How to Obtain All Mother Power Cells in Horizon Zero Dawn: A Comprehensive Guide
The quest for the Ancient Armory in Horizon Zero Dawn is a thrilling side adventure, promising the powerful Shield Weaver armor. Central to unlocking this armor are five elusive Power Cells, and one of the most frequently asked questions is: “How do I get the All Mother Power Cell?” This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown, helping you acquire not just the All Mother cell, but all five necessary to claim your prize.
The All Mother Power Cell: Location and Timing
The All Mother Power Cell is a pivotal component in unlocking the Ancient Armory. It is not an early-game item. You can acquire it in two different locations within All-Mother Mountain. If you missed it the first time, don’t worry, you’ll have another opportunity.
Obtaining the First Power Cell in the All Mother Mountain
The first opportunity to get the All Mother Power Cell is during the story mission “The Womb of the Mountain.” As you are going through the temple you cannot miss the power cell because it is directly in the main pathway that the story will lead you. During this mission, Aloy will explore the depths of the mountain where she was born. The Power Cell is located in a chamber before the elevator and is impossible to miss. However, players who miss it during their first run don’t need to fret.
Obtaining the Second Power Cell in the All Mother Mountain
If you missed grabbing the Power Cell during the “Womb of the Mountain” mission, you can return to retrieve it during the quest “The Heart of the Nora”. You will have to travel on foot, as fast traveling to the temple is unavailable. Simply pick the closest campfire and walk the path back to the All-Mother Temple. Note that by the end of Horizon: Zero Dawn, the temple will reopen allowing the player to get back in to retrieve the power cell, if missed. You will have to complete the main story mission “The Terror of the Sun,” before the “The Heart of the Nora” begins. This means that any player can still retrieve the All Mother Power Cell, even if they have progressed quite far into the story.
The Complete Power Cell Collection
While the All Mother Power Cell is essential, you need all five to obtain the Shield Weaver armor. Here’s where you’ll find the remaining cells:
Maker’s End Power Cell
The Maker’s End Power Cell is found during the quest of the same name. After reaching Faro’s Office, scale the tower at the east end to reach the very tip of the skyscraper. The power cell is there for the taking. This is located very close to the end of the quest, making it easy to find as long as you have reached this point in the story.
The Grave Hoard Power Cell
Located during the “The Grave Hoard” mission, this power cell is found after opening an electronic lock using three mechanisms. Once you’ve passed through the door, it will be lying on the ground waiting for you. Make sure you are paying attention because this can be missed if you are only worried about advancing through the mission.
The Mountain That Fell Power Cell
The final power cell can be found in the ruins during “The Mountain That Fell” mission. This is the last power cell that is required to open the Ancient Armory.
Unlocking the Ancient Armory
Once you have all five Power Cells, head to the bunker, it is located west of the ruins of GAIA Prime. You’ll need to solve two puzzles using the power cells to unlock the Shield Weaver armor. The first power cell is used to open the door to the Armory, the other four cells will be used to unlock the final puzzle.
The Shield Weaver Armor: How it Works
The Shield Weaver armor provides a powerful shield, absorbing 100% of damage until it collapses. However, the shield’s strength is reduced on higher difficulties; on Ultra Hard, a single hit from almost anything can collapse the shield. Once depleted the shield regenerates quickly. While the armor cannot be modified, its shield provides a significant edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the All Mother Power Cell early?
While the All Mother Power Cell can be obtained relatively early in the game (during “The Womb of the Mountain”), you’ll need to progress through the story up to this point before gaining access to it.
2. Do I need all five power cells to get the Shield Weaver armor?
Yes, you absolutely need all five power cells to unlock the Ancient Armory and obtain the Shield Weaver armor. There is no way to get it without all the cells.
3. Where is the Ancient Armory located?
The Ancient Armory is located in a bunker west of the ruins of GAIA Prime.
4. Can I return to the All Mother Mountain if I missed the Power Cell?
Yes, you can return to the All Mother Mountain as part of the mission “The Heart of the Nora”. Fast travel directly to the temple is unavailable, so walk to the temple from the nearest campfire.
5. Is the Shield Weaver armor the best in the game?
The Shield Weaver armor is considered one of the best armors due to its unique shield. It offers a massive defensive advantage, making it very powerful, even if its shield isn’t as potent in higher difficulties.
6. How quickly does the Shield Weaver armor regenerate?
The shield on the Shield Weaver armor regenerates quite quickly, giving you a consistent buffer against damage.
7. Can the Shield Weaver armor be modified?
No, unlike other armors in the game, the Shield Weaver armor cannot be modified. It is a unique armor that works exactly as it is built.
8. Can I enter GAIA Prime early to get a power cell?
You cannot enter GAIA Prime early. While you can clear enemies and reach the entrance, crucial climbing steps only appear during the main story mission.
9. What happens if I miss the Maker’s End Power Cell?
You can always return to Maker’s End to collect the power cell, even after the quest has finished.
10. Is the Nora Thunder Warrior armor better than the Shield Weaver?
While the Nora Thunder Warrior armor is strong with range-focused perks, the Shield Weaver’s unique shield offers more overall utility. The best armor for you will ultimately depend on your play style.
11. Can I still get the Power Cell in Mother’s Watch?
The Power Cell in Mother’s Watch is no longer accessible. The All Mother power cell in “The Heart of the Nora” is a different power cell.
12. What happened to the Shield Weaver armor in Forbidden West?
In Horizon Forbidden West, the Shield Weaver armor is no longer a powerhouse. It has lost its power source and now simply boosts ranged combat. The outfit itself is still worn by Aloy in the sequel.
13. How do I get the Heart of Nora Quest?
The “The Heart of the Nora” quest starts automatically after completing “The Terror of the Sun.”
14. How do I solve the puzzles in the Ancient Armory?
The puzzles in the Ancient Armory involve inserting the power cells into specific slots to activate the armor.
15. Where is the power cell in The Mountain That Fell?
The last power cell is found in the ruins during the “The Mountain That Fell” mission. It is impossible to miss if you are advancing through the story.
By following this guide and addressing these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well on your way to collecting all the Power Cells and unlocking the powerful Shield Weaver armor in Horizon Zero Dawn. Good luck, and happy hunting!