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Are Thunderjaws Hard to Kill? A Hunter’s Guide to Horizon’s Apex Predator

Yes, Thunderjaws are undeniably hard to kill in Horizon Zero Dawn and even Horizon Forbidden West, especially for newer players or those unprepared for their ferocity. These behemoths are walking arsenals, combining devastating firepower with thick armor and surprisingly agile movements. While a well-equipped and experienced hunter can bring one down relatively quickly, the Thunderjaw remains a significant challenge. Let’s delve into why these machines are so formidable and how to overcome them.

Understanding the Thunderjaw Threat

The Thunderjaw’s difficulty stems from several factors:

Massive Health Pool: With between 5000 and 6000 HP on harder difficulties, Thunderjaws can withstand a substantial amount of punishment.
Heavy Armor: Their thick plating reduces the impact of many attacks, requiring precise targeting of vulnerable components.
Devastating Weaponry: From disc launchers and machine guns to a tail sweep that can knock Aloy off her feet, Thunderjaws possess a diverse and deadly arsenal.
Aggressive AI: They relentlessly pursue and attack, leaving little room for error.
Strategic Component Placement: Weak points are often protected or require specific tactics to expose.

Strategies for Overcoming the Thunderjaw

Defeating a Thunderjaw requires a strategic approach that combines preparation, tactical awareness, and skillful execution. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies:

Target the Disc Launchers: These shoulder-mounted cannons are a priority target. Use a tear-focused weapon like a hunter bow or sharpshot bow with tearblast arrows to detach them quickly. Once detached, use the disc launchers against the Thunderjaw itself for massive damage.
Exploit Weaknesses: The heart and data nexus are major structural weaknesses. Exposing them with tear damage and then focusing fire with high-damage weapons can significantly accelerate the fight. Also, targeting exposed elemental canisters with the corresponding element will induce status effects like freeze or fire, making the Thunderjaw more vulnerable.
Utilize Traps and Tripwires: Setting up shock wires or blast traps can provide a crucial advantage, inflicting damage and staggering the Thunderjaw, creating openings for attack.
Choose the Right Gear: The Oseram Arrowbreaker Heavy armor offers excellent projectile resistance, crucial for surviving the Thunderjaw’s ranged attacks. Weapons with high tear and damage stats are essential. Consider using modifications that boost these attributes. The Improved Stormslinger is also known as one of the most powerful weapons.
Master Dodging and Movement: The Thunderjaw’s attacks are telegraphed, but quick reflexes are needed to dodge them effectively. Utilize the environment for cover and maintain a dynamic position to avoid being cornered.
Override Capabilities: Once you have the capability, overriding the machine gives a tactical advantage.

Learning from the Masters

Observing experienced players can provide valuable insights. Videos showcasing quick kills, such as “Horizon Zero Dawn – Thunderjaw killed in 6 seconds (Ultra hard, Bows),” demonstrate the potential of optimized strategies and precise execution.

Preparation is Key

Before engaging a Thunderjaw, ensure you are adequately prepared:

Craft Ammunition: Stock up on specialized arrows like tearblast arrows, hardpoint arrows, and elemental arrows.
Prepare Traps: Craft shock wires, blast traps, and other helpful consumables.
Heal Up: Ensure Aloy is at full health before initiating the fight.
Analyze the Environment: Identify potential cover, escape routes, and advantageous terrain.

FAQ: Your Thunderjaw Questions Answered

H3 FAQ 1: What weapons are most effective against Thunderjaws?

Weapons with high tear damage are essential for removing components like the disc launchers and armor plating. Subsequently, weapons with high damage output, such as a fully upgraded hunter bow or sharpshot bow, are effective for targeting exposed weak points. The Improved Stormslinger stands out as one of the most powerful weapons.

H3 FAQ 2: What armor should I wear when fighting a Thunderjaw?

The Oseram Arrowbreaker Heavy armor provides excellent protection against the Thunderjaw’s projectile attacks, significantly increasing your survivability. Shield-Weaver armor is another excellent choice.

H3 FAQ 3: Where can I find Thunderjaws?

Thunderjaws are typically found in specific locations marked on the map. These locations are usually in open areas, allowing the Thunderjaw room to maneuver and attack.

H3 FAQ 4: What are the Thunderjaw’s weaknesses?

The heart and data nexus are the primary weak points. Additionally, exposed elemental canisters are vulnerable to the corresponding elemental damage.

H3 FAQ 5: Can I override a Thunderjaw?

Yes, after acquiring the necessary override codes from Cauldrons, you can override a Thunderjaw to fight alongside you.

H3 FAQ 6: How much health does a Thunderjaw have?

Thunderjaws have between 5000 and 6000 HP on harder difficulties.

H3 FAQ 7: What are the different types of Thunderjaws?

While the base Thunderjaw is the most common variant, there are also corrupted and Daemonic versions, each with increased stats and unique attack patterns. Redmaw is a special and more powerful version of the Thunderjaw.

H3 FAQ 8: Is there a specific strategy for fighting corrupted Thunderjaws?

Corrupted Thunderjaws are more aggressive and resistant to certain types of damage. Focus on removing components quickly and exploiting elemental weaknesses.

H3 FAQ 9: What is the easiest way to detach the disc launchers?

Use a hunter bow or sharpshot bow with tearblast arrows. Aim for the connection points on the shoulders.

H3 FAQ 10: Are traps useful against Thunderjaws?

Yes, traps like shock wires and blast traps can inflict damage and stagger the Thunderjaw, creating opportunities for attack.

H3 FAQ 11: What is the best way to avoid the Thunderjaw’s attacks?

Learn the Thunderjaw’s attack patterns and practice dodging. Utilize the environment for cover and maintain a dynamic position.

H3 FAQ 12: Can you stealth kill a Thunderjaw?

No, you cannot stealth kill a Thunderjaw due to its size and awareness.

H3 FAQ 13: What are the Thunderjaw’s attacks?

Disc launchers, machine guns, a tail sweep, and a charging attack.

H3 FAQ 14: What is the inspiration for the Thunderjaw design?

The Thunderjaw’s design is inspired by Theropods like the T-Rex or Carnotaurus.

H3 FAQ 15: Is the Thunderjaw the hardest machine in Horizon Zero Dawn?

While the Thunderjaw is undoubtedly one of the most difficult machines, some players find machines like the Rockbreaker, Fireclaw, and Frostclaw even more challenging due to their unique abilities and attack patterns.

Conclusion: Triumph Over the Thunderjaw

While Thunderjaws are indeed formidable opponents, they are not invincible. By understanding their weaknesses, utilizing effective strategies, and preparing adequately, you can overcome this iconic machine and emerge victorious. Remember, every encounter is a learning experience, and with practice, you’ll become a master hunter capable of taking down even the most fearsome machines in the Horizon universe.

Learning effective strategies to overcome in-game challenges can be related to many real-world problems. Discover more about games-based learning on the Games Learning Society website. This can improve learning outcomes in various fields. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Are Thunderjaws hard to kill?