Mastering the Mechanical Steed: How to Override a Strider in Horizon Zero Dawn
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So, you want to tame one of those sleek, robotic horses roaming the plains of Horizon Zero Dawn? You’re in luck! Overriding a Strider is one of the earliest and most useful skills Aloy acquires, allowing you to traverse the vast landscape with speed and efficiency. To override a Strider, simply complete the main quest “Womb of the Mountain,” which is fairly early in the game. This quest unlocks the ability to override Phi-tier machines, including the Strider. Then, sneak up on an unsuspecting Strider, using tall grass and other cover. When you’re close enough, a prompt will appear. Hold down the Triangle button for a few seconds, and voilà, you have your own personal robotic mount!
Taming the Metal Steed: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Unlock the Override Ability
The single most important step is acquiring the Override ability. This happens during the main quest “Womb of the Mountain.” Progress through the storyline until you complete this pivotal mission. Aloy will then augment her spear with a piece of a “Demon” machine, granting her the power to override certain machines.
2. Locating Striders
Striders are relatively common and can be found in numerous locations throughout the Nora lands and beyond. Look for areas with open plains and sparse vegetation, as these are their preferred grazing grounds. Use your Focus (press R3) to scan the environment and highlight the locations of nearby machines, including Striders.
3. Stealth is Key
Approaching a Strider requires a degree of finesse. These machines aren’t particularly aggressive unless provoked, but they are easily spooked. Utilize the tall grass and other forms of cover to your advantage. Move slowly and deliberately, keeping a close eye on the Strider’s movements. The closer you get undetected, the easier the override will be.
4. The Override Process
Once you are close enough to the Strider, a prompt will appear on screen, instructing you to hold down the Triangle button. Make sure you are within range and facing the Strider directly. Maintain the Triangle button press until the override process is complete. Aloy will reach out and touch the machine with her spear, transferring the override code. The Strider’s lights will change to a bluish color, indicating that it is now under your control.
5. Mounting and Riding
With the Strider successfully overridden, you can now mount it and ride across the land. Simply approach the machine and press the Triangle button again. You can then control the Strider using the left analog stick. Striders offer a significant speed boost compared to running on foot, making exploration much faster and more convenient.
Mastering Machine Overrides: Beyond the Strider
Overriding machines is a core gameplay mechanic in Horizon Zero Dawn. While Striders are invaluable for transportation, the ability to control other machines can be a game-changer in combat. The knowledge you gain mastering Strider overrides will serve you well as you tackle more challenging machines and cauldrons. As you explore and increase your knowledge it is worth taking a look at the resources on GamesLearningSociety.org for the latest game studies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Overriding
1. What machines can I override?
The machines you can override depend on the Cauldrons you’ve completed. Each Cauldron unlocks new override codes for specific types of machines. Striders fall into the PSI Override category, unlocked by default after “Womb of the Mountain.” Completing other Cauldrons allows you to override machines like Chargers, Broadheads (also ridable), Grazers, Lancehorns, Ravagers, Behemoths, and even massive machines like Thunderjaws and Stormbirds after certain Cauldrons are cleared.
2. Can I permanently override a machine in Horizon Zero Dawn?
No, in the base game of Horizon Zero Dawn, overrides are temporary. However, rideable mounts such as Striders remain overridden indefinitely until you dismiss them or they are destroyed. In Horizon Forbidden West, some armor and weaves can grant permanent overrides.
3. How long do overrides last?
The duration of an override varies depending on the machine type and any skills Aloy has unlocked that affect override duration. Generally, combat overrides last for a couple of minutes. Mounts, however, remain overridden until dismissed or destroyed.
4. What happens if an overridden machine is destroyed?
If an overridden machine is destroyed, it’s gone. You’ll need to find another one to override if you want to use that machine type again. This is especially important to consider when using overridden machines in combat; protect them if you can!
5. Can I override corrupted machines?
No. Corrupted machines, along with Deathbringers and Corruptors, are immune to overrides. You have to defeat them the old-fashioned way.
6. How do I unlock more override slots?
In Horizon Zero Dawn, you can override as many machines as you want at once, but controlling multiple overridden machines in combat effectively often requires careful positioning.
7. Do overridden machines follow me?
No, there are no direct command prompts for overridden machines. However, overridden machines will generally attack enemies in their vicinity. You can use whistles to attract other non-overridden machines to your location, which your overridden machine will then engage.
8. Can I override a Sawtooth?
Yes, you can override a Sawtooth after completing Cauldron SIGMA.
9. Can I override a Frostclaw or Fireclaw?
While the game might indicate that Frostclaw/Fireclaw overrides are unlocked after a particular mission, these machines are initially demonized and thus cannot be overridden in the base game. You need to progress further in the story or potentially in the Frozen Wilds DLC to access overrides for these machines. You can override the Fireclaw in Horizon Forbidden West Epsilon Cauldron.
10. What is the hardest machine to override?
The difficulty of overriding a machine depends on its alertness level, proximity to other machines, and the surrounding environment. Larger, more heavily armored machines like Thunderjaws and Stormbirds typically require more stealth and preparation to successfully override.
11. How do I find Cauldrons?
Cauldrons are hidden throughout the map and are marked with a unique symbol once discovered. Explore the world, talk to NPCs, and complete side quests to uncover their locations.
12. What overrides do I get from Cauldron KAPPA?
Cauldron KAPPA unlocks overrides for some of the most formidable machines in the game, including the Rockbreaker, Tideripper, Tremortusk, and Stormbird, as well as corrupted overrides for Slitherfang, Dreadwing, and Slaughterspine.
13. Can I override a Thunderjaw?
Yes, you can override a Thunderjaw. You need to download the necessary override codes from a Cauldron. Progressing through the Cauldrons unlocks progressively stronger machines.
14. What are the rideable mounts in Horizon Zero Dawn?
In Horizon Zero Dawn, the primary rideable mounts are Striders, Chargers, and Broadheads. These machines offer different levels of speed and maneuverability.
15. What are the best strategies for using overridden machines in combat?
- Prioritize targets: Focus your overridden machines on the most dangerous threats.
- Use terrain to your advantage: Position overridden machines strategically to maximize their effectiveness.
- Support your overridden machines: Don’t rely solely on your overridden machines; provide support with your own weapons and skills.
- Be aware of their limitations: Overridden machines are not invincible. Protect them from heavy damage and be prepared to replace them if necessary.
By following these guidelines, you can become a master of machine overrides in Horizon Zero Dawn, turning the mechanical beasts of the world into valuable allies and mounts. Happy hunting!