In *Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores*, players take Aloy on a new adventure through the volcanic islands of the Burning Shores. This expansion brings new challenges, new machines, and a fresh storyline. To make the most of your adventure, here are essential tips and strategies to help you navigate the new region and improve your gameplay.
1. Understanding the New Region: The Burning Shores
The *Burning Shores* expansion introduces a dynamic new environment filled with dangerous terrain, fiery landscapes, and a unique set of machines. The region’s volcanic landscape offers new challenges and opportunities for exploration.
Terrain and Navigation
The terrain in the Burning Shores is rough, with active volcanoes, rivers of lava, and cliffs. Be prepared for vertical challenges and frequent environmental hazards. Make use of the new tools and traversal mechanics to navigate these dangerous areas.
2. Combat: New Machines and Challenges
The Burning Shores brings new machines to battle, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Understanding how to engage these new foes is essential for survival.
Fighting the New Machines
One of the new machine types is the Waterwing, which flies and dives underwater, making it a challenge to fight both in the air and in the water. Take advantage of the new elemental attacks and traps to deal with these new threats.
New Combat Mechanics
In addition to the new machines, *Horizon Forbidden West* introduces additional combat mechanics like more advanced elemental arrows and specialized traps. Experiment with different approaches to combat to find the most effective tactics for each machine type.
3. New Weapons and Gear: Enhancing Your Arsenal
Aloy’s arsenal in the Burning Shores has expanded with new weapons and gear that provide better customization and versatility in combat. From high-powered bows to enhanced melee options, these new tools will help you in your quest.
Elemental Bows and Spear Upgrades
Make sure to upgrade your bows to handle the new elemental types found in the Burning Shores. Each type of weapon now has added benefits that can exploit your enemies’ weaknesses. Additionally, Aloy’s spear can be upgraded for greater melee effectiveness.
Armor and Modifications
The expansion also introduces new armor sets that offer greater protection against specific machine types and elemental attacks. Experiment with mods to create an optimal build that suits your playstyle.
4. New Quests and Storyline
In *Burning Shores*, Aloy embarks on a new story that delves deeper into the mysteries of the world. Along the way, you’ll encounter new characters, factions, and personal stories that expand on the main narrative of *Horizon Forbidden West*.
Main Story Quests
Focus on completing the main story quests, which will lead you through the Burning Shores region. These quests will introduce you to new characters and give you insight into the evolving world of *Horizon*.
Side Quests and Hidden Secrets
As always, the side quests in *Horizon* are rich with lore and rewards. Explore hidden areas to uncover secrets and gain powerful items that will aid you in your journey. These quests often lead to valuable collectibles and upgrades.
5. Exploration: Discovering New Locations and Hidden Treasures
Exploration in the Burning Shores is rewarding, with new locations to discover, ancient ruins to investigate, and unique treasures to find. The open-world design encourages you to explore every corner of the map.
Uncover Hidden Relics
Look for hidden relics scattered throughout the Burning Shores. These collectibles offer insights into the history of the world and provide valuable materials. Some may unlock unique weapons or upgrades when found in large quantities.
Interactive Environments
The environment in the Burning Shores is interactive, with volcanic activity, storms, and other dynamic elements that affect gameplay. Use these changes to your advantage when exploring or fighting machines.
6. Resources and Crafting: Building Your Equipment
Resource gathering and crafting remain key to upgrading Aloy’s gear and progressing through the Burning Shores. Be diligent in collecting materials from both the environment and defeated machines.
Harvesting Materials
New resources in the Burning Shores come from the unique flora and fauna. Make sure to gather everything from rare plants to the new machine parts. These materials will be essential for crafting potions, ammo, and upgrades.
Crafting Upgrades
Use the crafting system to upgrade your weapons, armor, and gadgets. This will allow you to customize your loadout based on your preferred combat style, whether you prefer stealth, ranged attacks, or close-quarters combat.
7. Dealing with New Enemies: Strategies for Survival
The Burning Shores introduces new and more powerful enemies, including larger and more aggressive versions of existing machines, as well as new enemy factions.
Strategy for Fighting Large Machines
For larger machines, aim for weak points such as their power cores or weak spots exposed after certain attacks. Use traps, elemental arrows, and high-damage weapons to quickly disable these formidable foes.
Hostile Human Factions
Along with machines, you’ll encounter human enemies who are just as dangerous. Use stealth and cover to eliminate human threats, and consider upgrading your weapons and armor for the best chance at success in these encounters.
8. Managing Your Inventory: Efficient Resource Management
With the increased number of items in *Burning Shores*, inventory management becomes crucial. Keeping track of resources, ammo, and upgrade materials can make a huge difference in your ability to survive and thrive.
Upgrading Inventory Slots
Early in the expansion, focus on upgrading your inventory slots. Expanding your carrying capacity will allow you to gather more resources without constantly needing to manage your inventory.
Efficient Resource Use
Use resources wisely by crafting only what you need. Prioritize crafting items that will support your combat needs, such as health potions and traps, especially in tougher fights against machines and hostile factions.
9. Fast Travel and Exploration Tips
Fast travel can save you time when moving across large distances in *Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores*. However, you’ll need to manage fast travel packs and resources carefully.
Using Fast Travel Wisely
Fast travel can be very useful for moving between locations, but it requires specific resources like fast travel packs. Make sure to stock up on these items to avoid being caught unprepared in an emergency.
Exploration Over Fast Travel
While fast travel is a convenience, you’ll often find that exploring the world on foot or by mount offers valuable resources, hidden locations, and unexpected encounters. Don’t rely solely on fast travel—take the time to explore the world!
10. Final Tips: Making the Most of *Burning Shores*
With so much to explore and learn, the *Burning Shores* expansion can be overwhelming. Here are a few final tips to make the most of your time in the region.
Always Upgrade Your Gear
Upgrading your gear early will make battles easier, and give you a better chance of surviving against the powerful new machines. Upgrade your weapons, armor, and spear regularly to stay ahead of the game.
Take Your Time
While it’s tempting to rush through the main story, remember that the world of *Burning Shores* is rich with secrets and side quests. Take your time to explore and enjoy everything the expansion has to offer.
Conclusion
*Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores* offers a thrilling expansion filled with new challenges, machines, and storylines. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the dangers of this fiery new region and enjoy the full breadth of this exciting DLC. Explore, craft, and conquer the Burning Shores!
