Scalding Spike Thrower (Rare)

Learn how to get and upgrade the rare Scalding Spike Thrower in Horizon Forbidden West. Discover its ammo types, stats, and best uses against tough machines.

Alright, let's talk about the Scalding Spike Thrower. This thing is a beast, and once you get your hands on it, you'll be melting through some of the tougher machines in no time. It's a rare Tenakth weapon that really shines when you use its Fire Spikes and Drill Spikes to wear enemies down over time. Plus, it gets even better if you can rain down attacks from above!

Where to Find It: You can snag this beauty from Hunter Merchants. The easiest place to get to early on is Camp Nowhere, which is located northwest of the Stillsands Tallneck. It's a pretty straightforward trip to get there.

Ammo Types

• Drill Spikes — Deals Impact damage
• Fire Spikes — Deals Fire damage

Weapon Stats

This weapon hits hard with two damage types.

Impact Damage

Fire Damage

Upgrades

You'll need a few things to make this weapon even more potent.

Upgrade I

• 75 Metal Shards (you'll find these exploring crates)
• 2x Braided Wire (dropped by machines)
• 2x Small Machine Core (also dropped by machines)

Upgrade II

• 112 Metal Shards
• 2x Braided Wire
• 1x Spikesnout Sac Webbing
• 1x Rollerback Hammer Tail

Upgrade III

• 150 Metal Shards
• 3x Braided Wires
• 2x Medium Machine Core
• 1x Bellowback Circulator

Upgrade IV

• 250 Metal Shards
• 6x Braided Wires
• 3x Medium Machine Cores
• 2x Clamberjaw Tail Duster
• 1x Bellowback Primary Nerve

Perks

This weapon has some awesome perks you can unlock:

• High Ground Damage: Gives you a nice damage boost (+15% at Level 1) when you attack from higher ground.
• Overdraw Damage: Another solid perk (+15% at Level 2) that increases your damage when you overdraw.

Best Use

Spike Throwers, in general, are fantastic for taking down slower, heavier machines. They can dish out some serious damage, but remember it takes a bit to load them up. So, if you're facing really fast enemies, they might give you some trouble. It's best to use this weapon from a bit of cover or a distance, giving you time to line up your shots and letting the damage over time do its work. Because this particular Spike Thrower deals Fire damage, it's especially effective against machines weak to fire, like Burrowers, Spikesnouts, Lancehorns, Corruptors, Glinthawks, Snapmaws, Behemoths, Shellsnappers, and Frostclaws. Get ready to watch those health bars melt!