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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Prototype Spike Thrower

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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Carja's Bane

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

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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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Death Seekers Shadow

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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Sun Scourge

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

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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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Wings Of The Ten

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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Tinker's Pride

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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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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's Forgefall

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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's 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

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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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's 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

A screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West's 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.

Aloy fighting on a beach in art from the Horizon Forbidden West video game poster
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