Horizon Forbidden West tools give Aloy the edge she needs to survive in a dangerous, machine-filled world. These essential gadgets open new paths, unlock hidden areas, and provide tactical advantages during combat. From grappling across canyons to gliding over enemy encampments, each tool serves a distinct purpose in Aloy’s journey. This guide covers every tool available, explains how to unlock and upgrade them, and shares practical strategies for getting the most out of each piece of gear.
Key Takeaways
- Horizon Forbidden West tools include three essential gadgets: the Pullcaster, Shieldwing, and Diving Mask, each unlocking through main story progression.
- The Pullcaster speeds up climbing and can yank armor components off machines to expose weak points during combat.
- The Shieldwing transforms exploration by turning high vantage points into launch pads and enables powerful aerial plunging attacks.
- The Diving Mask removes breathing limits underwater, opening access to hidden resources, datapoints, and secret locations.
- Use Aloy’s Focus device frequently to reveal hidden grapple points, wind currents, and underwater passages for maximum tool effectiveness.
- Revisit earlier areas after unlocking all Horizon Forbidden West tools to discover previously inaccessible paths and valuable loot.
What Are Tools in Horizon Forbidden West?
Tools in Horizon Forbidden West are specialized gadgets that expand Aloy’s movement and combat abilities. Unlike weapons or armor, these items provide utility functions that help players explore the open world and gain advantages during fights.
The game features three primary tools: the Pullcaster, the Shieldwing, and the Diving Mask. Each tool unlocks progressively through the main story, so players can’t access them all from the start. This design choice ensures that earlier areas remain explorable while later regions require upgraded gear.
Horizon Forbidden West tools differ from previous games in the series. Zero Dawn focused mainly on weapons and traps. Forbidden West adds traversal gadgets that change how players interact with the environment. Climbing becomes faster with the Pullcaster. Long drops become opportunities rather than threats with the Shieldwing. Underwater exploration becomes possible with the Diving Mask.
These tools also integrate with Aloy’s Focus device. The Focus highlights grapple points, wind currents, and underwater passages. Players who use the Focus frequently will discover more opportunities to use their tools effectively.
Some tools have combat applications beyond simple exploration. The Pullcaster can pull components off machines. The Shieldwing allows for aerial attacks. Smart players combine their Horizon Forbidden West tools with weapon strategies for maximum impact.
How to Unlock and Upgrade Each Tool
Each of the three main tools in Horizon Forbidden West unlocks at a specific story point. Players cannot skip ahead or purchase these items early. The game’s progression system ties tool acquisition to narrative milestones.
The Pullcaster
The Pullcaster is the first tool players receive. Aloy obtains it during the opening hours in the Daunt region. This grappling device attaches to designated points marked by yellow paint or highlighted through the Focus.
The Pullcaster serves two functions. First, it pulls Aloy toward grapple points, speeding up vertical traversal significantly. Second, it can pull objects toward Aloy, including crates, vents, and machine components.
Upgrading the Pullcaster happens automatically through story progression. Early versions work only on specific anchor points. Later upgrades allow Aloy to grapple onto more surfaces. The tool reaches full strength during the mid-game section when Aloy reaches the Forbidden West proper.
Combat applications include yanking armor plates off Thunderjaws and other large machines. This technique exposes weak points and saves ammunition. Players should practice this move on smaller machines first.
The Shieldwing
The Shieldwing unlocks shortly after Aloy crosses into the Forbidden West. This glider deploys during any fall and allows controlled descent across long distances. Players activate it by jumping and pressing the appropriate button.
This tool transforms exploration in Horizon Forbidden West. High vantage points become launch pads rather than dead ends. Players can scout enemy camps from above, plan attack routes, and drop directly onto targets.
The Shieldwing doesn’t require upgrades. It functions at full capacity from the moment Aloy receives it. But, players can unlock skills that enhance its utility. The Valor Surge skill tree includes abilities that combine with aerial movement.
For combat, the Shieldwing enables devastating plunging attacks. Aloy can drop onto machines and strike critical components. This approach works especially well against burrowing machines like Rockbreakers.
The Diving Mask
The Diving Mask arrives later in the story, during the mission “The Sea of Sands.” Before obtaining this tool, Aloy can only hold her breath for about 40 seconds underwater. The mask removes this limitation entirely.
Underwater areas in Horizon Forbidden West contain valuable resources, hidden datapoints, and secret locations. The Diving Mask opens all of these. Previous areas that seemed fully explored often have submerged sections worth revisiting.
Like the Shieldwing, the Diving Mask functions at full capacity immediately. No upgrades exist for this tool. Players simply equip it and gain permanent underwater breathing.
Combat underwater is limited. Most machines don’t enter deep water. But, some aquatic machines like Snapmaws and Tideripper patrol coastal regions. The Diving Mask helps players approach these enemies from unexpected angles.
Best Strategies for Using Tools in Combat and Exploration
Mastering Horizon Forbidden West tools requires practice and creative thinking. These gadgets work best when combined with other game systems like traps, weapon techniques, and machine behavior knowledge.
For exploration, players should scan every area with the Focus before moving forward. Grapple points and underwater passages don’t always appear obvious. The Focus reveals hidden paths that save time and lead to valuable loot.
The Pullcaster shines in vertical environments. Cliff faces, ruins, and Tallneck platforms all feature grapple points. Players who rush past these opportunities miss shortcuts and collectibles. Take a moment to scan upward before leaving any location.
The Shieldwing works best from extreme heights. Players should climb to the highest available point before gliding. This approach maximizes distance and provides better scouting opportunities. Wind currents, visible as white streams in the air, extend glide distance significantly.
Combat strategies with Horizon Forbidden West tools require timing. The Pullcaster’s component removal works best after weakening machine armor with acid or tear damage. Don’t try to yank parts off undamaged machines, it won’t work.
Aerial attacks from the Shieldwing deal bonus damage. Players should aim for glowing weak points during descent. Concentration mode slows time and improves accuracy. This combination turns the Shieldwing into a genuine weapon.
Underwater approaches offer stealth advantages. Machines rarely detect Aloy while she swims. Players can position themselves behind patrol routes and surface for surprise attacks. The Diving Mask makes extended underwater positioning possible.
Finally, players should revisit earlier areas after unlocking all tools. The Daunt and other starting regions contain blocked paths and submerged secrets. These locations reward players with rare resources and lore items. Horizon Forbidden West tools transform previously inaccessible spots into treasure troves.
