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How to Override All Machines in Horizon Zero Dawn: A Comprehensive Guide

The ability to override machines in Horizon Zero Dawn is a core mechanic that allows you to turn these robotic beasts into allies, either temporarily for combat or permanently for mounts. This feature adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the game, making exploration and battles much more dynamic. So, how do you override all machines? The short answer is: by completing Cauldrons throughout the world, upgrading your spear, and crafting overrides at fabrication terminals when necessary. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the Basics of Overriding

The Womb of the Mountain Quest

Your journey to overriding machines begins early in the game, with the completion of the main quest “Womb of the Mountain.” This quest is critical as it unlocks the fundamental ability to override a basic range of machines. Initially, you will only be able to override a few of the weaker machines. However, as you progress, this capability will expand through exploration and challenges.

Cauldrons: The Key to Unlocking Overrides

Cauldrons are ancient, underground facilities scattered across the map, easily identifiable by the triangle within a triangle symbol which appears in blue on your map. Each Cauldron you complete will unlock the ability to override a new set of machines. Think of them like a tech upgrade you need to complete in order to get more access to override functionality. These Cauldrons are essentially the game’s progression gates for overriding specific machine types. Successfully navigating a Cauldron’s challenges will grant you access to new override codes.

The Spear and its Overrides

Your spear is the instrument by which you override machines. The game will begin with some basic override features, and this will grow through the game. To actually override a machine, you need to approach it stealthily and hold down the triangle button, provided you have the appropriate override for the machine.

Different Tiers of Overrides

The machines you can override are organized into tiers. These include:

PSI Overrides: These typically include weaker machines like the Broadhead and Charger, which can also be used as mounts.
SIGMA Overrides: This tier unlocks the ability to override common machines like the Grazer, Scrapper, and Lancehorn.
RHO Overrides: Machines in this tier include the Longleg and Ravager.
XI Overrides: Includes stronger machines like the Behemoth and Fire Bellowback.
ZETA Overrides: These unlocks access to the most powerful machines, such as the Rockbreaker and Stormbird, as well as Thunderjaws.
EPSILON Overrides: Features some of the most powerful machines in the game, like the Fireclaw.

Each Cauldron will unlock access to one of these specific override tiers, allowing you to take control of increasingly powerful and complex machines.

Overriding Corrupted Machines

Some of the override codes you obtain from Cauldrons will be corrupted. These codes cannot be used until they are repaired. To do this, you’ll need to head to a Fabrication Terminal (often found in settlements or at certain story points) and craft an override using the corrupted code and the necessary resources. Only after crafting the repaired override can you actually override the machines associated with that code.

Overriding Specific Machines

It’s important to know that every machine has a different override requirement:

Broadhead & Charger: These are early mounts unlocked through basic override capabilities.
Sawtooth, Scrapper, Lancehorn, Grazer: These can be overridden after completing Cauldron SIGMA.
Thunderjaw, Stormbird, and Rockbreaker: Requires completion of Cauldron ZETA.
Tremortusk: You must complete the data from Cauldron KAPPA.
Frostclaw/Fireclaw: Once the relevant override is unlocked after a mission, they cannot be immediately overriden. They must first be cleansed.

Maximizing Your Machine Overriding Potential

To truly master machine overriding in Horizon Zero Dawn, consider these tips:

Explore thoroughly: Search the map for all of the Cauldrons. Each one unlocks a new set of potential override options.
Craft overrides: Remember to repair any corrupted override codes at fabrication terminals.
Stealth is key: Approach machines slowly and quietly for successful overrides.
Experiment: Different machine combinations can lead to interesting battles.
Use the Focus: Analyze enemy machine weaknesses using your Focus, and try to match them with the overrides you can activate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the first machine you can override in Horizon Zero Dawn?

The first machines you can override are the Charger and Broadhead during the quest ‘Womb of the Mountain’.

2. How do I find Cauldrons?

Cauldrons are marked on your map with a blue triangle within a triangle symbol.

3. How many Cauldrons are there in Horizon Zero Dawn?

There are a total of six cauldrons in the base game, each unlocking a new set of override capabilities.

4. What do I gain from completing a Cauldron?

Completing a Cauldron will reward you with experience points, skill points, and unlock new override codes for machines.

5. Can you permanently override a machine?

The override on most machines is temporary, as they will return to their usual behavior. Some machines such as the Broadhead or Charger when used as mounts, the overrides are permanent until the mount is destroyed or unmounted.

6. What is a corrupted override and how do I fix it?

A corrupted override is a code that needs to be repaired. To do so, you must craft a repaired override at a Fabrication Terminal using the corrupted code and necessary resources.

7. Can you override flying machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Yes, you can override flying machines like the Stormbird, Sunwing, and Glinthawk after completing the necessary Cauldrons.

8. What is the point of overriding a machine?

Overriding a machine can be useful for: distracting enemies, creating allies in battle, and providing you with mounts for exploration.

9. How do I override a Thunderjaw?

You must complete Cauldron ZETA to unlock the override code for Thunderjaws.

10. Can you override all machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Not all machines can be overridden in the base game. Certain machines are either too powerful or too corrupted. However, you can unlock the ability to override most of the machine types through gameplay.

11. What do overrides do?

Overrides transform enemy machines into temporary allies, capable of fighting alongside you or simply drawing attention away from you.

12. Are there any secret weapons associated with overrides?

No, there are no secret weapons associated directly with overrides, but completing the main quest line for overrides is often essential to find stronger weapons.

13. Is there a level cap in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Yes, the level cap in Horizon Zero Dawn is 60 after the release of The Frozen Wilds.

14. How do I unlock the Master Override?

The Master Override is not a feature in Horizon Zero Dawn. The Master Override you mention is a mechanic from the game Dead Space.

15. Can I mount a Thunderjaw?

No, the Thunderjaw cannot be used as a mount. The machines that can be mounted are Broadheads, Chargers, Clawstriders, Bristlebacks, Sunwings, and Waterwings.

By following these guidelines and exploring all that Horizon Zero Dawn has to offer, you’ll master the art of machine overriding and become a true force in the game’s post-apocalyptic world. Good luck, and happy hunting!

How do you override all machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?