Can You Upgrade the Specter Gauntlet in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores?
Yes, you absolutely can upgrade the Specter Gauntlet in the Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC! This unique and powerful weapon is not at its full potential when you first acquire it. Upgrading it is essential to unlocking its true capabilities and maximizing its effectiveness in combat against the new and challenging machines of the Burning Shores. This article will guide you through the process, explaining how the upgrade works, what it requires, and why it’s so beneficial. We’ll also delve into related FAQs to provide a complete understanding of this powerful weapon.
How to Upgrade the Specter Gauntlet
The Specter Gauntlet isn’t upgraded through traditional crafting methods like other weapons in Horizon Forbidden West. Instead, it requires a specific quest and a special component.
The “In His Wake” Side Quest
The key to upgrading the Specter Gauntlet lies within the “In His Wake” side quest. This quest is given by the Quen tribe and involves finding Pirki, one of Landra’s lackeys who has taken some members of the tribe hostage. This side quest is vital because it contains a special component required for the upgrade.
The Upgrade Process
During the main quest where you acquire the Gauntlet, Aloy will be prompted to visit a Workbench. It is important to note that the upgrade to the Specter Gauntlet can only be done at a Workbench.
- Automatic Upgrade Prompt: If you are doing the “In His Wake” side quest before completing the main quest, and you use a Workbench during that quest, the upgrade interface for the Specter Gauntlet will automatically appear.
- Required Component: The upgrade is not free, and the required component can only be found in the “In His Wake” side quest. This means you must complete or at least progress through that quest to get the upgrade.
- Upgrading the Weapon: Once you have the component and access a workbench, selecting the Specter Gauntlet from your inventory will allow you to upgrade it. The upgrade will unlock an alternate firing mode and improve the weapon’s overall performance.
Benefits of Upgrading the Specter Gauntlet
- Enhanced Damage: The Specter Gauntlet is already known for its significant damage output, but the upgrade will further boost this, allowing you to take down enemies more quickly.
- Alternate Firing Mode: The most significant change that comes with upgrading the Specter Gauntlet is unlocking its alternate firing mode. This mode is crucial as it allows you to charge up the Gauntlet’s railgun function and release powerful explosive shots.
- Improved Utility: The upgrade enhances the weapon’s tactical capabilities, making it more versatile in combat.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Specter Gauntlet
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Specter Gauntlet, its upgrade, and its place in the Burning Shores DLC:
1. Where do I find the Specter Gauntlet?
You acquire the Specter Gauntlet after defeating Zeth during “The Stars in Their Eyes” main quest. This quest is part of the core storyline in the Burning Shores DLC.
2. What makes the Specter Gauntlet so powerful?
Despite its lack of pinpoint accuracy, the Specter Gauntlet has exceptionally high damage output. Its unique firing mechanics and the unlocked alternate firing mode after upgrading make it a formidable weapon against any machine.
3. What is the alternate firing mode for the Specter Gauntlet?
The alternate firing mode is a charged railgun shot that can be used to detonate designators placed on enemies using the primary fire mode.
4. How do I activate the explosion with the Specter Gauntlet?
You activate the explosion by first placing a designator on a target with R1, and then detonating the designator with a fully charged shot in railgun mode with R2. Regular railgun hits don’t cause an explosion.
5. What is the best armor to pair with the Specter Gauntlet?
The Quen Marine armor set is arguably the best overall armor in Burning Shores, providing solid protection against most damage types, with only a few weaknesses. This armor is a great choice to pair with the Specter Gauntlet.
6. Is the Specter Gauntlet considered the best weapon in Burning Shores?
While the Specter Gauntlet is a powerful and unique weapon, it is not considered the best overall. The heavy javelin weapon, “Last Argument,” is widely regarded as the best weapon in the DLC.
7. What is the level cap in Burning Shores?
The level cap in Burning Shores is 60, increased from the base game’s cap of 50.
8. Can you level past the cap in Burning Shores?
While the level cap is 60, the DLC may introduce “Ghost Levels” which allow you to continue leveling, though without stat increases.
9. How many new machines are in Burning Shores?
There are four new machines introduced in the Burning Shores DLC. These machines are designed to be challenging, making weapons like the Specter Gauntlet essential for combat.
10. Which is better: the Death-Seeker’s Shadow or Forgefall?
While both are powerful, the Death-Seeker’s Shadow is generally considered superior due to its higher tear stats and its ability to apply massive amounts of shock damage to enemies.
11. Where can I find the Quen Marine armor?
The Quen Marine armor can be purchased from the Fleet’s End Stitcher for 2000 Metal Shards and 8 Brimshine.
12. What is the most powerful weapon in Horizon Forbidden West overall?
The Blast Forge is generally considered the most powerful weapon in the entire Horizon Forbidden West game (including the base game and DLCs) due to its raw power and damage output.
13. Does the Burning Shores DLC have a cost?
Yes, the Burning Shores DLC costs around $25 and is only available on PS5.
14. How many quests are in Burning Shores?
The DLC includes five Main Quests, three world-building Side Quests, and several Collectibles to discover.
15. What is the best Valor Surge in Burning Shores?
The Defy Death valor surge is one of the best, enabling Aloy to drink a potion that helps her deal more damage and even survive a lethal hit, providing a significant advantage in difficult fights.
Conclusion
The Specter Gauntlet is an incredible addition to Aloy’s arsenal in the Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC, but it’s crucial to understand that upgrading it is not optional if you want to utilize its full power. The unique firing mechanics, coupled with the explosive alternate firing mode unlocked after the upgrade, makes it an invaluable weapon for tackling the many challenges of the Burning Shores. By following the steps outlined in this guide, and by utilizing the information provided in the FAQs, you will be well-equipped to make the most of this weapon and dominate the new landscapes. Happy hunting!