costs 80 Arena Medals, necessitating progress through Arena Challenges for acquisition.
The Skykiller
As a potent spike thrower, The Skykiller specializes in explosive impact damage over a broad area, making it ideal for engaging large targets. Though deployment may be slow, its impact is unequivocally devastating.
How to get it: The Skykiller is awarded upon completing The Way Home quest in Legacy's Landfall, a late-game venture that becomes accessible after finishing the main quest, Faro’s Tomb.
Wings of the Ten
This bomb thrower excels against larger machines susceptible to Explosive and/or Adhesive damage. A strategic deployment of adhesive bombs can immobilize machines, setting the stage for further tactics.
How to get it: Collecting all 12 Black Boxes and returning them to Untalla at Memorial Grove secures the Wings of the Ten Blastsling.
The Sun Scourge
The Sun Scourge stands out for its versatility, catering to engagements with machines weak to Fire, Frost, or Acid damage. Its diverse arsenal ensures adaptability across various confrontations.
How to get it: This weapon becomes available in the latter stages of the game, following the elimination of all preceding camps, culminating in the First Forge Rebel Camp.