Horizon Forbidden West Guide | Best Early Skills To Get

There are a lot of Skill Points in Horizon Forbidden West, a lot of which can be earned through side quests, errands, and main missions. Each skill caters to different players depending on their playstyle, but here are the six skills we recommend you get if you’re looking for a more balanced playthrough. 

Potent Medicine

In the Survivor Branch, it’s a passive boost that increases the effectiveness of berries, allowing you to heal quicker. Since you start off the game with low health and early game machines are no easy feat, making this skill essential.

Low Health Defense

In the Survivor Branch, it’s a passive boost that reduces the damage you take when your health dips below 25%. The reduction is pretty significant, too: You get a damage reduction of 40%, making it an essential investment early on.

Conentration+

In the Hunter Branch, it’s a passive boost that enhances your concentration ability. This skill basically increases the time frame for which the slow-motion aiming is enabled. Although Aloy does retain the concentration skill from the first game, it’s not really as effective here, and this skill helps with that.

Resonator Blast

In the Warrior Branch, this skill is an active skill that involves a new combat mechanic. Aloy’s spear has a resonator that stores energy, and once charged, it can transfer its energy to an enemy target. This does tremendous damage to machines and human enemies.

Block Breaker

In the Warrior Branch, Block Breaker is a melee combat skill that breaks the weapon guards of human enemies; this mechanic is part of the new combat system in the game.

Melee Damage

In the Warrior Branch, Melee Damage is a passive boost that increases your damage output with light and heavy attacks by 30%. This is especially useful early in the game when your weapons don’t do as much damage.

By focusing on these skills early, the journey through the Forbidden West becomes more manageable and enjoyable, providing a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.

Also, check out our Horizon Forbidden West Review, and other guides below:

• Horizon Forbidden West Guide | How To Farm Metal Shards Early
• Horizon Forbidden West Guide | How To Defeat Machines Easily
• Horizon Forbidden West Guide | Best Early Game Weapons
• Horizon Forbidden West Guide | Best Mid-Game Weapons and Gear
• Horizon Forbidden West Guide | Best End-Game Gears