Soaring the Skies: Unlocking the Sunwing in Horizon Forbidden West

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The burning question on every Horizon Forbidden West player’s mind after seeing those magnificent Sunwings circling overhead: How do you unlock the ability to fly? The answer is intrinsically tied to the main storyline. You gain the ability to override and fly a Sunwing by progressing through the main questline and completing the Gemini mission. This mission rewards you with the Sunwing override, which then allows you to initiate the “Wings of the Ten” mission, where you’ll finally claim your own flying mount. Let’s break down the steps in detail.

Acquiring the Sunwing Override: The Gemini Mission

The Gemini mission is crucial. It’s not simply a side quest you stumble upon; it’s a key part of the main narrative. Without completing this mission, you won’t acquire the necessary override to tame a Sunwing. This emphasizes the game’s design, where traversal mechanics are woven into the story, rather than being immediately available.

The Gemini Cauldron is where you’ll discover the Sunwing override code. This Cauldron is unique because it’s directly linked to the main storyline. Unlike other Cauldrons, you can’t just wander into it and start hacking away. You need to be on the Gemini mission to gain access.

Claiming Your Ride: The “Wings of the Ten” Mission

Once you’ve successfully completed the Gemini mission and obtained the Sunwing override, the “Wings of the Ten” mission will become available. This quest is the culmination of your efforts and marks the moment you can finally take to the skies. The mission begins by instructing Aloy to head to the mountains near the base, where you’ll search for a Sunwing to override.

Locating and Overriding a Sunwing

Finding a Sunwing is straightforward, as the game guides you to their general location. However, remember these machines are powerful, so be prepared for a potential fight. Once you’ve located a Sunwing, approach it stealthily and perform the override. The satisfaction of hearing the override complete and Aloy mounting the Sunwing for the first time is a truly rewarding moment.

Mastering Flight

After overriding the Sunwing, you can summon it almost anywhere outside of settlements and structures that may block the path. Enjoy your aerial journeys!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Sunwing

Here are some common questions about the Sunwing and flying in Horizon Forbidden West:

1. Which Cauldron unlocks the Sunwing? Cauldron GEMINI is the specific Cauldron that unlocks the Sunwing override.

2. How do you unlock Sunwing in New Game Plus? In New Game Plus, flying on Sunwings is locked until completing The Eye of the Earth, as there are no Sunwings to be found East of The Base and Aloy doesn’t start New Game + with one assigned to the Sunwing Call.

3. Is the Sunwing the only machine you can fly? Yes, the Sunwing is the only machine that Aloy can fly in the base game of Horizon Forbidden West. The Burning Shores DLC added the Waterwing.

4. What do I do after “Wings of the Ten”? After completing “Wings of the Ten”, you’re free to explore the world from a new perspective. Use your Sunwing to discover hidden locations, complete side quests, and collect resources.

5. What happens if my Sunwing dies? If your Sunwing is destroyed in combat, you can simply call another one.

6. How can I improve my Sunwing’s combat effectiveness? There are no direct upgrades to the Sunwing. Its combat ability is fixed. The focus is exploration.

7. Can I customize my Sunwing? No, you cannot customize the appearance of your Sunwing.

8. Why can’t I call my Sunwing? If you can’t call your Sunwing, make sure you’re outdoors, away from settlements and structures, and that there are no obstructions above you.

9. Are there any special abilities associated with the Sunwing? While the Sunwing lacks specific combat abilities, its primary function is unparalleled traversal. Use its altitude to scout locations and plan your attacks.

10. Does the Sunwing use resources? No, the Sunwing does not require any resources to operate.

11. Where can I find Sunwings in the world? Sunwings can be found patrolling the skies of the Forbidden West, frequently hovering at great heights or roosting on tall mountain peaks.

12. Can I use the Sunwing in combat? Yes, you can use the Sunwing in combat to a limited extent. You can dive bomb enemies, but its effectiveness is limited. It is primarily a traversal tool.

13. Is there a limit to how long I can fly the Sunwing? No, there is no limit to how long you can fly the Sunwing. As long as it doesn’t take damage you can stay in the sky.

14. Does the Sunwing change the way I approach the game? Absolutely. The Sunwing opens up new strategies for exploration, combat, and resource gathering. It significantly enhances the player’s freedom.

15. Does my Sunwing stay with me throughout the game? Yes, once you’ve overridden a Sunwing, it will remain with you throughout the rest of your playthrough.

Flying in Horizon Forbidden West is a game-changer. It opens up a new dimension of exploration and provides a breathtaking perspective on the game’s stunning landscapes. By following the main quest and completing the Gemini mission, you’ll be soaring through the skies in no time. Understanding how game mechanics intersect with the narrative elements such as unlocking the Sunwing can improve our understanding of game design. Resources such as the Games Learning Society help us do just that. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the intersection of games and education.