Commanding Mechanical Allies: Can Overridden Machines Follow You in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The sprawling, machine-infested world of Horizon Zero Dawn presents players with a unique opportunity: the ability to override certain machines and turn them into temporary allies. But a burning question remains for many players: Can you make overridden machines follow you in Horizon Zero Dawn? The simple answer is no, not directly. Horizon Zero Dawn doesn’t provide a direct command prompt to order your overridden machines to follow you. However, that’s not the end of the story! You can strategically utilize the game’s mechanics to achieve a similar effect and effectively manage your mechanical companions. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of machine overriding and how to maximize its tactical potential.
Understanding Machine Overriding in Horizon Zero Dawn
The Mechanics of Override
Overriding in Horizon Zero Dawn involves sneaking up on a suitable machine and holding down the triangle button when prompted. This becomes possible after Aloy acquires the ability to override through a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative. Successfully overriding a machine changes its allegiance, turning it from a hostile enemy into a temporary ally, indicated by a change in their glowing lights from orange to blue.
Strategic Uses of Overridden Machines
While you can’t give direct orders, overridden machines can be invaluable assets in combat. The primary benefit is that the overridden machine will attack other hostile machines or humans, diverting attention and providing a powerful fighting force alongside Aloy. This opens up various tactical possibilities:
- Area Control: Override a powerful machine like a Sawtooth in an area with multiple enemies. The chaos that ensues allows you to pick off remaining threats more easily.
- Distraction Tactics: Use an overridden machine as a distraction, allowing you to flank enemies or set up traps.
- Support in Tough Encounters: In battles against formidable machines like Thunderjaws, having an overridden ally significantly increases your chances of survival.
- Herd Thinning: As the article extract points out, you can whistle other regular machines over to the overridden one so they fight. This can be a useful approach to taking out a whole herd or something without putting yourself in danger.
Limitations of Overriding
It’s important to understand the limitations of the override mechanic:
- Time Limit: Overrides are not permanent. Most machines remain overridden for a limited time, after which they revert to their hostile state. This duration can be extended by acquiring specific skills in the skill tree. Some overrides are indefinite until the overridden machine dies or despawns.
- No Direct Control: As mentioned earlier, you cannot issue commands such as “follow,” “attack specific targets,” or “hold position.” The overridden machine acts independently, prioritizing nearby threats.
- Machine Types: Not all machines can be ridden. Only Chargers, Striders, and Broadheads can be used as mounts. The article extract notes that while you cannot ride a Thunderjaw, you can manage to jump onto the back of one for a short period of time.
- Override Compatibility: The ability to override certain machines is locked behind completing specific Cauldrons. You must complete these Cauldrons to unlock the corresponding overrides.
Maximizing Your Overriding Potential
Although direct control is absent, you can still influence your overridden machine’s actions through strategic positioning and manipulation:
- Use Yourself as Bait: Position yourself near the enemies you want your overridden machine to attack. Its AI will generally prioritize targets closest to it, which can be manipulated by your proximity to those targets.
- Leverage Environmental Factors: Use the terrain to your advantage. Funnel enemies towards your overridden machine using chokepoints or create ambushes.
- Whistle and Lure: You can whistle to attract other machines closer to your overridden ally, initiating combat and drawing fire away from yourself.
- Upgrade Your Skills: Invest in skills that increase the duration of overrides and enhance the combat effectiveness of overridden machines.
Horizon Zero Dawn – FAQs: Mastering the Override Mechanic
Here are some frequently asked questions about machine overriding in Horizon Zero Dawn, providing further insight into this compelling game mechanic. The Games Learning Society offers extensive resources on gaming and learning; visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
1. What happens when an overridden machine’s time runs out?
When the override duration expires, the machine will revert to its default hostile state, becoming an enemy again. Be mindful of the timer and prepare accordingly, either by taking down the remaining enemies or retreating to avoid being targeted.
2. Can I re-override a machine after it reverts?
Yes, you can re-override a machine after it reverts to its hostile state, provided it is still within the game world and you remain undetected.
3. How do I unlock more machine overrides?
You unlock more machine overrides by completing Cauldrons scattered throughout the game world. Each Cauldron contains blueprints for overriding specific types of machines.
4. Do overridden machines gain any benefits in combat?
Yes! As the article extract notes, In Zero Dawn, overridden machines gain a 100% boost to their damage dealt while taking 50% less damage. This makes them significantly more formidable in combat.
5. Can I override machines in stealth?
Yes, stealth is crucial for successfully overriding machines. You must approach the machine undetected and hold down the triangle button when prompted. If the machine detects you, the override attempt will be interrupted.
6. Are there any machines that cannot be overridden?
Yes, the Corruptors and Deathbringers cannot be overridden in Horizon Zero Dawn. These machines are immune to the override mechanic.
7. How does the environment affect overridden machines?
Overridden machines will navigate the environment autonomously, but they can be affected by environmental hazards such as fire or electricity. Be mindful of the surroundings and avoid leading your overridden ally into dangerous situations.
8. What is the best skill to unlock for overriding?
Skills that increase override duration and the combat effectiveness of overridden machines are highly beneficial. The “Machine Master” skill is a particularly useful skill.
9. Can I heal an overridden machine?
No, you cannot directly heal an overridden machine. However, you can indirectly support it by eliminating threats and diverting enemy attention.
10. Do overridden machines attract other machines?
Overridden machines can attract the attention of other machines, especially during combat. This can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on the situation.
11. What is the point of overriding a Thunderjaw?
The point of overriding a Thunderjaw is to deliver significant damage when there are many machines in one area. Watching an overriden Thunderjaw fight another Thunderjaw is an awesome sight.
12. Can I override a Stormbird?
Yes, you can override a Stormbird.
13. Can I override a Tallneck?
No, not in the sense of controlling it as an ally in combat. However, you do override Tallnecks as part of the gameplay to reveal portions of the map.
14. How do I get Sigma Overrides in Horizon Zero Dawn?
To unlock the Sawtooth, Scrapper, Grazer, and Lancehorn Overrides, complete Cauldron SIGMA. You can complete the Cauldron once you go to Mother’s Crown.
15. Are all Cauldrons required to be completed to override all applicable machines?
Yes, to unlock the ability to override all applicable machines, you must complete all the Cauldrons in the game. Each cauldron grants you new override capabilities.
Conclusion: Strategic Alliance, Not Direct Control
While you cannot directly command overridden machines to follow you in Horizon Zero Dawn, understanding the mechanics and limitations of the override system allows you to utilize them effectively as strategic allies. By leveraging the environment, manipulating enemy behavior, and investing in relevant skills, you can maximize the impact of your mechanical companions and conquer the challenges of the game’s diverse and dangerous world. The key is to think of your overridden machines as independent agents that you can influence, rather than puppets you directly control.