Horizon Forbidden West debuted on February 18, 2022, much to the excitement of fans eagerly waiting to see how the sequel had changed and added to the first installment. The sequel to the 2017 hit delivered several improvements over the original game, including more types of machines, better enemy AI, and improved stealth and melee mechanics.
Additionally, several creative weapon types are available for Horizon Forbidden West players. These include but aren’t limited to, spike throwers, sharpshooter bows, and shredder gauntlets. With such a wide variety, players will immediately want to know Horizon Forbidden West’s best weapons.
Updated on May 24, 2024: Horizon Forbidden West has a plethora of weapons and weapon types to choose from. With so many, it can be hard to know which ones to use in any given situation. This article has been updated to include more weapons and to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.
15 The Prototype Spike Thrower Is Slow To Start But Packs An Explosive Finish
This Spike Thrower is a Strong Early Game Weapon
Explosive Spikes | 20 Impact Damage | 70 Explosive Damage |
---|---|---|
Perks | N/A | N/A |
Related
10 Best Horizon Forbidden West Outfits, Ranked
The various outfits in Horizon Forbidden West offer unique mechanical perks and resistances, so players can pick one that suits their playstyle.
The Prototype Spike Thrower is a strong weapon that players can unlock fairly early in the story. After completing the main quest, “To the Brink,” and completing an errand in Chainscrape, called “A Bigger Boom,” players can access this armament.
While the Prototype Spike Thrower has a bit of a charge-up time, its ability to pierce armor makes the trade-off well worth it. Moreover, the spikes you discharge from the weapon explode shortly after sticking to their intended target, dealing extra damage. Note that these explosions can destroy machine parts players could otherwise harvest, so be careful where you aim.
14 Carja’s Bane Is An Excellent Choice For Dealing Fire Damage
Carja's Bane is Worth the Grind
Light Arrows | 34 Impact Damage | 83 Tear |
---|---|---|
Fire Light Arrows | 14 Fire Damage | 42 Fire Buildup |
Perks | +10% Agility Damage | +10% Corroding Enemey Damage |
Locked Perks | Knockdown Power | Melee Follow-Up |
It’s hard to find a better choice than Carja’s Bane for those who want to dish out a ton of fire damage. Obtaining it is no easy task; however, players must complete all four Gauntlet Runs if they wish to wield this awesome bow.
So, it’s vital to know that Carja’s Bane is one of the most time-consuming weapons to unlock in the entire game. Conversely, it’s also one of the best weapons for dishing out close-quarters damage. Also, arrows from Carja’s Bane are armor-piercing, making it a good choice for almost any combat situation.
13 Death-Seeker’s Shadow Is A Shockingly Good Armor Shredder
One of the Fastest Firing Bows
Adv. Hunter Arrows | 52 Impact Damage | 207 Tear |
---|---|---|
Adv. Shock Arrows | 34 Shock Damage | 211 Shock Buildup |
Targeting Arrows | 6 Impact Damage | |
Perks | +5% Critical Hit Chance | +10 Shocked Enemy Damage |
Locked Perks | Knockdown Damage | Critical Hit Damage |
Cost | 80 Arena Medals |
Death-Seeker’s Shadow is another bow that excels at destroying enemy armor. Still, it’s another weapon that takes a lot of time and dedication to unlock. Players will have to both open the Arena and win 80 medals before they can trade them for this powerhouse.
Ultimately, though, Death-Seeker’s Shadow is well worth this effort. The weapon boasts nearly unmatched fire speed and can inflict electric damage on enemies, too. Death-Seeker’s Shadow also comes with five coil slots, enabling players to upgrade it further and make it even stronger.
12 The Sun Scourge Has A Different Element For Every Occasion
The Sun Scourge is Very Versatile
Adv. Fire Arrows | 37 Fire Damage | 229 Fire Buildup | |
---|---|---|---|
Adv. Frost Arrows | 37 Frost Damage | 233 Frost Buildup | |
Adv. Acid Arrows | 38 Acid Damage | 238 Acid Damage | |
Perks | +2% Instant Brittle Chance | +10% Agility Damage | |
Locked Perks | Overdraw Damage | Reload Speed | Aerial Enemy Damage |
The Sun Scourge is yet another incredibly powerful bow and will, accordingly, take a lot of work to unlock. To get their hands on this bow, players must conquer all five of the Rebel Camps within Horizon Forbidden West.
Regardless of this difficulty, acquiring the Sun Scourge is well worth the effort, and players won’t be disappointed. First, the Sun Scourge has a quick draw time, which significantly helps players take down fast-moving targets. Second, where the Sun Scourge truly shines is with its three elemental arrow types – which give players the ability to wield fire, ice, and poison arrows.
The Wings of Ten is a Valuable Investment
Explosive Bombs | 127 Explosive Damage | ||
---|---|---|---|
Adv. Explosive Bombs | 203 Explosive Damage | ||
Adhesive Bombs | 211 Adhesive Buildup | ||
Perks | +5% Critical Hit Chance | +15% Critical Hit Damage | |
Locked Perks | Overdraw Damage | Close Range Damage | Instant Plasma Blast Chance |
Related
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Team Reveal Insight Into Character Building
For gamers who have ever wondered about the process by which Guerrilla Games developed Horizon Forbidden West's characters, the truth is now revealed.
The Wings of the Ten is a powerful Blastsling, a type of slingshot within the game. Players must first ensure they have the Vine Cutter and Diving Masks before collecting the 12 Black Box voice recordings necessary to obtain this weapon.
Like many other armaments throughout Horizon Forbidden West, acquiring the Wings of the Ten is a bit of a time sink. Still, this time investment provides an invaluable reward in the long run. The Wings of the Ten uses explosive rounds to immobilize one’s opponents, rendering them unable to act and, subsequently, easier to take out.
10 Tinker's Pride Is An Ideal Choice For Players Who Like Setting Traps
The Best Tripcaster in the Game
Staggerbeams | 55 Impact Damage | |
---|---|---|
Shieldwire | 176 Explosive Damage | |
Adv. Explosive Tripwires | 211 Explosive Damage | |
Perks | +15% Damage Over Time | +10% Knockdown Power |
Locked Perks | Instant Brittle Chance | Knockdown Damage |
Tinker’s Pride is part of the Tripcaster subclass of weapons in Horizon Forbidden West. Tripcasters are weapons designed to ensnare one’s enemies and make them easier to take down. To obtain this particular Tripcaster, players will need to achieve the maximum number of points possible in all 12 of the Hunting Ground trials.
For those who like setting up traps and watching an unsuspecting enemy reward their patience, there’s no better choice than a Tripcaster, particularly Tinker’s Pride. Players can use Tinker’s Pride to set up wired explosive traps that activate whenever an enemy steps on them. This weapon also comes with three types of tripwires for dealing with various enemies.
9 The Forgefall Is Capable Of Blasting Enemies With Armor-Destroying Plasma Damage
The Perfect Weapon to Break Any Defense
Adv. Precision Arrow | 179 Impact Damage | 179 Tear | |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma Arrows | 25 Plasma Damage | 232 Plasma Buildup | |
Adv. Plasma Arrows | 51 Plasma Damage | 464 Plasma Buildup | |
Perks | +25% Draw Speed | +10% Concentration Damage | |
Locked Perks | Overdraw Damage | Aerial Enemy Damage | Shocked Enemy Damage |
Cost | 80 Arena Medals |
Forgefall is a mighty Sharpshot bow worth the grind players must undergo to secure it. Much like Death-Seeker’s Shadow, the Forgefall requires players to acquire and trade in 80 arena medals to obtain it.
Although this cost seems exorbitant, the Forgefall is worth every second spent. Many consider this bow one of the best long-range weapons in the entire game. Not only can the Forgefall deal strong blasts of Plasma damage, but it also has armor-penetrating arrows. Moreover, players can combine these two effects for an extra burst of power against almost any enemy.
8 The Skykiller Lets Players Throw Explosive And Flaming Projectiles
The Way Home Leads to the Skykiller
Explosive Spikes | 43 Impact Damage | 151 Explosive Damage | |
---|---|---|---|
Adv. Explosive Spikes | 69 Impact Damage | 242 Explosive Damage | |
Fire Spikes | 151 Fire Damage | 108 Fire Buildup | |
Perks | +10% Reload Speed | +15% Aerial Enemy Damage | |
Locked Perks | Overdraw Damage | Draw Speed | Burning Enemy Damage |
The Skykiller is similar to the Prototype Spike Thrower, but this particular Spike Thrower has a few features that separate it from its competition. Players can obtain The Skykiller by completing the side quest called “The Way Home.” The only downside to this weapon is that this quest doesn’t become playable until players finish most of the game.
The Skykiller is still worth picking up, as its damage output alone makes it a spike throw worth using. Additionally, The Skykiller gives wielders access to classic spikes and Explosive and Flaming projectiles.
7 Rain of Sparks Deals Massive Damage Up Close
A Master Class in Meele Combat
Light Arrows | 36 Impact Damage | 88 Tear |
---|---|---|
Adhesive Light Arrows | 45 Adhesive Damage | n/a |
Perks | +15 Knockdown Damage | +15% Critical Damage |
Locked Perks | Instant Burning Damage | Critical Hit Chance |
Related
Horizon Forbidden West's Burning Shores DLC is almost here, and gamers may be wondering how long it takes to complete the expansion.
The Rain of Sparks is a Warrior Bow that is very effective in close quarter combat since it has a high damage output. Players can obtain the Rain of Sparks through any merchant in the game in New Game Plus.
If players prefer an aggressive combat style, they should equip the Rain of Sparks with coils that have the Melee Follow-up or Melee Detonator effects. Since players will be up close and personal with enemies, these effects will deal extra damage to take them out fast.
6 Irv's Downfall has Incredible Impact Damage
Fantastic for High Damage with One Shot
Precision Arrows | 187 Impact Damage | 187 Tear |
---|---|---|
Elite Precision Arrows | 224 Impact Damage | 187 Tear |
Tear Precision Arrows | 11 Impact Damage | 527 Tear |
Perks | +10% Concentration Damage | +15% Critical Damage |
Locked Perks | Instant Shocked Damage | Instant Explosion Chance |
Irv's Downfall in Horizon Forbidden West is a powerful Sharpshot Bow, known for its devastating single-shot potential. This bow excels at dealing significant damage in a single hit, making it ideal for taking down large machines or heavily armored enemies.
Irv's Downfall is a fantastic weapon for players who prefer a more strategic, long-range combat approach. It allows players to take down powerful enemies efficiently, but requires patience and precise aiming to get the most out of it.
5 Legacy's Reach Explodes Enemies Away
A Well-rounded Weapon for Any Occasion
Advanced Explosive Bombs | 225 Explosive Damage | n/a |
---|---|---|
Cluster Bombs | 93 Explosive Damage | n/a |
Acid Bombs | 56 Acid Damage | 233 Tear |
Perks | +15% Long-Range Damage | +10% Knockdown Power |
Locked Perks | Instant Plasma Blast Damage | Overdraw Damage |
Legacy's Reach is known for its well-rounded capabilities. It can handle both single targets and groups of enemies efficiently due to its decent blast radius and damage output. It boasts a built-in perk that inflicts damage over time on enemies, making it particularly effective against larger machines with high health pools. This damage can come from either explosive or acid effects, depending on the type of bomb you use.
Players can only acquire Legacy's Reach after completing the main story and starting a New Game Plus playthrough. Players will need Champion Tokens, a special currency earned from defeating challenging enemies or completing specific tasks in NG+.
4 Defiance Offers Power and Versatility
The Defiance has an Excellent Selection of Ammo
Related
Horizon Forbidden West: The Best Valor Surges
There are 12 Valor Surges in Horizon Forbidden West, but some stand out among the rest. Here are the best Valor Surges to prioritize upgrading.
Impact Spikes | 149 Impact Damage | n/a |
---|---|---|
Explosive Spikes | 46 Explosive Damage | 160 Tear |
Advanced Explosive Spikes | 73 Explosive Damage | 256 Tear |
Perks | +15% Knockdown Damage | +10% Corroding Chance |
Locked Perks | Instant Corroding Chance | Overdraw Damage |
Defiance is considered one of the most potent weapons in the game, particularly effective against larger machines. It boasts exceptional impact damage, which can cripple or even knock down some enemies. While excelling in close quarters, Defiance offers some flexibility. It can be used with different ammo types, allowing players to tailor their approach, adding a lot of versatility.
Although it's powerful, Defiance's effectiveness relies heavily on getting close to enemies, which can be risky against some foes. Additionally, it has a slower firing rate compared to other weapons.
3 The Final Chapter is a Great Final Weapon
A Strong Weapon with a lot of Customization
Piercing Shredders | 63 Impact Damage | 161 Tear |
---|---|---|
Advanced Shredders | 77 Impact Damage | 198 Tear |
Tear Shredders | 29 Impact Damage | 173 Tear |
Perks | +15% Knockdown Damage | +10% Shocked Enemy Damage |
Locked Perks | Damage Over Time | Instant Shocked Chance |
The Final Chapter is a strong contender for Horizon Forbidden West's "final" weapon. Thanks to its multi-shredder functionality and valuable perks, it offers a versatile and powerful combat experience. It comes equipped with three different shredder options: Advanced, Piercing, and Tear. This allows players to adapt their approach depending on the enemy's weaknesses.
Players can customize The Final Chapter with coils that enhance specific aspects, such as "Impact Damage" or "Tear Damage," to further specialize against certain enemies. With its additional perks like Damage Over Time, it'll deal some of the most damage out of any weapon in the game.
2 Ancestor's Return Feels Like It Comes With Its Own Damage-Scaling Minigame
The Relic Ruins Gives Players the Ancestor's Return
Acid Shredders | 59 Impact Damage | 65 Acid Buildup | |
---|---|---|---|
Shock Shredders | 59 Impact Damage | 66 Shock Buildup | |
Tear Shredders | 27 Impact Damage | 163 Tear | |
Perks | +10% Agility Damage | +25% Draw Speed | |
Locked Perks | Concentration Damage | Component Tear | Critical Hit Chance |
Ancestor’s Return is the only Shredder Gauntlet in the top 10 best weapons in Horizon Forbidden West. It is the most powerful choice in its subclass and one of the strongest weapons in the entire game. To obtain Ancestor’s Return, players must complete all nine Relic Ruins and return them to Stemmur in Hidden Ember.
Not only is Ancestor’s Return remarkably potent, but it’s also quite enjoyable to use. After a successful hit with Ancestor’s Return, a player needs to catch it as it rebounds off an enemy. A successful catch allows players to deal more damage with their next throw. This bonus is stackable, too, providing even more potential damage.
1 It's Hard To Top The Blast Forge's Raw Power
Pierce Any Armor with The Blast Forge
Adv. Bolts | 37 Impact Damage | ||
---|---|---|---|
Piercing Bolts | 28 Impact Damage | ||
Explosive Bolts | 23 Impact Damage | 21 Explosive Damage | |
Perks | +25% Draw Speed | +5% Critical Hit Chance | |
Locked Perks | Overdraw Damage | Reload Speed | Instant Shocked Chance |
Cost | 80 Arena Medals |
Those simply interested in the single best weapon in Horizon Forbidden West need look no further than the legendary Boltblaster, The Blast Forge. Like other of the best weapons in Horizon Forbidden West, players will need to trade in 80 hard-earned arena medals to get their hands on it.
Despite this cost, The Blast Forge is a steal at its price, and players can count on it in virtually any situation. The Blast Forge excels at piercing armor and comes with not one but three different types of blots to help players accomplish almost any task. Furthermore, natural perks that improve draw speed and critical hit chance increase The Blast Forge’s overall effectiveness.
Horizon Forbidden West
Join Aloy as she braves the Forbidden West – a majestic but dangerous frontier that conceals mysterious new threats.
- Publisher
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre
- Action, Adventure
- Mode
- Single-player
- Platform
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows