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How to Master Searching with the Bristleback in Horizon Forbidden West

So, you want to know how to effectively search with a Bristleback in Horizon Forbidden West, eh? Well, you’ve come to the right place, friend. The secret lies in understanding the Bristleback’s digging mechanic. You can’t just hop on and expect it to unearth treasures. Here’s the breakdown: You have to be OFF the Bristleback for it to dig. After dismounting, the Bristleback will initiate its digging animation to uncover containers holding valuable Metal Shards and other goodies.

It’s also critical that if you’re looking for supplies from a specific quest (e.g., Runda’s Rations in the “Lost Supplies” contract), the rations have to be within the yellow marked zone to count. And if all else fails, try setting the Bristleback to defense mode so it can assist with locating the loot.

Taming the Robotic Boar: A Guide to Bristleback Mastery

Let’s delve deeper into the world of Bristlebacks and how to get the most out of these robotic boar-like machines in Horizon Forbidden West. From unlocking your first mount to maximizing its digging potential, this guide will cover everything you need to know.

Unlocking and Overriding Your First Bristleback

Before you can start digging up treasures, you need to unlock the ability to override Bristlebacks. This happens fairly early in the game.

Progress through the main questline until you reach “The Dying Lands”.
This quest will lead you to the TAU Cauldron.
Complete the TAU Cauldron to obtain the Bristleback override.

Once you have the override, you can approach a wild Bristleback undetected and override it. Voila! You now have your own Bristleback mount.

The Art of the Dig: Getting Your Bristleback to Unearth Loot

Now for the main course: getting your Bristleback to do some digging! Remember the crucial rule: you must be dismounted for it to start the digging animation.

Override a Bristleback.
Ride it to the area you want to search.
Dismount the Bristleback.
Watch as the Bristleback begins its digging animation, bringing up containers with valuable resources.

It’s also worth noting that the Bristleback uses its tusks to unearth buried resources, reinforcing its role as a valuable asset for resource gathering.

Beyond Digging: Maximizing Your Bristleback’s Potential

The Bristleback isn’t just a digging machine. It’s a versatile mount and combat partner.

Combat: While not as nimble as the Charger, the Bristleback is still quite fast and can deal devastating melee attacks. It can also inflict Fire or Acid elemental damage. Target the two green canisters at its rear with acid arrows to quickly bring down a Bristleback.
Traversal: The Bristleback can quickly traverse the landscape, making it a useful way to get around. However, be aware that its bulk can make it difficult to navigate narrow paths and avoid obstacles.
Defense Mode: Setting the Bristleback to Defense Mode could increase the likelihood of it finding more loot.

Gathering Bristleback Tusks

If you need Bristleback Tusks for crafting or trading, you’ll need to hunt these machines and detach the tusks before destroying them.

Find a Bristleback.
Use weapons and ammo that deal high Tear damage to detach the tusks.
Collect the detached Bristleback Tusk before finishing off the machine.
Alternatively, you can purchase them from Larend, one of Keruf’s salvagers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bristlebacks

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of Bristlebacks in Horizon Forbidden West.

What is a Bristleback? A Bristleback is a warthog-esque acquisition machine. They’re tough opponents due to their size, strength, and speed, and they can deal significant elemental damage.
Where can I find Bristlebacks? One of the first encounters with Bristlebacks is in The Daunt. Later, you’ll find them in various regions across the Forbidden West, often near areas where resources are buried. A location is at the Split Crag.
What animals can Aloy ride in Horizon Forbidden West? Aloy can ride Chargers, Bristlebacks, Clawstriders, and Sunwings.
Which mount is faster, Charger or Bristleback? These big, robotic boars may not look as nimble as the Charger, but they’re just as fast.
How do I beat a Bristleback in combat? Use acid arrows aimed at the two green canisters at its rear. This will cause significant damage and weaken the machine.
What resources can I get from Bristlebacks? Aside from Metal Shards obtained through digging, you can also obtain resources like Bristleback Tusks by detaching them with Tear damage before destroying the machine.
What is the reward for completing “The Bristlebacks” side quest? Completing “The Bristlebacks” side quest unlocks the Nora Champion outfit.
What are Bristleback Quilboar Tusks and where do I find them? Bristleback Quilboar Tusks are from the Barrens specifically from the Bristleback Geomancer, Bristleback Hunter and Bristleback Thornweaver.
Where can I buy Tremortusk Tusks? You can purchase Tremortusk Tusks once from Untalla in the Memorial Grove.
Besides resource gathering, what are Bristlebacks good for? Besides digging and resource gathering, Bristlebacks are good for combat and quick traversal across the map.
Where can I find metal shards? Completing missions and picking up collectibles in the open world. Hunting Grounds, Gauntlet Runs, and Salvage Contracts that Aloy can find all over the map.
What is the fastest way to get metal shards in Horizon Forbidden West? Completing missions and side quests is the fastest way to obtain more Metal Shards
Where can I get a sharpshot bow? Sharpshot Bow can be purchased early on in the game for 105 Metal Shards.
Which bird can Aloy fly? The Sunwing.
What animal is a Thunderjaw? It resembles a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Hopefully, this guide has shed light on how to effectively search with Bristlebacks in Horizon Forbidden West and how to take down the hardest bosses in the game. Now go forth, tame those robotic boars, and unearth some hidden treasures!

Keep learning and exploring the world of games! You can find more engaging research and resources at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.

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