Ready Your Arrows, Sharpen Your Wit: The Ultimate Bow Guide for Horizon Fanatics
So, you’re entering the worlds of Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West? Good choice. In a realm full of machines, your weapon is vital. And in Horizon, a bow means survival. Forget your plasma casters. Let’s explore some great bows for every player.
Horizon Zero Dawn’s Arrow Slingers: Bows That Bite Back
Let’s begin with Zero Dawn. The dangers are real, and machines are everywhere. You need a bow that performs well. You’re in luck; there are some great options out there.
Shadow Hunter Bow: The Silent, Deadly Type
The Shadow Hunter Bow is your reliable friend. This bow has great damage output, especially at mid-range. It’s very quiet, perfect for stealthy takedowns. Surprise a Watcher or two. It’s “Very Rare” for a reason.
Banuk Champion Bow: For the Frozen Wilds Warrior
Heading into The Frozen Wilds DLC? You need the Banuk Champion Bow. You can grab the Lodge War Bow for 15 Blazing Sun marks from Hunting Grounds. But the Banuk Champion Bow stands out as royalty among bows. You’ll be impressed.
Lodge War Bow: Hunting Grounds Glory
Don’t overlook the Lodge War Bow. Earn 15 Blazing Sun marks at Hunting Grounds for this weapon. It’s a testament to skill and precision, and it looks cool too.
Hunter Bow: Your Trusty Sidekick
Remember the humble Hunter Bow? It’s essential to Aloy’s arsenal. It’s a workhorse you can rely on for every battle, whether starting out or facing Grazers. It’s the foundation of bow-wielding in Horizon.
Forbidden West’s Finest: Bows Forged in Fire and Fury
Horizon Forbidden West elevates everything. The machines are tougher, the environments are grander, and the bows are legendary. Let’s discuss top-tier archery gear.
Death-Seeker’s Shadow: Arena Champion’s Prize
Want the best bow in Forbidden West? Get the Death-Seeker’s Shadow. This Legendary Hunter Bow is not easy to get. Complete “The Kulrut” and tackle the “Opening the Arena” side quest to earn it. Show your skill; make this shadow your own.
Sun Scourge: Rebel Camp Conqueror’s Reward
Got skills liberating Rebel Camps? Good. Clear those camps to receive the Sun Scourge as a reward. This Legendary weapon offers you power after restoring peace. Consider it a trophy.
Sharpshot Bows: Precision and Power
Sharpshot bows excel in long-range combat in Forbidden West. They fire slower than Hunter or Warrior bows, but their accuracy is excellent. Need to hit a distant weak spot? Sharpshot bows are what you need.
Delta Sharpshot Bow & Warden Sharpshot Bow: Purple Powerhouses
Among Purple Sharpshot bows, Delta and Warden are noteworthy. Delta provides “Advanced Precision Arrows,” with impressive statistics against drak and stealth targets. The Warden competitive bow offers great performance for long shots.
Regalla’s Wrath: Armor-Piercing Fury
For facing machines with tough armor, you need armor-piercing power. Regalla’s Wrath is a “Very Rare” Sharpshot bow. This bow helps take down heavily armored foes.
Warrior Bows: Speed and Fury
Warrior bows excel in rapid fire and close combat. When you need to unleash arrows quickly, these are your best bet.
Firestorm Warrior Bow: Quest Reward Firepower
Want a Warrior Bow with added power? Get the Firestorm Warrior Bow after completing the “Gate of the Vanquished” quest. Talk to Drakka or Yarra afterwards. A solid reward for your efforts.
Bow Acquisition 101: How to Arm Yourself
Knowing about bows is great, but how do you obtain them? Let’s look at methods to acquire these top-tier weapons.
Sun Scourge: Rebel Camp Raids
Remember the Sun Scourge? Clear all Rebel Camps for the trophy and this bow as a reward. Liberating the land pays off.
Carja’s Bane: Gauntlet Run Glory
For speed lovers, Carja’s Bane is your prize. Win all four Gauntlet Runs at Dry Yearn, Bonewhite Tear, The Stillsands, and Cliffs of the Cry. A swift bow awaits you.
Firestorm Warrior Bow: Quest Completion Perks
The Firestorm Warrior Bow is yours upon finishing “Gate of the Vanquished.” Speak to Drakka or Yarra for this high-powered weapon. Questing has its perks.
Death-Seeker’s Shadow: Arena Domination
To claim the Death-Seeker’s Shadow, conquer the Arena Challenges. Unlock them by progressing through the main questline. Are you ready for the challenge?
Skykiller: Story Progression
Some treasures are easier to grab. The Skykiller bow is added after completing “The Way Home” quest. Story progression gives you weaponry that rocks.
Bow Types and Tactics: Hunter, Warrior, Sharpshot, Oh My!
Navigating bows might confuse you if you’re unsure of the types. Let’s clarify that.
Hunter Bows: The Balanced All-Rounders
Hunter Bows are versatile workhorses in Horizon. Good for combat and everything in between, they offer a balance of speed, damage, and range.
Warrior Bows: Rapid Fire Fury
Warrior Bows focus on speed. They shoot arrows quickly, ideal for close combat and overwhelming foes with projectiles. Think of shotguns, but with arrows.
Sharpshot Bows: Long-Range Precision
Sharpshot Bows are snipers in the bow world. Yes, they have a slower firing rate, but they excel in accuracy and range. Great for distant threats and hitting weak spots.
Banuk Bows: Superior Stats
Banuk bows found in The Frozen Wilds have better stats than non-Banuk bows. They offer better handling and more modification slots, making them customizable and powerful.
Ammunition Matters: Hardpoint Arrows and Beyond
Now let’s discuss arrows because your bow only works with the right ammo. Hardpoint Arrows deserve a mention.
Hardpoint Arrows: Armor Piercing Excellence
Hardpoint Arrows are essential for tougher machines. They help remove parts from machines and deal extra damage compared to standard arrows. These are your best friends for chunkier enemies.
Beyond Bows: Other Gear to Consider
Bows are great, but let’s also look at other gear that complements your archery skills.
Best Weapon Types: Bows Lead the Charge
Bows often rank as the “Best weapon type.” In Forbidden West, the “Sharpshot Bow” excels in high damage at range, particularly with tearblast ammo. Clearly, bows reign supreme in Horizon.
Shield Weaver Armor: The Ultimate Defense
Protection matters! Shield Weaver armor in Horizon Zero Dawn is legendary. Collect five power cells, solve the puzzle in the underground bunker, and become much harder to kill.
Bow Power Unleashed: General Bow Knowledge Nuggets
Here are some extra facts to round out your bow knowledge.
Modern Bow Might: Compound Bows vs. Longbows
Did you know? “Modern 85–100 pound compound bows are more powerful than 150–170 pound longbows.” They shoot faster, further, and hit harder. Technology is impressive.
Recurve Bows: The Challenge is the Charm
“Recurve bows are harder to learn with, but that also offers an advantage.” Challenges can make success even sweeter.
Your guide to mastering the Horizon worlds with a bow is complete! Now nock your arrows and show those machines who’s boss while injecting some style into your shots.
