Soaring Through the Skies of Burning Shores: Your Guide to Acquiring the Sunwing

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The Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West offers a breathtaking new region to explore, and the most efficient way to traverse its volcanic landscape is undoubtedly on the back of a Sunwing. The good news is, unlike the base game, you don’t have to wait a significant portion of the story to unlock this flying mount. You acquire the ability to override a Sunwing relatively early in the Burning Shores main questline. Specifically, you’ll unlock it during the quest “Heaven and Earth”. After completing a specific objective in this quest, the game teaches Aloy how to acquire a Sunwing.

Mastering the Skies: A Step-by-Step Guide

While acquiring the ability to override a Sunwing is tied to the main story, understanding how to do it effectively is crucial for seamless exploration. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Progress Through “Heaven and Earth”: This quest is your key. You must reach a specific point where the game prompts you with instructions on overriding a Sunwing. This is after completing the quest’s main objective. Pay close attention to the on-screen prompts, as they guide you through the process.

2. Locate a Sunwing: Roaming the skies of the Burning Shores are numerous Sunwings. Use your Focus (R3) to identify them. Look for the characteristic silhouette and listen for their distinctive cry. Keep in mind they might be quite high up, so finding an elevated position could help you see them.

3. Stealth and Positioning: This is critical. Sunwings are skittish and will fly away if they detect you. Use cover, tall grass, or other environmental elements to approach them undetected. The closer you can get without being spotted, the better.

4. Initiate the Override: Once you are close enough and undetected, the game will prompt you with the “Override” (Triangle) button. Press it quickly and hold on!

5. The Taming Process: Aloy will leap onto the Sunwing and attempt to override its systems. This is a timed mini-game. You’ll need to balance Aloy’s weight by using the left stick to keep her centered. Failure to do so will result in her being thrown off, and you’ll have to start the process again.

6. Success! Once the override is complete, the Sunwing is yours to command. You can now call it to your location using the directional pad (Up) and soar through the Burning Shores.

7. Upgrading Your Sunwing (Optional): Once you unlock the Sunwing, you can complete side quests or activities to further enhance your flying experience. Keep an eye out for opportunities to upgrade your Sunwing.

Burning Shores Sunwing: Beyond Transportation

The Sunwing in Burning Shores is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. It’s integrated into several aspects of the game:

• Aerial Combat: Engage in dogfights with other machines in the sky. Mastering aerial combat is essential for taking down certain threats and completing specific challenges. The Sunwing can be equipped with various upgrades to enhance its combat capabilities.

• Exploration: Reach previously inaccessible areas. The Burning Shores is full of secrets and hidden locations that can only be reached with the Sunwing. Use it to discover new resources, collectibles, and story elements.

• Puzzle Solving: Some puzzles require aerial maneuvering and precision flying. You’ll need to use your Sunwing to activate switches, transport objects, or navigate complex environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sunwings in Burning Shores

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of the Sunwing in the Burning Shores.

1. Can I get the Sunwing before the “Heaven and Earth” quest? No, the ability to override Sunwings is directly tied to story progression in the “Heaven and Earth” quest. You must complete the early stages of this quest to unlock the Sunwing override ability.

2. What happens if I fail the Sunwing override mini-game? Aloy will be thrown off, and the Sunwing will fly away. You’ll need to find another Sunwing and attempt the override again. Don’t be discouraged; practice makes perfect.

3. Is there a specific level requirement for overriding a Sunwing? No, there is no specific level requirement. As long as you have progressed to the “Heaven and Earth” quest, you can override a Sunwing.

4. Can I customize the Sunwing’s appearance? The Sunwing’s appearance is not customizable in the same way as outfits, but certain upgrades may subtly alter its visuals.

5. Are there different types of Sunwings with varying stats? No, all Sunwings are the same with same stats.

6. Can I use the Sunwing for fast travel? No, the Sunwing does not replace fast travel. You’ll still need to use campfires to fast travel around the map. However, the Sunwing allows you to quickly reach areas near fast travel points.

7. What are the best strategies for avoiding detection when approaching a Sunwing? Use Tall grass, rocky outcroppings, and other natural cover. Approach from downwind to mask your scent. Use the Focus to track the Sunwing’s patrol pattern and identify the best approach angle.

8. How do I upgrade the Sunwing? By completing specific quests and activities in the Burning Shores, you may find opportunities to upgrade the Sunwing. This could involve improving its combat capabilities, speed, or defenses.

9. Can the Sunwing be destroyed? Yes, the Sunwing can take damage from enemy attacks. If it takes too much damage, it will be disabled, and Aloy will be forced to glide to safety. Be mindful of enemy fire and prioritize your Sunwing’s safety.

10. Are there any skills in the skill tree that specifically enhance the Sunwing experience? The Survivor skill tree contains various skills that can enhance your gameplay experience, including making you stealthier when you are riding the Sunwing.

11. Can I land the Sunwing anywhere? You can land the Sunwing on any relatively flat surface. However, be mindful of your surroundings, as landing in hazardous areas or near enemies can be dangerous.

12. What happens if I abandon my Sunwing? You can summon your Sunwing at almost any location by pressing Up on the D-pad.

13. Are there any Sunwing-specific side quests? Yes, the Burning Shores DLC includes several side quests that involve using the Sunwing for exploration, combat, or puzzle-solving.

14. Does weather affect the Sunwing’s performance? Weather, such as heavy rain or storms, can affect visibility and make flying more challenging, but it does not directly impact the Sunwing’s performance.

15. Is the Sunwing available in the base game after completing the Burning Shores DLC? No, the Sunwing functionality is exclusive to the Burning Shores DLC. You cannot use it in the base game or other regions outside of the Burning Shores.

The Sunwing in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is more than just a ride; it’s a key that unlocks the full potential of this fiery new landscape. By mastering the art of overriding and understanding its capabilities, you can truly experience the freedom and excitement that the Burning Shores has to offer.

Looking to delve deeper into the intersection of games and education? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful research and resources on game-based learning.