Horizon Forbidden West offers a variety of weapons to suit nearly every playstyle, from standard bows and arrows to spike throwers and shredders.
With so many options, it can be challenging to determine which weapons to prioritize.
This guide lists the 10 best weapons in Horizon Forbidden West based on their perks and utility and explains how to unlock each one.
10. Carja’s Bane
The Carja’s Bane Warrior Bow deals Impact, Fire, and Tear damage and has perks that set it apart from other Warrior Bows. It can be upgraded five times and uses standard and fire arrows. To unlock Carja’s Bane, complete four Gauntlet Runs located in the Dry Yearn, The Stillsands, Cliffs of the Cry, and the Bonewhite Tear.
9. Tinker’s Pride
Tinker’s Pride is a legendary Tripcaster best suited for stealth situations, dealing Impact and Fire damage. It can be upgraded five times, with increased knockdown power and knockdown chance. To unlock this weapon, earn full stripes at all 12 hunting grounds in Horizon Forbidden West.
8. Wings of the Ten
Wings of the Ten is a legendary Blastsling that excels at critical damage and chance, making it effective for weakening larger machines. It can be upgraded five times and uses adhesive and fire arrow types. To unlock it, find and deliver 10 black boxes to Untalla at Memorial Grove.
7. Ancestor’s Return
Ancestor’s Return is a Shredder Gauntlet that deals Shock, Acid, Tear, and Impact damage. Unlock it by collecting nine ornaments and giving them to Stemmur. This weapon can be upgraded five times and is excellent for quickly knocking components off machines due to its Component Tear perk.
6. Death Seeker’s Shadow
The Death Seeker’s Shadow is a Hunter Bow known for its critical damage capabilities, dealing Shock, Tear, and Impact damage. To unlock it, acquire 40 arena medals at the Maw of the Arena.
5. The Sun Scourge
The Sun Scourge is another Hunter Bow that can be unlocked by clearing the First Forge Rebel Camp and looting Asera’s body. It uses Fire, Frost, and Acid arrows, making it versatile in many situations. This weapon can be upgraded five times.
4. The Blast Forge
The Blast Forge is a legendary Bolt Blaster with higher draw speed and faster reload times than standard Bolt Blasters. It deals Impact and Explosive damage and can be unlocked by acquiring 80 arena medals.
3. The Skykiller
The Skykiller is a legendary Spike Thrower that excels at taking out flying machines but is also effective against standard machine types due to its overdraw damage increase and increased burning damage. It deals Explosive, Fire, and Impact damage and is unlocked by completing the main quest “The Way Home”.
2. Forgefall
Forgefall is a legendary Sharpshot Bow acting like a sniper with high-damage single-shot firing. It deals Tear, Impact, and Plasma damage and has a higher draw speed for quicker shots. Unlock it by acquiring 80 arena medals at the Arena. This bow can be upgraded five times.
1. Specter Gauntlet (Burning Shores)
The Specter Gauntlet is the most unique weapon in Horizon Forbidden West, wrapping around Aloy’s wrist and firing shards quickly to deal Tear damage. It has three firing modes: standard (Tear damage), shard barrage (Explosive damage), and Railgun (Impact damage). Its versatility makes it one of the best weapons in the game. The Specter Gauntlet is unlocked by completing the main quest “The Stars In Their Eyes” in the Burning Shores DLC.
