Unlocking the Power of the Nora Thunder Warrior Armor in Horizon Forbidden West
The Nora Thunder Warrior armor is a coveted prize in Horizon Forbidden West, offering formidable protection and enhancing Aloy’s combat prowess. To acquire this legendary outfit, you must visit The Maw of the Arena and purchase it from the Prize Master, Dukka, for 54 Arena Medals. Before you can do that, you need to unlock the Arena itself, by following the main storyline.
Gathering Your Medals and Preparing for Battle
Acquiring the Nora Thunder Warrior armor isn’t just about finding the right location; it’s about proving your skill in the Arena. So, how do you earn those all-important medals?
Conquering the Arena
The Arena in Horizon Forbidden West is a challenging combat zone where you face waves of machines under specific conditions. These trials demand strategic thinking, skillful use of Aloy’s abilities, and a deep understanding of machine weaknesses. Each successful completion of an Arena challenge awards you medals, which accumulate toward your goal of 54.
Strategic Tips for Arena Domination
- Know Your Enemy: Before entering the Arena, study the types of machines you’ll be facing. Research their weaknesses to elemental damage, specific weak points, and attack patterns.
- Customize Your Loadout: Bring a diverse arsenal of weapons and ammunition. Adapt your loadout to exploit machine weaknesses and counter their strengths. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapon combinations.
- Master Your Skills: Take advantage of Aloy’s skill tree, focusing on abilities that enhance your combat effectiveness, such as weapon proficiency, stealth, and resourcefulness.
- Utilize Traps and Environmental Hazards: The Arena often features environmental hazards or opportunities for trap placement. Use these to your advantage to control the battlefield and inflict additional damage.
- Stay Mobile: The Arena can quickly become a chaotic battlefield. Stay agile, use dodges, and keep moving to avoid being overwhelmed.
Reaching the Maw of the Arena
The Maw of the Arena is located near Memorial Grove, which is an area that you will visit as part of the main story. The Arena unlocks after completing “The Kulrut” main quest, which should take around 10 hours, depending on the amount of side content you complete along the way. Once unlocked, you can head to the Maw of the Arena, which is easily located. Look for the marker on your map and use fast travel to reach the nearest settlement if needed.
Beyond the Thunder Warrior: Exploring Other Armor Sets
The Nora Thunder Warrior is certainly a top-tier choice, but Horizon Forbidden West boasts a diverse selection of armor sets, each catering to different playstyles.
Oseram Artificer: Melee Mastery
For players who prefer a more aggressive, close-quarters combat style, the Oseram Artificer is a strong contender. This armor enhances Aloy’s melee abilities, boosting her spear damage and resonator buildup. It’s ideal for players who enjoy getting up close and personal with machines.
Tenakth Tactician: The Mounted Warrior
If you favor a strategic approach, utilizing mounts to your advantage, the Tenakth Tactician set might be your best bet. This armor enhances Aloy’s mounted combat abilities, making her a formidable force while riding a Charger or Bristleback.
Understanding Armor Attributes and Weaves
In Horizon Forbidden West, each armor piece provides specific resistances and skill boosts. Resistances reduce the damage taken from certain elemental attacks, while skill boosts enhance specific abilities, such as concentration, stealth, or melee damage. Furthermore, you can customize your armor by equipping weaves, which provide additional buffs and resistances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Armor in Horizon Forbidden West
Here’s some additional info, courtesy of the Games Learning Society. You can find even more information on games and learning on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
1. Is the Nora Thunder Warrior the absolute best armor in the game?
While the Nora Thunder Warrior is consistently ranked among the best Legendary armor sets in Horizon Forbidden West, the “best” armor is subjective and depends on your playstyle. The Nora Thunder Warrior excels in ranged combat, but other armor sets, such as the Oseram Artificer for melee or the Tenakth Tactician for mounted combat, might be more suitable for specific players.
2. Where can I find the Nora Sentinel armor?
The Nora Sentinel armor can be purchased from the Stitcher merchant in Barren Light as well as the Hunter in No Man’s Land. It’s a Hunter outfit known for its balanced stats and accessibility early in the game.
3. How do I obtain the Nora Legacy outfit?
The Nora Legacy is an uncommon outfit that was obtainable as a pre-order bonus for any pre-order or launch edition of Horizon Forbidden West. Unfortunately, if you did not pre-order, it’s no longer possible to acquire it.
4. Is the Nora Sentinel armor worth upgrading?
Yes, the Nora Sentinel armor is worth upgrading, especially early in the game. It provides useful buffs, particularly to Concentration, decent physical resistance, and strong protection against shock and fire damage.
5. What’s the best dye for the Nora Thunder Warrior armor?
This is entirely subjective! However, many players recommend the “Grey dawn” dye for the Nora Thunder Warrior, citing its aesthetic appeal.
6. How many Legendary armor sets are there in Horizon Forbidden West?
There are six Legendary armor sets available in Horizon Forbidden West: Nora Thunder Warrior, Oseram Artificer, Tenakth Vanquisher, Carja Behemoth Trapper, Tenakth Tactician, and Utaru Winterweave. Each set offers unique benefits and playstyles.
7. How old is Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West?
Based on datapoints within the game, Aloy is either 18 or 19 years old during the events of Horizon Forbidden West.
8. Can I get the Shield Weaver armor in Forbidden West?
While Aloy retains the Shield Weaver armor from Horizon Zero Dawn in Forbidden West, its iconic shield ability is unfortunately absent. It appears only briefly during the story.
9. How do I obtain the Oseram Artificer armor?
The Oseram Artificer armor is earned by completing all of the Salvage Contracts, starting with Keruf’s Salvage Unlimited. This involves undertaking various scavenging missions across the Forbidden West.
10. What is the best very rare armor in Horizon Forbidden West?
While subjective and dependent on playstyle, the Utaru Whisperer is often considered one of the best very rare armors due to its stealth-enhancing properties.
11. What is the difference between Nora Anointed and Nora Champion armor?
The Nora Champion outfit has the same visual design as the Nora Anointed, but features a primarily white color scheme and can be upgraded up to three times, ultimately providing a +1 Stealth Tear+ weave.
12. What is the rarest machine in Horizon Forbidden West?
Of the aerial machines, the Dreadwing is considered one of the rarest and most challenging machines to encounter in Horizon Forbidden West.
13. What are the secret codes for the Forbidden Legacy side quest?
The two six-digit codes required to unlock the doors during the Forbidden Legacy Side Quest are: 102023 for the first locked door and 402625 for the second locked door.
14. Where can I find the Nora Valiant outfit?
The Nora Valiant outfit can be purchased from the Hunter in Lowland’s Path or the Stitcher in Legacy’s Landfall for 945 Metal Shards, 1 Clamberjaw Circulator, and 1 Large Machine Core.
15. What are the key factors to consider when choosing an armor set?
When selecting an armor set, consider your preferred playstyle (ranged, melee, stealth, mounted), the resistances provided, the skill boosts offered, and the availability of weaves for customization.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely and Conquer the Forbidden West
The Nora Thunder Warrior armor is a worthy investment for any player seeking a powerful and versatile armor set, especially for ranged combat-oriented strategies. However, remember that Horizon Forbidden West offers a plethora of options, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different armor sets, customize your loadout, and find the combination that best suits your playstyle. With the right gear and a sharp mind, you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge the Forbidden West throws your way.