Mastering the Rockbreaker: A Guide to Obtaining the Primary Nerve in Horizon Forbidden West

The Rockbreaker Primary Nerve is a crucial resource in Horizon Forbidden West, vital for upgrading various weapons and outfits that will aid Aloy on her perilous journey. Unfortunately, this particular component isn’t lying around waiting to be picked up. The primary method of obtaining it is by directly harvesting it from a Rockbreaker after defeating one. While challenging, there are strategies and tips to make the process more manageable. If battling these behemoths isn’t your cup of tea, you can also purchase it from one of Keruf’s Salvagers, offering an alternative, albeit possibly more expensive, route.

Hunting Rockbreakers: Preparation is Key

Successfully farming Rockbreaker Primary Nerves hinges on preparing for a tough fight. Rockbreakers are large, burrowing machines that are highly resistant to many forms of damage. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider before engaging:

• Elemental Weakness: Rockbreakers are most vulnerable to Frost damage. Equipping a bow with frost arrows or a weapon that deals frost damage is essential. Applying the Frozen state will significantly increase the damage you inflict.

• Tear Damage: Certain components on the Rockbreaker, such as its mining claws and exhaust ports, can be detached with Tear damage. Removing these parts not only weakens the machine but also prevents it from using certain attacks, making the fight easier.

• Outfit and Skills: Invest in an outfit that provides high resistance to Earth damage, as Rockbreakers frequently use ground-based attacks. Skills that enhance your dodging ability and focus regeneration will also prove invaluable.

• Traps and Tripwires: Before engaging the Rockbreaker, set up traps and tripwires in its patrol area. These can deal significant initial damage or inflict status effects, giving you an early advantage.

• Location: Rockbreakers have limited spawn locations. Utilize your focus to pinpoint their exact position. Approaching with stealth can give you the upper hand and allow you to strategically set up your attack.

Combat Strategies: Taking Down a Rockbreaker

Once prepared, the battle begins. Remember these tactics:

• Exploit Weaknesses: Focus on applying frost damage consistently to keep the Rockbreaker in the Frozen state. This will significantly increase the damage you inflict.

• Target Components: Use tear arrows or weapons to detach the mining claws and exhaust ports. Removing these parts will weaken the machine and limit its attack options. The exhaust ports are particularly vulnerable when the Rockbreaker overheats.

• Dodge and Weave: The Rockbreaker’s attacks are powerful and can quickly deplete your health. Learn its attack patterns and dodge effectively to avoid taking damage.

• Use Cover: Utilize the environment to your advantage. Large rocks and structures can provide cover from the Rockbreaker’s attacks, allowing you to heal or reload.

• Be Patient: Rockbreakers have a lot of health, so be prepared for a prolonged fight. Stay focused, maintain your strategy, and don’t get discouraged.

The Salvager Alternative: Keruf’s Helping Hand

If hunting Rockbreakers isn’t for you, you can purchase the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve from one of Keruf’s Salvagers. These merchants offer a variety of machine parts and resources for a price. However, be aware that the availability and cost of the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve can vary. Check with different salvagers to find the best deal.

Conclusion: Mastering the Machine for Ultimate Upgrades

Obtaining the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve in Horizon Forbidden West requires either mastering combat against a formidable foe or utilizing the resources of Keruf’s Salvagers. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Hunting Rockbreakers provides a thrilling challenge and the satisfaction of earning the resource, while purchasing it offers a quicker, albeit potentially more expensive, solution. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Use these tactics to master your game. You may find additional advice from Games Learning Society regarding the educational implications of video games, and their designs, at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you obtain a Rockbreaker Primary Nerve from any machine other than a Rockbreaker?

No, the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve is exclusively obtained from Rockbreakers or purchased from specific merchants who deal in machine parts.

2. Is there a guaranteed location where Rockbreakers always spawn?

Rockbreakers have fixed spawn locations. Search around areas known for their presence, such as the desert regions. Use your focus to pinpoint their exact location.

3. What is the best weapon for fighting Rockbreakers?

Weapons that deal Frost damage and Tear damage are the most effective. A Sharpshot Bow with tear arrows or a Boltblaster that can inflict the Frozen status are excellent choices.

4. How much does the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve typically cost from Keruf’s Salvagers?

The price can fluctuate depending on the salvager and the current in-game economy. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of shards.

5. Are there any skills that can improve my chances of obtaining the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve?

Skills that increase your tear damage, critical hit chance, and looting efficiency can indirectly improve your chances of obtaining the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve.

6. What other valuable resources can be obtained from Rockbreakers?

In addition to the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve, Rockbreakers drop other valuable resources such as Metal Shards, Machine Muscle, and Large Machine Core.

7. Can the difficulty setting affect the drop rate of the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve?

No, the difficulty setting does not affect the drop rate of the Rockbreaker Primary Nerve. However, it will influence the difficulty of the fight itself.

8. How do I effectively use traps against Rockbreakers?

Place traps and tripwires in the Rockbreaker’s patrol path. The traps will detonate when the machine walks over them, dealing damage or inflicting status effects.

9. What is the best strategy for dealing with the Rockbreaker’s burrowing attack?

When the Rockbreaker burrows, listen for the audio cues and watch for the ground to shake. Dodge roll away from the area where it is about to emerge.

10. Are there any side quests that involve hunting Rockbreakers?

While there aren’t specific side quests that solely focus on hunting Rockbreakers, they may be encountered as part of larger quests or errands that require you to defeat machines in certain areas.

11. Can I use the Pullcaster to detach components from a Rockbreaker?

Yes, the Pullcaster can be used to detach components from a Rockbreaker, but it may require multiple pulls or a fully upgraded Pullcaster.

12. Is there any way to increase the chances of a critical hit against a Rockbreaker?

Using skills, coils, or outfits that increase your critical hit chance will improve your odds. Targeting weak spots also increases the likelihood of landing a critical hit.

13. Can I override a Rockbreaker and use it as a mount?

No, Rockbreakers cannot be overridden and used as mounts. Only certain machines can be overridden for riding or combat assistance.

14. What are the best coils to use on my weapons when fighting Rockbreakers?

Coils that increase Frost damage, Tear damage, or damage against machines are highly effective.

15. Can I find Rockbreaker parts through salvaging machine wreckage in the open world?

No, Rockbreaker Primary Nerves and other specific parts are not found randomly in machine wreckage. They must be harvested directly from a defeated Rockbreaker or purchased from a merchant.