How to Hit a Thunderjaw Heart: A Comprehensive Guide
The Thunderjaw’s heart is a critical weak point, but accessing it requires a strategic approach. To effectively target this vulnerable core, you must first expose it by removing the metal plating on the Thunderjaw’s side. This isn’t a simple shot; you’ll need to use weapons with good tear damage to strip away the armor. Once the plating is gone, the heart glows a distinctive orange, making it much easier to locate and target. Precision is key; a well-placed shot with a powerful weapon on the exposed heart will deal significant damage.
Understanding the Thunderjaw
The Thunderjaw is one of the most formidable machines in the Horizon universe, known for its aggressive nature, heavy armor, and devastating weaponry. Created by the artificial intelligence Hephaestus to combat tribal hunters, these colossal machines are designed for war. Understanding their weaknesses and attack patterns is crucial for any successful hunt.
Key Vulnerabilities
While its armored exterior seems impenetrable, the Thunderjaw has several key vulnerabilities:
- Heart: As mentioned, the heart is a major weak point, but is initially protected by armor.
- Data Nexus: Another vulnerable spot, though also typically covered and needs exposing with tear damage.
- Elemental Canisters: These canisters can be found on the Thunderjaw’s body and are vulnerable to the corresponding elemental attack.
Strategic Approach
Hunting a Thunderjaw requires a blend of preparation, strategy, and skill. Here’s how to approach this daunting challenge:
- Tear Off Components: Prioritize weapons with high tear damage to strip away the Thunderjaw’s armor plating, particularly on its sides. Tearblast arrows are highly effective for this purpose.
- Target Weak Points: Once the heart is exposed, switch to a weapon with high damage output. Hunter Bows, Sharpshot Bows, and even the Thunderjaw’s own disc launchers are excellent choices.
- Utilize the Environment: Take advantage of your surroundings. Use rocks for cover and high ground for better vantage points.
- Rope Down and Control: The Ropecaster can be used to temporarily immobilize the Thunderjaw, providing precious seconds for targeted attacks on its weak points.
- Detach and Use its Weapons Detach its Disc Launchers to use them against the Thunderjaw.
FAQs: All About Thunderjaws
1. What exactly is an Apex Thunderjaw Heart, and how do you get it?
The Apex Thunderjaw Heart is a very rare resource obtained only from Apex Thunderjaws, which are exceptionally powerful versions of the standard Thunderjaw. Aside from defeating Apex Thunderjaws, one can also be obtained as a reward for completing the Underwater Salvage Salvage Contract. These hearts are crucial for upgrading powerful weapons and outfits.
2. What are the major weaknesses of a Thunderjaw?
The major structural weaknesses are its heart and data nexus, both of which become vulnerable after removing their protective plating with tear damage. Additionally, exposed elemental canisters are also significant weak points.
3. How do I effectively hunt a Thunderjaw?
Start by aiming for its canisters and detach its weapons when possible. If you need extra firepower, search for a Ravager Cannon in the area. Use weapons with high tear damage to remove the disc launchers from its shoulders first. Once detached, you can then use the disc launchers against the Thunderjaw itself for massive damage.
4. What weapons should I use to damage a Thunderjaw?
Disc Launchers detached from the Thunderjaw itself are among the most effective weapons to use against it, along with a powerful Hunter Bow, Sharpshot Bow, or any weapon with decent tear damage. Prioritize weapons that can strip off the armor, exposing the vulnerable areas.
5. How can I tie down a Thunderjaw?
Use the Ropecaster to temporarily immobilize the Thunderjaw. This will give you an opportunity to collect the detached Disc Launchers and unload them on the beast.
6. How do I get a Thunderjaw tail?
The Thunderjaw Tail is a legendary resource obtained by tearing it off the Thunderjaw with tear damage before destroying the machine. It can also be purchased once from Untalla in the Memorial Grove.
7. What is the approximate HP of a Thunderjaw?
The Thunderjaw has approximately 5000 to 6000 HP, with higher amounts on more difficult settings. This makes for a long and tactical fight.
8. What is the Thunderjaw Tail used for?
The Thunderjaw Tail is used for upgrading weapons and outfits. Other items such as the Apex Thunderjaw Heart, Crystal Braiding and Luminous Brainstem also serve this purpose, among other things.
9. Which is the best armor to use when fighting a Thunderjaw?
The Oseram Arrowbreaker Heavy armor is particularly effective against the Thunderjaw, especially its projectile attacks. This is one of the best armors for projectile defense in general.
10. Is Redmaw more difficult than a normal Thunderjaw?
Redmaw, a unique Thunderjaw, is indeed more difficult. It has more health and hits harder than a normal Thunderjaw. However, the same strategies can be used to defeat it, focusing on removing its armor and using its own weapons against it.
11. How do I hit the blaze canister on a Thunderjaw?
To hit a Thunderjaw’s blaze canister, first rip off the armor panel that conceals it. This will expose the canister and allow you to target it with the correct elemental damage.
12. Can you explain why the Thunderjaw was created?
The Thunderjaw was created by Hephaestus to respond to the threat posed by tribal hunters to the machines’ operations. These war machines were designed with heavy armor and devastating weaponry to suppress large numbers of threats.
13. What is the biggest and most powerful machine in Horizon?
The Thunderjaw is one of the largest and most formidable machines in Horizon, classified as an Apex Combat Machine. It is definitely one of the most dangerous machines you’ll encounter, with devastating power, heavy armor, and a myriad of attacks.
14. Where can you find Apex Thunderjaws?
Apex Thunderjaws can be found at several specific locations:
- North of Memorial Grove, just west of Rebel Outpost: Shining Wastes North.
- East of Memorial Grove, slightly south of Tallneck: The Shining Wastes.
- South of Stone’s Echo, just east of Rebel Outpost: Jagged Deep.
15. Can you destroy a Tallneck?
No, Tallnecks cannot be destroyed. They are peaceful machines, and the developers decided against making them killable to align with Aloy’s character.
By understanding these tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you’ll be better equipped to take on the mighty Thunderjaw and successfully target its heart. Remember to prepare well, strategize effectively, and most importantly, use every weapon and tactic at your disposal to emerge victorious!