Choosing the right weapon in Horizon Forbidden West can turn a difficult machine encounter into a much more manageable fight. Aloy has access to hunting bows, precision weapons, explosive launchers, and specialized tools, so the best loadout depends on your target and playstyle.
This guide to Horizon Forbidden West best weapons explains which weapons deserve your attention, how their strengths differ, and how to build a balanced loadout without wasting valuable upgrade materials.
Horizon Forbidden West Best Weapons for Different Playstyles
There is no single weapon that wins every encounter. A legendary bow may deliver excellent damage, but an elemental weapon can create a better opening against a machine with a matching weakness. Therefore, the smartest approach is to carry weapons that complement each other.
Death-Seeker’s Shadow Best All-Around Hunter Bow
Death-Seeker’s Shadow is a strong choice for players who want a versatile hunter bow. It supports accurate, responsive combat and offers advanced hunter arrows, advanced shock hunter arrows, and targeting hunter arrows. This combination makes it useful when you need reliable damage or want to apply shock during a machine fight.
You can obtain this legendary weapon from Dukkah at the Arena using Arena medals. However, you must progress far enough to access the Arena before you can purchase it.
For general exploration, this bow is a practical long-term investment. Use it to target vulnerable components, build elemental pressure when needed, and conserve expensive ammunition when a basic shot will do.
The Sun Scourge: Best for Elemental Combat
The Sun Scourge is particularly valuable when you want to exploit elemental weaknesses. It supports advanced frost, fire, and acid hunter arrows, giving Aloy several ways to prepare enemies for a stronger follow-up attack.
Frost can help increase the damage enemies take from subsequent attacks once they enter the brittle state. Fire and acid provide alternative ways to apply elemental pressure, depending on the target.
You earn this bow by completing the Rebel Camp storyline, including the final encounter involving Asera. Because it requires substantial progress, it is a weapon to work toward rather than an early-game pickup.
Forgefall: Best for Long-Range Damage
Forgefall is a legendary sharpshot bow designed for players who prefer precision and powerful ranged attacks. Its ammunition includes advanced precision arrows and plasma precision arrows, making it useful when you can create distance before a fight.
The weapon rewards careful aiming rather than rapid firing. For example, you can use Concentration to improve your shot placement and target exposed components before a large machine closes the distance.
Dukkah sells Forgefall for Arena medals. Its high-impact role makes it a strong choice for players who enjoy planning attacks, although its slower firing rhythm may feel less comfortable during close-range encounters.
Best Heavy Weapons in Horizon Forbidden West
The Blast Forge: Best for Sustained Heavy Fire
The Blast Forge is a legendary boltblaster that suits players who want to deliver heavy damage at close or medium range. Its role differs from a hunter bow because it focuses on sustained bursts rather than flexible, precision-based shots.
This weapon can be particularly useful when a machine has a clear opening and you can commit to an attack. However, heavy weapons require sensible positioning. Firing while an enemy is about to charge can leave Aloy vulnerable, so create space or use a knockdown opportunity first.
You can obtain The Blast Forge through the Arena’s reward shop. It is worth considering if your build emphasizes direct damage and you have enough resources to support its ammunition needs.
Ancestor’s Return Best for Players Who Enjoy Skillful Combat
Ancestor’s Return is a legendary shredder gauntlet that rewards timing and practice. Instead of simply releasing a projectile and switching weapons, you throw its shredders and try to catch them as they return. Successful catches help maintain the weapon’s attack sequence.
That mechanic creates a distinctive combat rhythm. It can deliver useful damage while encouraging you to keep moving and pay attention to incoming attacks. However, it takes practice to use consistently, especially when fighting fast or aggressive machines.
You obtain this weapon through the Relic Ruins questline and its associated rewards. If you enjoy mastering unusual weapon mechanics, it is an excellent alternative to conventional bows.
Best Weapons by Combat Situation
Your ideal weapon setup changes depending on the enemy, available resources, and how far you have progressed. This comparison highlights the role each weapon can play in a practical loadout.
| Weapon | Type | Best Use | Main Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death-Seeker’s Shadow | Hunter Bow | General combat | Versatile arrows |
| The Sun Scourge | Hunter Bow | Elemental attacks | Frost, fire, acid |
| Forgefall | Sharpshot Bow | Long-range combat | Precision damage |
| The Blast Forge | Boltblaster | Heavy attacks | Sustained fire |
| Ancestor’s Return | Shredder Gauntlet | Skill-based combat | Returning projectiles |
| The Skykiller | Spike Thrower | Explosive attacks | Powerful spike ammunition |
These weapons serve different purposes, so you do not need to collect every legendary item before improving your combat performance. Choose weapons that cover your biggest weaknesses first, then expand your loadout as you gather more resources.
How to Upgrade Your Best Weapons
Weapon upgrades can improve damage and other performance attributes, but each upgrade requires resources. Consequently, upgrading every weapon you find can slow your progress and leave you short of materials when you discover a better option.
Focus on Weapons You Actually Use
Start by investing in the weapons that match your preferred combat style. If you rely on a hunter bow during most encounters, improving that bow may provide more immediate value than upgrading a heavy weapon you rarely equip.
Also, inspect each weapon’s upgrade bonuses before spending resources. Some improvements strengthen damage, while others improve handling or provide additional benefits. Compare these bonuses with your current build instead of choosing upgrades based only on rarity.
Use Elemental Weaknesses to Your Advantage
Aloy’s Focus helps reveal machine components and elemental weaknesses. Scan an unfamiliar enemy before committing to an expensive attack, because the right damage type can make a difficult encounter easier.
For example, use frost ammunition against a suitable target to create a stronger damage opportunity. Meanwhile, precision arrows can help remove important machine components before the battle becomes chaotic.
Are Legendary Weapons Always the Best Choice?
Legendary weapons often offer excellent capabilities, but rarity does not automatically make a weapon the right choice for every situation. A fully upgraded weapon with ammunition you understand can be more useful than a legendary option that consumes resources you cannot easily replace.
Progression also matters. Some legendary weapons require Arena medals or lengthy quest chains, so they may not be practical during the early hours of the adventure.
Therefore, improve your current equipment while working toward stronger rewards. Once you obtain a legendary weapon, compare its ammunition, perks, upgrade costs, and combat role with the gear you already own.
Conclusion
The Horizon Forbidden West best weapons depend on how you approach combat, but Death-Seeker’s Shadow, The Sun Scourge, Forgefall, The Blast Forge, and Ancestor’s Return are excellent options to consider. Each offers a different advantage, from versatile arrows to precision shots and heavy damage.
Build a balanced loadout, scan machines for weaknesses, and prioritize upgrades that support your playstyle. For more strategies, explore our other [Horizon Forbidden West combat guides] and make your next machine encounter easier to handle.
FAQs
What is the best weapon in Horizon Forbidden West?
Death-Seeker’s Shadow is a strong all-around choice for players who prefer hunter bows. However, The Sun Scourge excels at elemental combat, while Forgefall suits precision-focused players. Your best option depends on your preferred tactics, available upgrades, and the machine you are fighting.
What is the best legendary bow in Horizon Forbidden West?
The Sun Scourge and Death-Seeker’s Shadow are two excellent legendary hunter bows. The Sun Scourge offers several elemental ammunition types, while Death-Seeker’s Shadow supports versatile combat. Forgefall is another strong choice if you prefer long-range precision attacks over faster, more flexible shooting.
How do you get The Sun Scourge?
You obtain The Sun Scourge by completing the Rebel Camp storyline and defeating Asera during the final encounter at First Forge. Make sure you finish the required camp objectives before attempting to collect this legendary hunter bow.
Is Forgefall worth getting?
Yes, Forgefall is worth considering if you enjoy powerful long-range attacks and careful aiming. Its sharpshot ammunition makes it useful for precision damage, especially when you have time to line up a shot. However, a faster weapon may work better against enemies that stay close.
Should you upgrade every weapon in Horizon Forbidden West?
No. Focus your resources on weapons that suit your preferred combat style and cover different tactical needs. Check upgrade bonuses before spending rare materials, and keep weapons with useful elemental ammunition available. This approach helps you build an effective loadout without spreading resources too thin.
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