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Horizon Forbidden Westimproves upon many aspects of its predecessor,Horizon Zero Dawn, particularly the open-world elements. The world is significantly larger, with many areas feeling distinct and diverse. It’s no surprise that players will naturally be drawn to exploring such astunning and immersive environment.
However, there will be moments when your exploration comes to a halt. This happens because you lack the necessary equipment to overcome certain obstacles. So, what should you do when you encounter these barriers? That’s exactly what the guide below aims to answer.
Why Should You Explore Later in Horizon Forbidden West
When exploring the open world ofHorizon Forbidden West, you’ll often encounter areas or objects that you’re able to’t yet access or interact with. These includeobstacles like Metal Flowers, Firegleam, and deep underwater sections.
You’ll come across these barriers even while attempting to clear all the side content in the startingregion of the map, The Daunt. This can be frustrating, especially for players who prefer to complete side activities as early as possible.
To avoid this, it’s recommended not to dive too deep into exploration during the early stages of the game.Save the proper exploration for later. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip all side content —some activities can still be completedearly on and are worth pursuing.
What You Need To Explore Without Issues in Horizon Forbidden West
All the obstacles in the open world ofHorizon Forbidden Westcan be overcome by obtaining four essential pieces of equipment:
Each of these tools is necessary for accessing previously unreachable areas and interacting with specific elements in the game world.
When Should You Explore in Horizon Forbidden West
One of the great things about acquiring these essential items is that they are unlocked naturally by progressing through the main story. You don’t need to complete side quests or search hidden caves to find them. While the first two items, the Pullcaster and Igniter, are obtained relatively early, the Diving Mask and Vine Cutter take longer to unlock. Here’s how you can get them:
After completing the Eye of the Earth main quest, you’llunlock three additional main quests. Their names and recommended levels are as follows:
17
22
Seeds of the Past
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Thankfully, you don’t need to complete all three quests to obtain the Vine Cutter and Diving Mask. Here’s what you need to do:
Once you’ve acquired these items, you’re ready to explore the world to your heart’s content. With all the necessary tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle the game throws your way.
