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Cradle of Echoes
Horizon Forbidden West

Cradle of Echoes

Follow our detailed walkthrough for the Cradle of Echoes main quest in Horizon Forbidden West, including how to investigate the Zenith ambush site and defeat the Specters.

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Follow our detailed walkthrough for the Cradle of Echoes main quest in Horizon Forbidden West, including how to investigate the Zenith ambush site and defeat the Specters.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Meet Erend and Varl at The Base.
  2. 2
    Examine the Zenith corpse to obtain the Verbena to Base datapoint.
  3. 3
    Examine the Specter to the north/northeast for the Specter Instructions datapoint.
  4. 4
    Head west/southwest, examine a corpse and weapon remains.
  5. 5
    Find a campsite behind a rock to the south, then return to Erend and Varl.
  6. 6
    Loot any caches in the area before heading down the shaft.
  7. 7
    In the ruins below, enter the code 237 into the console.
  8. 8
    Continue through the ruins, turn right at a fork to loot a cache, then proceed northeast through a doorway.
  9. 9
    Head downstairs, scan the Command Log datapoint, and interact with the central console.
  10. 10
    Go through the door to the north.
  11. 11
    At the path split, take the western passage to find a room with the Priority Shift and Progress Report datapoints, and some caches.
  12. 12
    Proceed to the large storage chamber.
  13. 13
    Head up ramps to the northern end and approach the console.
  14. 14
    Loot the surrounding containers.
  15. 15
    Interact with the console and enter the code 237 (found in the Distress Signal datapoint).
  16. 16
    After a scene, prepare to fight a Specter.
  17. 17
    Lay traps favoring Plasma and Acid damage; avoid Fire, Shock, and Purgewater. Overheal if needed.
  18. 18
    The Specter will arrive from the south. Use Plasma or Acid damage. Target weakpoints when exposed. Target the Regeneration Unit under its head when it's being used.
  19. 19
    Defeat the first Specter.
  20. 20
    Head up to the surface to find Erend fighting a second Specter with an energy shield.
  21. 21
    While Erend distracts the Specter, find a heavy weapon (Dart Gun or Ravager Cannon).
  22. 22
    Flank the Specter and aim for its exposed Plasma Cannon.
  23. 23
    Defeat the second Specter.
  24. 24
    Head west to the ridge and examine the weapon that took down the Zenith's shield.
  25. 25
    Return to The Base and speak with Beta and GAIA.
Tips
  • For the first Specter fight, use Plasma or Acid damage. Acid damage is effective against its armor and weakpoints.
  • Target the Specter's exposed weakpoints, especially the Plasma Cannon and Regeneration Unit.
  • For the second Specter fight, use a heavy weapon found at the ambush site.
  • Erend can help distract the second Specter, allowing you to flank it.
  • Healing herbs are available around the second Specter fight area.
  • Quest completion.
  • Experience points.
  • Skill points.

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