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On Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds

On Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds

Posted by on Jan 4, 2018 in Commentary, featured, PS4 |

New Game Plus on Ultra Hard—those are the settings I chose to play Horizon Zero Dawn and its new DLC The Frozen Wilds. I haven’t played the game for over a year now and found myself needing to relearn some of the game’s mechanics. Most of it was easy to remember but the worst thing that I forgot was being able to notch multiple arrows. That’s what I get for not reviewing Aloy’s skills.

Ultra Hard, the game’s highest difficult, was not much of a challenge when I started out. That changed when I got to the DLC area. The increased health of the daemonic machines presented two problems: they were tougher to kill, which also meant that they cost more to kill. Fights with the new enemies—scorchers, frostclaws and fireclaws—are consistently difficult. They are also a drain on resources. I found myself restocking on blaze and chillwater after finishing a mission or two.

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Horizon Zero Dawn: Weapon Modification Recommendations

Horizon Zero Dawn: Weapon Modification Recommendations

Posted by on Mar 11, 2017 in featured, Guides, PS4 |

Hunter Bow

As I mentioned in my previous post, I suggest putting all fire mods on this weapon. While it’s capable of decent damage, the Sharpshot Bow does more. What it can do is set foes on fire from a distance with good accuracy. With Double/Triple Shot, immolating targets becomes a first attack option.

Sharpshot Bow

You can go all damage or combine it with handling if you want faster aiming and reload.

Tripcaster

I prefer Tripcasters to have stopping power, so using shock mods is the way to go. Note that I prefer using a War Bow to apply that debuff though.

War Bow

War Bows are best used for applying elemental status effects. I use two War Bows, one for applying corruption and then another to shock targets.

Sling

I use freeze mods on Slings. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the range of freeze arrows on War Bows is terrible so I prefer using them on this weapon.

Blast Sling

If you have any spare damage mods, use them here. As you can tell, this is not my go-to weapon for most fights.

Rattler

Go all damage mods on this one. Works really well against frozen targets.

Ropecaster

Use handling mods so you can shoot quickly. I use this on Stormbirds and not much else.

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Horizon Zero Dawn: Tips For Very Hard Difficulty

Horizon Zero Dawn: Tips For Very Hard Difficulty

Posted by on Mar 11, 2017 in featured, Guides, PS4 |

There are two big changes in Very Hard difficulty that make combat a challenge. First, enemies hit harder. Second, herbs fill your medicine pouch at a reduced rate, meaning you’ll need to gather more herbs. So it’s in your best interest to not get hit. At all.

Like in similar games, the crucial thing to do is to survive the early levels until you get some skills in and build up your character.

Let’s get the first skills to get sorted out first.

  • Get Silent Strike, Concentration and Lure Call.

Hide in tall grass, use Lure Call to get your enemies to approach you, then hit them with Silent Strike to kill them. The damage from Silent Strike is enough to one-shot Watchers, Scrappers and other small-bodied targets. Use this to gather resources and gain XP.

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