Can You Miss Anything in Horizon Forbidden West? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, while Horizon Forbidden West offers a vast and forgiving open world, there are a few things you can potentially miss, primarily related to the All Machine Types Scanned trophy. It’s not a game-breaking situation, but being aware of these potential pitfalls can save you a second playthrough just for completion’s sake. Fear not, intrepid explorer! This guide will break down exactly what’s missable and how to avoid those pitfalls, alongside a trove of answers to frequently asked questions.
Missable Elements in Detail
The most significant potential missable in Horizon Forbidden West revolves around scanning all machine types. Several machines appear only during specific story missions. If you fail to scan them during these missions, you won’t encounter them again in the open world, locking you out of the All Machine Types Scanned trophy.
- Specific Story Mission Machines: Pay close attention during story missions, especially those featuring new machine types. Always be scan-happy! Use your Focus frequently to scan every machine you encounter.
- The All Machine Types Scanned Trophy: This trophy requires a complete scan of every machine type within the game. Scanning involves using Aloy’s Focus ability on an enemy machine, giving you information about its weaknesses, components, and other related information. Scanning a complete set of these machine types will grant you this trophy.
Missing a machine scan during a specific mission requires a new game or a reload of a very old save file, so diligence is key.
How to Avoid Missing Scans
- Scan EVERYTHING: Sounds simple, but it’s vital. Whenever you enter a new area or encounter a new machine type, immediately pull out your Focus and scan it. Even if you think you’ve scanned it before, double-check.
- Pay Attention to Tutorials: The game often introduces new machines during tutorials. Don’t skip these! They’re a perfect opportunity to scan the new machine in a relatively safe environment.
- Consult a Machine Checklist: Before starting story missions, consider finding a checklist of all machine types in the game. This way, you can cross-reference and ensure you’ve scanned everything relevant.
- Multiple Saves: It’s always a good idea to create multiple save files. If you realize you’ve missed a scan, you can reload an earlier save and replay the relevant section.
- Post-Game Exploration: While some machines only appear during missions, the vast majority are found in the open world. Take time to explore and hunt after completing the main storyline.
Other Potentially Missable Aspects
Beyond the machine scan trophy, there are a few other minor elements that could be considered “missable” in a loose sense:
- Temporary Dialogue Options: Certain dialogue choices might only be available at specific points in the story. These choices primarily affect Aloy’s interactions with other characters and don’t drastically alter the main storyline.
- Limited-Time Side Quests: While rare, some side quests might have limited availability windows, triggering only after completing certain main story objectives.
- Arena Challenges and Hunting Ground Trials at Original Difficulty: While you can always re-attempt Arena Challenges and Hunting Ground trials, the leaderboards record your times at the difficulty level in which you originally completed them.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions regarding missable content in Horizon Forbidden West, along with the most thorough answers available.
Is there a point of no return in Horizon Forbidden West?
No, Horizon Forbidden West does not feature a true point of no return. You can complete the main storyline and still freely explore the open world, undertake side quests, and collect any remaining items.
Are there missable datapoints in Horizon Forbidden West?
While most datapoints are accessible throughout the game, some can be found only during specific main story quests. Therefore, you may miss scans of certain machines at the end of the story. But for datapoints, you should be able to find them all.
Can I still complete side quests after finishing the main story?
Absolutely! Once you’ve completed the main storyline of Horizon Forbidden West, the game allows you to continue exploring the open world and tackling any unfinished side quests or activities.
What happens if I miss scanning a machine during a story mission?
If you miss scanning a machine that only appears during a specific story mission, you will have to reload an earlier save or start a new game to scan it and unlock the All Machine Types Scanned trophy.
How many endings are there in Horizon Forbidden West?
Horizon Forbidden West has only one main ending, similar to Horizon Zero Dawn. While your choices throughout the game can influence Aloy’s interactions with other characters, they do not lead to different endings.
Are any weapons or armor pieces missable?
No, all weapons and armor pieces in Horizon Forbidden West are obtainable throughout the game, even after completing the main storyline. You can purchase them from merchants, earn them as quest rewards, or find them in specific locations.
Can I redo Arena challenges and Hunting Ground trials?
Yes, you can redo Arena challenges and Hunting Ground trials as many times as you like. However, remember that your original completion time at a specific difficulty level will be recorded on the leaderboards.
Is it possible to max out Aloy’s skill tree?
Yes, it is possible to max out Aloy’s skill tree by earning enough experience points and skill points. You can respec your skills at any time if you want to experiment with different builds.
Are there any secrets or Easter eggs that are easily missed?
Horizon Forbidden West is packed with secrets and Easter eggs that are often hidden in obscure locations or require specific actions to trigger. Exploring thoroughly and paying attention to your surroundings will increase your chances of discovering them.
How does difficulty setting affect missable content?
The difficulty setting in Horizon Forbidden West does not affect the availability of any content. You can change the difficulty at any time without missing out on any quests, items, or trophies.
Can I transfer my save data from Horizon Zero Dawn?
No, Horizon Forbidden West does not allow you to transfer save data from Horizon Zero Dawn. However, your knowledge and experience from the first game will certainly come in handy.
Are there any hidden quests or storylines?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West features several hidden quests and storylines that are not explicitly marked on the map. These quests often involve discovering clues, solving puzzles, or interacting with specific characters.
What is the rarest thing in Horizon Forbidden West?
Of all the aerial machines introduced in Horizon Forbidden West, the Dreadwing is the rarest and most challenging of the bunch.
Can you romance in Horizon Forbidden West?
While Aloy encounters dozens of characters throughout Horizon Forbidden West, there are unfortunately no romance options in the game.
Does the game have a New Game Plus mode?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West features a New Game Plus mode, which allows you to start a new playthrough with your existing character, skills, and equipment. This mode offers increased difficulty and new challenges.
By following these tips and being mindful of potential missables, you can ensure a complete and fulfilling Horizon Forbidden West experience. Remember to explore thoroughly, scan diligently, and enjoy the journey through this stunning open world. After immersing yourself in this game, consider exploring the learning potential within gaming by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
While the risk of permanently missing content is low, a little forethought can save you headaches down the line. Happy hunting, and may your Focus always be sharp!