What Are Tallnecks?

Learn about Tallnecks in Horizon Forbidden West: massive machines that reveal map data when overridden. Understand their purpose, rewards, and how to complete their unique activities.

Tallnecks are colossal machines in Horizon Forbidden West that traverse circular paths, gathering and monitoring data from other machines. They function like giant, giraffe-bodied AWACS units. Unlike most machines, Tallnecks are too massive for conventional combat; they cannot be brought down without heavy artillery.

Overriding a Tallneck reveals a significant portion of the map and makes the fog of war translucent.

Why Complete Tallneck Activities?

Beyond their salvageable parts, Tallnecks offer a valuable resource: data. Scaling to the top of their dish-like head and overriding them grants information about a wide area. In essence, they act as mobile towers, offering a dynamic take on the traditional open-world map reveal. There are six Tallnecks in Horizon Forbidden West, with only five initially visible on the map. Given the game's vast landscape and the scarcity of these machines, the data obtained from overriding each one is highly beneficial. Overriding a Tallneck unveils most map markers in a large region, though the fog of war only becomes transparent, not entirely removed. Unexplored areas remain opaque until revealed.

The information provided by Tallnecks has limitations. Some revealed areas appear as question marks on the map, which may occasionally indicate settlements but often remain obscure, labeled as "Unknown." Machine locations are revealed, but specific details like Apex status or elemental weaknesses are not provided. Campfires and Shelters are also revealed, but must still be discovered to enable fast travel.

Despite these limitations, the data from a Tallneck is invaluable for navigation, helping players avoid dangerous territories like those inhabited by Thunderjaws and guiding them towards essential save points like Campfires. Completing a Tallneck activity also rewards players with XP and Skill Points, adding further incentive to this already rewarding task.

The primary objective for each Tallneck, despite their unique characteristics, is consistent: reach the top of its large, dish-like head and override the machine to acquire its data.

How to Complete Tallneck Activities

Overriding a Tallneck can be challenging. While they are not aggressive and largely unresponsive to player actions, their immense size and movement present obstacles. Furthermore, other machines in the vicinity may attack players attempting to interact with a Tallneck, requiring players to be prepared for combat.

Each Tallneck presents a unique challenge. In previous games, overriding them often involved simple platforming to reach a high vantage point for a jump. In Horizon Forbidden West, this is less common. Players typically face more diverse puzzles, such as restoring power to a satellite relay or using anchored ballista bolts to weigh down the machine, before they can successfully override a Tallneck.