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Ikrie's Challenge
Horizon Zero Dawn

Ikrie's Challenge

Master Ikrie's Challenge in Horizon Zero Dawn! Learn strategies for defeating Scrappers, Grazers, Tramplers, and a Fire Bellowback with limited arrows and disabled crafting.

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Master Ikrie's Challenge in Horizon Zero Dawn! Learn strategies for defeating Scrappers, Grazers, Tramplers, and a Fire Bellowback with limited arrows and disabled crafting.

Alright, so you've finished 'The Survivor' side quest and are ready for a real test? Head over to the Shadowchants Hunting Ground, north of the map. Ikrie's waiting there to give you a challenge that's pretty tough, but don't sweat it – you can retry as many times as you need!

Here's the deal: Ikrie will be right there with you, freezing the machines so you can get some clean shots. The catch? You're stuck with a bow she provides, and it's got a limited number of arrows. Plus, your crafting is totally disabled, so if you run out and haven't finished off all the machines, you'll have to start the whole challenge over. Bummer, right?

Preparation is Key:

  • Make sure you've completed 'The Survivor' side quest first.
  • Head to the Shadowchants Hunting Ground.
  • Equip the Shield-Weaver armour if you have it – it's a lifesaver!
  • Ensure your medicinal pouch is full, just in case.
  • You can't change gear once you start, so prep beforehand.

Your Arsenal:

  • 5 Fire Arrows
  • 30 Hunter Arrows
  • 25 Hardpoint Arrows
Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Wave 1: Four Scrappers
    • Where: Shadowchants Hunting Ground.
  2. 2
    What you see: Four Scrappers will appear. Ikrie will be perched on a rock. There's a large painting on the ground below her rock, showing where to lead the machines.
  3. 3
    What to do: Grab the Scrappers' attention and lure them back towards Ikrie. Use your bow (aiming with L2/LT and firing with R2/RT) to shoot them. The Concentration skill will be super helpful here for precise shots. Aim for their two main components to take them down.
  4. 4
    Why this way: You need to lead them to Ikrie so she can freeze them for easier takedowns. If you run out of arrows or don't defeat them, you'll have to restart. You should aim to use only about eight Hardpoint Arrows for this wave.
  5. 5
    Wave 2: Three Grazers
    • Where: Still at the Shadowchants Hunting Ground.
  6. 6
    What you see: Three Grazers will spawn.
  7. 7
    What to do: Just like with the Scrappers, grab their attention and lead them back to Ikrie. Switch to your Hunter Arrows for this wave. Aim for the Blaze Canisters on their backs. Use Concentration if you need it to land your shots.
  8. 8
    Why this way: Ikrie's freeze makes them easy targets. Aim for the weak spots to conserve ammo. You should only need about two arrows per Grazer if your aim is good.
  9. 9
    Wave 3: Two Tramplers
    • Where: Shadowchants Hunting Ground.
  10. 10
    What you see: Two Tramplers will appear. These can be tricky if you're not used to them.
  11. 11
    What to do: Wait for Ikrie to freeze one of the Tramplers. Use your Hardpoint Arrows and aim for the component on their underbelly – the Processing Unit. When shot, it'll explode and set the Trampler on fire, dealing damage over time. Repeat this for the second Trampler. Make sure you have a good angle before you shoot and don't hesitate to use Concentration.
  12. 12
    Why this way: Targeting the Processing Unit is the most efficient way to take them down quickly, especially with limited ammo. The burn damage helps a lot.
  13. 13
    Wave 4: One Fire Bellowback
    • Where: The final showdown at Shadowchants Hunting Ground.
  14. 14
    What you see: A single, formidable Fire Bellowback.
  15. 15
    What to do: Lead it to Ikrie so she can freeze it. Use your Hardpoint Arrows and target the Gullet and Cargo Sac components. Destroying these deals massive damage. You can then use your remaining Hunter and Fire Arrows to finish it off.
  16. 16
    Why this way: Destroying the components is key to dealing significant damage quickly. This is your last machine, so use whatever arrows you have left to bring it down.
Tips for Success
  • Timing is Everything: Only attack when Ikrie has frozen a machine. This gives you a clear shot and maximizes your damage potential.
  • Conserve Ammo: Aim for weak points and components. Don't waste arrows on body shots unless absolutely necessary.
  • Use Concentration: This skill is invaluable for making precise shots, especially on moving targets or weak spots.
  • Don't Panic: Even though the crafting is disabled, you have a decent amount of arrows if you use them wisely. Stay calm and focus on the strategy.

Successfully completing Ikrie's Challenge will earn you rewards, likely including experience points and potentially some useful gear or resources, though the primary reward is the satisfaction of beating a tough challenge!

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