How to Beat a Thunderjaw in Horizon Forbidden West: A Comprehensive Guide

Beating a Thunderjaw in Horizon Forbidden West is no easy feat. This colossal, heavily armored machine is one of the most challenging encounters in the game. However, with the right strategy, weapons, and a bit of patience, you can bring this mechanical monstrosity down. The key is to focus on its weak points, exploit its attacks, and utilize the environment to your advantage.

Essentially, the quickest and most effective way to beat a Thunderjaw involves the following key steps: disabling its disc launchers, using those same launchers against the machine, and focusing attacks on its vulnerable core, the heart and data nexus, once those areas are exposed.

First, use a Tear-damage bow, like a Sharpshot Bow, to dislodge the Disc Launchers located on its shoulders. These are massive projectile weapons that will make short work of you if not dealt with quickly. Aim for the base of the launcher where it’s attached to the shoulder, using Tearblast arrows for maximum effect. Once the launchers are detached, prioritize picking them up and equipping them.

Next, use the detached Disc Launchers to target the Thunderjaw’s vital components. Focus on hitting the heart (located in the chest, exposed once armor plates are removed) and the data nexus (located on its back). A direct hit with the disc launcher will cause significant damage, as well as knocking more armor plates off.

Keep an eye on the Thunderjaw’s other weapons as well. You can also disable its rapid-fire cannon by shooting it off near the mouth. Similarly, the tail is detachable. Use your Tear arrows to disable them and prevent further attacks from those areas. Use elemental weaknesses if you can, but only when the core is exposed, otherwise you will not be able to inflict any status effects to it. Be mindful that the Radar on its back can also be disabled, as it can reveal your location, even when you are in stealth.

Finally, be prepared for a long fight, and be patient. Keep a good distance, strafe often, and dodge to avoid its stomp, bite, and ranged attacks. Use Ropecaster when needed to tie it down and keep it in place if you need more time for picking up discarded disc launchers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the primary weak points of a Thunderjaw?

The Thunderjaw’s primary weak points are its heart and data nexus. The heart is located in its chest area, and the data nexus is on its back. These are revealed only when the outer armor plates have been removed. Land precise ranged strikes on these exposed areas to inflict heavy damage.

What weapons are most effective against a Thunderjaw?

Weapons with high Tear damage are ideal for removing the Thunderjaw’s components. The Sharpshot Bow with Tearblast arrows is perfect for removing the Disc Launchers, rapid-fire cannon, and tail. Once you’ve dislodged the launchers, use them against the Thunderjaw for tremendous damage. In addition, consider using a powerful Hunter Bow for additional damage after the launchers are gone, and also against exposed components.

How do I use the Disc Launchers against the Thunderjaw?

After using Tear arrows to detach the disc launchers from the Thunderjaw’s shoulders, pick them up quickly. Equip the launcher in your weapon wheel, and then target the heart or data nexus of the Thunderjaw for significant damage. These launchers are incredibly powerful against the Thunderjaw itself. Use them wisely, as they have limited ammo.

What is the easiest way to remove the Disc Launchers?

The easiest way to remove the disc launchers is using a Sharpshot Bow with Tearblast arrows. Aim carefully for the base of the launcher, where it’s attached to the shoulder. Several Tear arrows will remove it, and then you can go to the discarded launcher and use it.

Can I tie down a Thunderjaw?

Yes, you can tie down a Thunderjaw using the Ropecaster. This is especially useful after you’ve removed the disc launchers and need time to collect them and equip them, as it allows you some breathing room and time to prepare.

What should I do if the Thunderjaw charges at me?

If the Thunderjaw charges at you, dodge to the side to avoid its attacks. Maintain a safe distance to give you time to react to its attacks, and never stand still. Constantly strafe to confuse its aim. Use the environment to create obstacles for the charging attacks, if you can.

Can I use traps against a Thunderjaw?

Yes, you can set traps to use against Thunderjaws. For example, tripwires or blast traps can be placed to damage the machine or slow it down, especially during the initial part of the fight before you get an opportunity to remove its components.

What are the elemental weaknesses of a Thunderjaw?

The Thunderjaw doesn’t have a consistent elemental weakness, and it is mostly protected by armor. However, hitting exposed elemental canisters can induce their status effects, but only after its components are destroyed. So, focus on disarming its components first and then go to elemental damage to inflict more damage.

Where can I find a Thunderjaw in Horizon Forbidden West?

Thunderjaws are typically found in open areas with lots of space because they are large machines. They are common throughout the Forbidden West, especially in late-game areas. They will also appear as part of main and side missions.

What should I do if the Thunderjaw’s Radar is active?

The radar on the Thunderjaw’s back can reveal your location, even when you’re in stealth. Disable the Radar by targeting it with Tear damage to prevent it from revealing your location, and keep you safe from unexpected attacks.

Can you override a Thunderjaw?

Yes, you can override a Corrupted Thunderjaw after completing Cauldron KAPPA. However, you cannot override a regular Thunderjaw in the game. The corrupted versions are extremely dangerous, so be ready for an even more challenging fight.

How do I beat a Corrupted Thunderjaw?

The strategy for defeating a Corrupted Thunderjaw is largely the same as a regular one. The corrupted versions usually have more health and hit harder, so make sure you use everything you have to make it more manageable. The main advice would be to dislodge its Disc Launchers and use them against the corrupted version as soon as possible.

What is the best gear to fight a Thunderjaw?

Having good gear is essential for defeating Thunderjaws. Use an epic or legendary Sharpshot Bow for its high tear damage, and other weapons with high attack power. Also, consider using armor with high resistance to impact and fire damage, to protect you against the Thunderjaw’s attacks. The Nora Thunder Warrior armor is an excellent choice.

How do I get an Apex Thunderjaw Heart?

The Apex Thunderjaw Heart is a rare resource obtained only from the more powerful Apex Thunderjaws. You can also get one by completing the Underwater Salvage Salvage Contract. This item is needed for crafting higher tier weapons and armor upgrades, so you may want to hunt these powerful machines in late game.

Are there missable machines in Horizon Forbidden West?

Yes, some machines are missable. The Specter and Specter Prime are encountered during certain missions, and might not be available to fight if these are not completed, as they are part of the main story. Make sure to complete all story related quests if you want to complete your machine log.

By following these strategies and understanding the Thunderjaw’s weaknesses, you’ll be able to conquer this challenging machine in Horizon Forbidden West. Remember to be patient, adapt your strategy, and use the environment to your advantage. Good luck, and happy hunting!