Diving Deep: How to Retrieve Underwater Black Boxes in Horizon Forbidden West
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The vast and beautifully dangerous world of Horizon Forbidden West is filled with secrets to uncover, and among the most intriguing are the Black Boxes. These relics of the Old Ones contain valuable audio logs, offering a poignant glimpse into the past and the events surrounding the collapse of civilization. While many Black Boxes are scattered across the land, some are hidden beneath the shimmering surfaces of lakes and rivers. Acquiring these underwater treasures requires specific skills and gear. So, how do you get underwater Black Boxes in Forbidden West? The answer is primarily through the Diving Mask, obtained during the “Sea of Sands” Main Quest. Once acquired, you can dive into the watery depths, locate the wreckage indicated by a signal on your Focus, and retrieve the coveted Black Box. However, there are several things to keep in mind during these underwater expeditions, so keep reading for detailed insight.
Locating Underwater Black Boxes
The Importance of the Diving Mask
The Diving Mask is an essential piece of gear for exploring underwater locations in Horizon Forbidden West. It allows Aloy to breathe indefinitely underwater, making extended dives to recover Black Boxes a reality. Before acquiring the Diving Mask, you won’t be able to retrieve any of these underwater treasures. This makes the Sea of Sands quest a crucial checkpoint for Black Box collectors.
Using Your Focus
Once you have the Diving Mask, your Focus will be your best friend in locating underwater Black Boxes. When in the vicinity of a submerged wreck, your Focus will highlight an intermittent signal indicating the presence of a Black Box. Follow this signal and it will lead you directly to the submerged plane or wreckage containing the Black Box.
Navigating the Underwater Environment
The underwater environments in Horizon Forbidden West can be tricky to navigate. Strong currents, underwater plant life, and the debris from the wreckages can hinder your progress. Sometimes, the wreckage will also be partially submerged in mud or sand, requiring careful maneuvering. Aloy’s swimming controls are intuitive, but taking your time and being aware of your surroundings is key. Use your Focus frequently to maintain your direction and locate the Black Box within the submerged wreckage.
Retrieving the Black Box
Once you’ve located the plane, or another piece of wreckage, containing a Black Box, it’s usually found within the main body of the wreckage itself, or near its most intact component. You may have to pry open doors or navigate some debris, but the Black Box itself will always be accessible once you reach its location. Approach the box and interact with it to add it to your inventory. Remember, collecting all 12 of them will award you with the legendary Wings of the Ten Blastsling, a fantastic weapon worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Boxes in Horizon Forbidden West
Now that you know how to retrieve those submerged black boxes, let’s dive into some common questions players have regarding these valuable items.
1. Where is the easiest Black Box in Horizon Forbidden West?
The easiest Black Box to find is located in the western part of the Isle of Spires. It’s situated right at the doors of a downed plane, making it a quick and straightforward grab without needing to dive.
2. How many Black Boxes are there in Horizon Forbidden West?
There are a total of 12 Black Boxes scattered across the Forbidden West map. Each one contains a piece of audio log, providing narrative context and insight into the events of the past.
3. Where is the final Black Box located?
The final Black Box is also on the Isle of Spires, specifically in the northern area. It’s located a bit east of a Charger Mount Site and is only accessible from the western side.
4. What is the reward for finding all the Black Boxes?
Collecting all 12 Black Boxes rewards you with the Wings of the Ten Legendary Blastsling, one of the best weapons in the game. It is a variant of the Blastsling that has a 5% higher chance of a critical hit and deals 15% more damage from critical hits. It can also be upgraded 5 times.
5. Where is the Black Box in the Jagged Deep?
The Black Box in the Jagged Deep is located in a plane at the bottom of a lake in the southern part of the area. This requires the Diving Mask to be accessed, which is obtained during the “Sea of Sands” Main Quest.
6. How do I find the Black Box in Cauldron MU?
The Black Box related to Cauldron MU is not actually located inside the cauldron itself. It is found south of Cauldron MU and further south of Plainsong. The wreckage is at the bottom of the lake, and you can use your Focus to detect the signal when you are in the vicinity.
7. Where is the Memorial Grove Black Box?
The Memorial Grove Black Box is inside a downed plane at a higher elevation. You’ll need to use the Pullcaster to get up to the entrance of the plane. The Black Box is in the final room inside the downed plane.
8. Is there a Black Box in The Stillsands?
Yes, there is a Black Box in The Stillsands region. It’s located in the southern part of the area, inside another downed airplane. You’ll need to utilize your focus to hone in on its location.
9. What do the Black Boxes reveal?
Each Black Box contains audio logs that provide pieces of the story about those who were involved in the launch of the Zero Dawn project. They offer insights into the lives and motivations of the people who tried to save the world.
10. What happens if I miss a Black Box?
You cannot permanently miss any Black Boxes. All areas are accessible after completing the main story, so you can always return to collect any that you have previously missed.
11. Can I track the Black Boxes on the map?
Yes, once you have completed the “The Sea of Sands” quest and obtained the diving mask, all undiscovered Black Boxes are marked on the map for easier navigation. They are distinguished by a specific icon.
12. Is there anything else to find in the underwater locations?
While Black Boxes are the main focus in the submerged wreckages, you may also find some resources or crafting materials near the sites, as well. Be sure to check the surrounding area, but the Black Boxes are always the most valuable finds.
13. Do you need the Diving Mask to explore all underwater areas?
While the diving mask opens up most of the large water bodies, there may still be small pools or submerged areas to explore without the diving mask, but not deep wrecks containing Black Boxes. The diving mask is vital for all Black Box locations found underwater.
14. Are all Black Box locations linked to quests?
No, not all Black Box locations are tied to a main or side quest, however you will have to complete the “The Sea of Sands” main quest to obtain the diving mask needed to collect the underwater boxes.
15. Is the Wings of the Ten the best weapon in the game?
The Wings of the Ten is a fantastic weapon, and while its sheer damage output may not make it the single best weapon in the game, its high crit chance and damage definitely put it in the upper tiers of powerful equipment.