Learn how to defeat the powerful Rockbreaker in Horizon Zero Dawn! Get tips on its weaknesses, best gear, and how to exploit its attacks to claim victory.
Alright, so you've been tasked with investigating a massacre in the quarry. Head over to the Quarry Foreman, who's usually hanging out on a wooden platform just northwest of the nearest Campfire. He'll tell you about his slaughtered men, and that's how you'll kick off the "Blood on Stone" quest. He'll hint that whatever did this is a serious threat, and he's not wrong! If you've got the Nora Protector Heavy armor with some good Resist Melee Attacks Weaves in it, that'll definitely help. Also, make sure your Hunter Bow is packing some serious punch, and your War Bow can fire those super effective Frost Arrows. If you feel ready, it's time to head down into the quarry. Make your way towards a suspicious-looking mound to the northeast. You'll notice the ground rumbling as you get closer – that's your cue that something big is about to pop out!
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Talk to the Quarry Foreman: Find him northwest of the Campfire on a wooden platform. He'll explain the situation and start the "Blood on Stone" quest.
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Prepare for Battle: The Quarry Foreman will mention a powerful foe. It's highly recommended to have Nora Protector Heavy armor with Resist Melee Attacks Weaves and a strong Hunter Bow. A War Bow with Frost Arrows is also very useful.
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Enter the Quarry: Head into the quarry and move towards the suspicious mound to the northeast. You'll feel the ground rumble as you approach.
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The Rockbreaker: When you reach the mound, you'll discover the source of the disturbance – the miners' blasting has awakened a Rockbreaker from deep within the earth. This machine is a formidable opponent, known for its devastating melee attacks and its ability to burrow underground to ambush you. It can also perform leap attacks from a distance. The Rockbreaker is particularly vulnerable to freeze damage. When it's frozen, all its attacks will deal massive damage, making even body shots highly effective. You can try to shoot off its feet to prevent it from burrowing, but its most lucrative weak points are its Fuel Sac on its belly and its Exhaust Port on its back. The Exhaust Port is usually easier to hit, especially when the machine is above ground, and it takes triple damage. The best strategy is to hit it with Freeze Arrows until it's afflicted, then switch to a high-damage Hunter Bow and aim for the Exhaust Port. Don't worry too much about precise aiming when it's above ground; just get those shots in quickly. If it starts burrowing, your best bet is to run and dodge until it surfaces again. Its mobility is incredible, as it can burrow through any terrain, including large boulders. You'll need to be constantly moving and dodging its burrow-strike attacks. Once you've defeated the Rockbreaker, make sure to loot it for valuable modifications. - 5
Return to the Foreman: After the battle, go back to the Quarry Foreman to collect your reward.
- The Rockbreaker is especially weak to Freeze damage. Freezing it significantly increases the damage it takes from all attacks.
- Aim for the Exhaust Port on its back for triple damage, especially when it's frozen.
- The Fuel Sac on its belly is another weak point.
- Be prepared to dodge frequently, as the Rockbreaker's burrow-strike attack is its most common and dangerous move.
- Consider wearing armor with Resist Melee Attacks Weaves to mitigate its powerful close-range assaults.
- For dismantling the quarry killer: 6,000 XP / +1 Remarkable Reward Box
After dealing with the quarry's menace, you're almost at Meridian. Follow the road southwest out of the quarry. When the landscape shifts from desert to jungle, veer west off the road. Look for some ledges on the cliffs you can climb. Use the hand-holds to reach the top, where you'll find the “Vantage - Eagle Canyon” collectible. Grab the loot from the nearby Supply Crate, then head back down and continue on the road towards Meridian.
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