If there is an aspect in which Horizon forbidden west should apply Horizon forbidden at best, it’s the optional stuff. Every side quest in the game culminates in a meaningful reward. In some cases you will get a cool weapon or armor. In others, you’ll catch a narrative resolution richer than what the main story has in store.
but Horizon forbidden west is fixed. After 60 hours I haven’t even explored all the possible optional activities. Not to mention that – and this is no exaggeration –15 different categories of side questsby fetch-quest errands too platforming-focused boiler to combative activities such as hunting area and The arena. You see, time is precious. Indecisiveness is very real, especially when you’re staring at a baffled Bible quest log. If you like to prioritize, here are the side quests that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Mild spoilers for Horizon forbidden west follow – nothing plot-essential, just a decoding of the mysteries of the game.
Shadows from the Past (Level 7)
Where to start: In Barren Light, on the ramparts by the gate by speaking to a guard posted outside a prison cell
Some Horizon forbidden westThe best side quests don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re quest chains: starting one launches a series of smaller missions that encompass an ongoing narrative. The first conspicuous chain begins with “shadows of the past”, which revolves around the Eclipse – an antagonistic faction from the first game, Horizon Zero Dawn— and neatly wraps a sustained narrative thread. It’s a treat for those who have played and loved, Zero Dawn.
The Connecting Roots (Level 15)
Where to start: In Plainsong by interacting with an NPC on one of the platforms above
Horizon forbidden westThe open world of is so vast that you could easily miss parts of it if you don’t accept certain side quests. “The connecting roots‘ is one of those guys who sends you on one escape through the mountains north of Plainsong, horizon‘s first major node. It’s also one of the most extensive side quests in terms of gameplay, with two tough fights, a long platforming section, and a rare stealth segment.
Thirst for Hunting (Level 17)
Where to start: By speaking to Drakka in the Arrowhand settlement, southwest of the base
Most quest chains in Horizon forbidden west follow a linear path. But the one that starts with “thirst for the hunt‘ – in which you must help two different factions of a desert-dwelling tribe to obtain water – culminating in a mission where the ball is placed in your field: you have to make a decision at the end that changes the course of the narrative . And yes, along the lines of what you would find in, say, a classic BioWare game, the choice isn’t easy.
Opening the arena (level 18)
Where to start: In the Maw of Arena City (you get there via story)
“Opening of the arena‘ is a fetch quest (boooo) that grants you access to the arena (yay!), quite simply one of those Horizon forbidden westthe most fun side activities. Not only will you be able to complete unique combat challenges amid increasingly difficult parameters, you will also open a storefront giving you access to some of them the strongest bows and outfits in the game.
Cauldron: Iota (Level 22)
Where to start: Head northeast from Salt Bite until you reach the northern edge of the map
Horizon forbidden west handles an open-world convention (climb the tall thing to de-fog the map) in an unconventional way (the big thing is a walking dinosaur called high neck). Right in the middle of the map you’ll see a Tallneck for the Luminous wasteland Region. One catch: you can’t get to it until much later in the game when you unlock an upgrade, which I’ll keep quiet about because it’s so damn cool you should live to the moment cold. If you want to defog that area of the map, delete the “Boiler: iota“Mission.
What Was Lost (Level 30)
Where to start: In The Base, but only once you’re fairly far into the game (as evidenced by the level pre-req)
Few missions are more frustrating than “what was lost.” You refresh a dungeon you have already covered. You’re fighting a boss you’ve already fought – twice. But the narrative payoff here is among the cutest in the game. Horizon forbidden west is ultimately hopeful, but it’s set in a dour, unforgiving, unrelentingly brutal post-apocalypse. Take the shiny moments when you can get them. (You’ll also get some rare crafting components that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.)
Learning Machine Strike (Level N/A)
Where to start: In Chainscrape, by speaking to the person at the Machine Strike board
I have said it before and I’ll say it again (and, for the record, probably over and over again): The tactical mini-game Machine Strike is a revelation. Don’t miss it.
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