Battle Basics

Learn the ins and outs of combat in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Master melee, ranged attacks, weapon upgrades, traps, damage types, modifications, and overriding machines.

Throughout Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, you will be fighting machines and human enemies. The game offers basic tutorials on its combat systems, but this guide will flesh out those systems for more in-depth information.

Melee Attacks

Melee Attacks are close-range attacks using the spear, coming in two varieties: Light Attacks (press R1 ) and Heavy Attacks (press R2 ) when not aiming. You can also unlock additional melee attacks, Silent Strikes and Critical Strikes, from your Skill Tree. These are context-sensitive attacks performed with R1 .

Ranged Attacks

All weapons except the spear/lance are considered ranged attacks. This includes the three bow types (Hunter, Sharpshot, and War), Tripcaster, Ropecaster, Sling, Blast Sling, Tearblaster, and Rattler. Each weapon type has unique ammunition with varying effects, requiring you to rotate weapons based on need. To use a weapon, aim with L2 and fire with R2 . Hitting enemies in their weak points with precision shots inflicts the most damage. Elemental weapons can also be used to exploit enemy weaknesses.

Weapon Upgrades

Weapons have several versions that increase their stats and ammunition types: Uncommon, Carja (Rare), and Shadow (Very Rare). Additionally, the War Bow, Ropecaster, and Blast Sling have a Lodge version (also Very Rare), obtained by completing all Hunting Lodge quests.

Weapon Wheel

You can equip four weapons at any time. To cycle through them, hold L1 to bring up the Weapon Wheel and select your desired weapon. You can also craft ammo quickly through the weapon wheel by hovering over the ammo type and holding Square .

Traps & Tripwires

Before engaging enemies, you can often place traps in stealth. Use traps from your item menu or place Tripwires with the Tripcaster. Placing these in enemy paths provides an early advantage. There are three trap types: Blast Traps (proximity explosion), Detonating Blast Traps (contact explosion), and Shock Traps (proximity electric shock). Tripwires include Shock (electrical stun), Blast (explosive damage), and Fire (fire damage). You'll only have access to Shock Wires initially; upgraded Tripcasters unlock others.

Damage Types

Several elemental damage types can be used against machines and humans for added effect:

• Damage: Reduces HP.
• Shock: Stuns and downs enemies for Critical Strike opportunities.
• Fire: Builds up fire damage, dealing damage-over-time when inflicted.
• Freeze: Slows movement. Increases standard Damage to 200% on machines and 50% on humans.
• Tear: Deals no damage but removes components and armor. Causes simple knockdown on humans.
• Corruption: Enemies become hostile to everything.

Modifications

Modifications are items found in loot, supply caches, treasure boxes, and from merchants that improve weapon and outfit abilities. They come in Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare varieties. Weapons have one to three modification slots, depending on their level. You can slot various elemental, damage, and handling mods based on the weapon and its ammunition. Equip mods strategically; for example, don't use Freeze mods if you only use Shock Arrows with the War Bow. All modification attachments are consumed permanently unless you unlock the Tinker skill to recover them. Mods can be overwritten at any time.

Overriding Machines

After defeating your first Corruptor, you unlock the ability to override machines, making them friendly. They will either fight for you or allow you to ride them for faster map traversal. Override codes for more powerful machines are obtained by completing Cauldrons. To override, approach a machine stealthily or from hiding. When it's close, hold Triangle until the override gauge fills. Overridden machines remain friendly for a limited time. Be careful not to attack them, as this reduces their friendly duration.

Machine Armor

Machines have armor plates protecting weak areas. Each plate has its own HP and must be depleted before it falls off, making Tear ammunition useful. Destroying machine armor is essential for defeating larger enemies. Elemental attacks affect machines regardless of armor. Machines evolve, with newer ones having more armor plating.

Corrupted Machines

Corrupted machines are more aggressive versions taken over by Corruptors, found in Corrupted Zones or Cultist camps. They are stronger than their non-corrupted counterparts, so exercise extra caution when fighting them.