Horizon Forbidden West Guide | How To Defeat Machines Easily

There's an easy way to take down even the toughest Machines in Horizon Forbidden West on ultra-hard difficulty farming those elusive upgrade materials, be it Fireclaw Sac Webbing or dealing with challenging opponents; this approach ensures a safe and efficient takedown.

Step 1: Acquire a Reliable Ropecaster

A good ropecaster is needed. Examples are the Elite Ropecaster that can be found in Thornmarsh or the mythic Tie That Binds from the Burning Shores DLC. Blue ropecasters, such as the Anchor from Scalding Spear or the Eventide from Salt Bite, are also viable. When using a ropecaster, it is important to draw the weapon slightly before releasing the shot, ensuring the ropes are attached to a machine’s armor. 

Quick shots only connect with unarmored areas, which are less effective as machines are typically covered in armor. The initial objective is to attach enough ropes to immobilize the machine for 90 seconds. When facing multiple machines, immobilize all targets before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply the Brittle State

When the Machine is down, put your efforts into a more efficient way of inflicting damage by whacking its weak points or areas. For maximum damage, you will be able to get the brittle status by freezing the machine; this increases the damage dealt in a hit spot from 1.8 to 2 times. Elemental buildup, such as frost, is key, as it bypasses the armor without significantly degrading the tiedown state. 

Frost arrows are ideal, as they provide efficient elemental buildup with minimal impact damage. The legendary Sun Scourge hunter bow is the best choice, but purple or blue frost bows are effective. Frost bombs can also be used, though the damage-over-time effect from elemental pools can degrade the tiedown state more quickly, making them less optimal.

Step 3: Deliver a Finishing Blow

Once frozen, it’s important to deliver a powerful, decisive attack. Using a boltblaster with the Sustained Burst technique allows the entire clip to be fired in rapid succession, effectively stunning the target. Targeting weak points or components ensures maximum damage output. A high-damage boltblaster is required for this strategy, such as the legendary Blast Forge or the purple Relentless. 

Blue boltblasters work fine on lower difficulties but suffer from reduced clip sizes on higher difficulties. Coils are very important, with close-range, long-range, or concentration coils increasing damage. In fact, close-range coils are rather overpowered for this approach.

Step 4: Use a Valor Surge

To enhance damage further, activate a valor surge. Ranged Master is ideal for focusing on a single machine, doubling damage when fully upgraded. For groups, Chain Burst is more preferable since it also scatters damage to the other targets around. For multiples, activate Chain Burst first before casting frost to spread the brittle effect to the group.

Execution

Close in stealthily and immobilize the target machine using Smoke Bombs for cover. Apply the Brittle status by striking an armor plate to help promote the tiedown state and avoid its downgrading of it. Engage the chosen valor surge and use the Sustained Burst skill to knock out weak points or parts. 

This will most likely kill it. If it is still alive, pop a smoke bomb, reapply the tiedown, and repeat the process. For groups, do prioritize doing damage right after the tiedown rather than putting it up again because the other mechs will most likely be weakened.

This method leverages the fact that armor reduces impact damage but allows elemental buildup, highlighting an important combat mechanic. Utilizing this strategy effectively can simplify even the most challenging encounters.

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