The Apex Predator of the Past: Unmasking the Hardest Machine in Horizon Zero Dawn

The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is teeming with mechanical beasts, each presenting a unique challenge to Aloy. However, one machine stands out as the pinnacle of difficulty, a true test of skill and strategy for even the most seasoned players. The undisputed hardest machine to kill in Horizon Zero Dawn is the Thunderjaw. Its sheer size, devastating arsenal, and robust defenses make it a formidable foe, capable of wiping out unprepared players in seconds. While other machines certainly pose threats, the Thunderjaw remains the ultimate encounter, a benchmark for difficulty within the game.

The Thunderjaw: A Colossus of Steel and Fury

The Thunderjaw is not just difficult, it’s an experience. This Apex Combat Machine towers over Aloy, resembling a mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex with its bipedal stance, long body, and thick, sweeping tail. Its immense size alone is intimidating, but its capabilities are what truly set it apart.

What Makes the Thunderjaw So Difficult?

• Massive Health Pool: The Thunderjaw boasts an enormous amount of health, requiring players to inflict substantial damage to bring it down. On higher difficulty settings, this health pool increases significantly, making the fight a prolonged and grueling test of endurance. The article states it has between 5000 and 6000 HP on harder difficulties.

• Devastating Attacks: The Thunderjaw’s arsenal includes a variety of devastating attacks. It can fire a powerful barrage of disc launchers, unleashing explosive projectiles that can knock Aloy off her feet. Its laser cannon, mounted on its head, delivers a scorching beam that can quickly deplete health. Its powerful jaws are capable of inflicting severe melee damage. Its tail can also sweep Aloy off her feet, leaving her vulnerable.

• Armored Plating: The Thunderjaw’s body is heavily armored, making it resistant to most forms of damage. Players must strategically target specific weak points to deal significant damage. These areas include the disc launchers, the laser cannon, and the heart, all of which require precision and a good understanding of the machine’s behavior.

• Aggressive Behavior: The Thunderjaw is incredibly aggressive, relentlessly pursuing Aloy once engaged. Its powerful lunges and charges can quickly close the distance, forcing players to stay constantly mobile and aware of their surroundings. It is one of the largest and most dangerous of all the machines in Horizon.

• Mobility: Despite its size, the Thunderjaw is surprisingly agile. It can quickly turn and reposition itself, making it difficult to keep it in range of attacks while staying out of the range of its own. This combination of size, speed, and aggression creates a challenge unlike any other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What other machines are considered difficult in Horizon Zero Dawn?

While the Thunderjaw is the hardest, machines like the Rockbreaker, Stormbird, and Fireclaw are also formidable foes requiring careful planning and strategy. They all have unique attack patterns and weaknesses. The article mentions the 10 Hardest machines to beat in Horizon Zero Dawn.

2. Can you override a Thunderjaw?

Yes, it is possible to override a Thunderjaw, though it requires a specific override and strategy. You’ll need to use a Rope Caster to tie it down and be very stealthy.

3. What is the best strategy for taking down a Thunderjaw?

The most effective strategy involves exploiting the Thunderjaw’s weaknesses. This includes using tear arrows to detach its disc launchers and laser cannon, then using powerful weapons like the Improved Stormslinger to target exposed components. The Improved Stormslinger is considered the most powerful weapon in the game, especially against foes weak to electricity.

4. Is it possible to kill a Thunderjaw early in the game?

While it’s technically possible, it’s highly discouraged. Thunderjaws are designed to be late-game challenges. Players who attempt to face them too early will likely find themselves quickly overwhelmed.

5. What is the most powerful weapon against big machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?

The Improved Stormslinger is often cited as the most powerful weapon against big machines, especially those with a weakness to electricity. It delivers high raw damage and inflicts additional shock damage.

6. What difficulty settings impact the challenge of fighting the Thunderjaw?

Playing on Ultra Hard mode drastically increases the health and damage output of machines, including the Thunderjaw, making the fight considerably more difficult.

7. What is the hardest trophy to earn in Horizon Zero Dawn?

While there are various challenging trophies, Ultra Hard Completed is generally considered the toughest due to the difficulty spike and time required to complete the game on this setting.

8. Can you mount any machines in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Yes, you can mount the Broadhead, Charger, and Strider, but not the Thunderjaw. The article mentions that, “Chargers, Striders and Broadheads are the three machines that can be used as mounts in HZD.”

9. What is the fastest mountable machine in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Among the base game’s mounts, the Strider is the fastest, which is also the original mount in Horizon Zero Dawn.

10. What is the hardest Cauldron to complete in Horizon Zero Dawn?

The hardest cauldron is Cauldron ZETA. It is located in the Northwest corner of the map, with a hidden entrance.

11. What is the most powerful tribe in Horizon Zero Dawn?

The Carja tribe is the most powerful and advanced in Horizon Zero Dawn. They are based in Meridian and control a vast expanse of land.

12. What is the significance of the Tallnecks?

Tallnecks are peaceful, non-hostile machines used as map markers. They cannot be killed and are designed to help Aloy navigate the region, resembling giraffes.

13. What are the Apex Machines?

Apex Machines are the most dangerous and difficult machines in the game. The Thunderjaw is an example of an Apex Combat Machine.

14. Why are the machines aggressive in Horizon Zero Dawn?

The machines became aggressive due to the actions of HEPHAESTUS. When it realized humans were hunting its creations, it modified them to be more aggressive towards humans, beginning the Derangement.

15. What is the best overall weapon in Horizon Zero Dawn?

Many players consider the Improved Stormslinger as the best overall weapon due to its power and versatility in different combat scenarios. However, the specific “best” weapon depends on individual playstyles and situations.

Conclusion

The Thunderjaw is the undisputed king of combat in Horizon Zero Dawn, representing a significant hurdle for players to overcome. While many machines pose challenges, the combination of its massive health, devastating attacks, heavy armor, and aggressive nature solidifies its position as the hardest machine to kill in the game. Defeating it requires not just firepower, but careful planning, strategic thinking, and mastery of the game’s combat mechanics. Ultimately, the triumph over the Thunderjaw is a testament to a player’s skill and dedication, making it a memorable and rewarding experience within the world of Horizon Zero Dawn.