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 December 12, 2023, by Anthony Jeanetta. With Horizon Forbidden West set to debut on the PC in early 2024, first-time players will want to know their best weapon choices before they explore the robot-strewn post-apocalyptic landscape. This list is updated to reflect CBR’s most current style guidelines.
10 The Prototype Spike Thrower Is Slow To Start But Packs An Explosive Finish
Explosive Spikes |
20 Impact Damage |
70 Explosive Damage |
---|---|---|
Perks |
N/A |
N/A |
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.
9 Carja’s Bane Is An Excellent Choice For Dealing Fire Damage
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 |
10 Games That Make It Worth Owning A PS5
The PlayStation 5 doesn't have a ton of exclusive games, but there are still plenty that make owning Sony's latest console absolutely worth it.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.
8 Death-Seeker’s Shadow Is A Shockingly Good Armor Shredder
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.
7 The Sun Scourge Has A Different Element For Every Occasion
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 |
How Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores Sets up a Sequel
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores includes some interesting and surprising events that set up the story and character arcs for the next game.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.
6 Wings Of The Ten Is A Robust Immobilizing Tool
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 |
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.
5 Tinker's Pride Is An Ideal Choice For Players Who Like Setting Traps
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 |
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Many video games have great protagonists, but only some could conceivably beat their own games, such as Joel Miler, Master Chief, and Ezio Auditore.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.
4 The Forgefall Is Capable Of Blasting Enemies With Armor-Destroying Plasma Damage
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.
3 The Skykiller Lets Players Throw Explosive And Flaming Projectiles
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 |
Every Fallout 4 Companion, Ranked
With several characters to choose from, having the right companion is crucial to surviving the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4.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.
2 Ancestor's Return Feels Like It Comes With Its Own Damage-Scaling Minigame
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
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