The Mystery of the Missing Trophy in Horizon Forbidden West Solved!
Horizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games’ stunning sequel to Zero Dawn, is a treasure trove of content. From battling colossal machines to uncovering ancient secrets, the game offers a robust experience that can keep players engaged for dozens of hours. However, for completionists aiming for that coveted Platinum trophy, a frustrating question often arises: What is the missing trophy in Horizon Forbidden West?
The “missing” trophy isn’t actually missing. It’s a misperception arising from the discrepancy between the in-game trophy list and the actual requirements for the “All Trophies Obtained” Platinum trophy. Specifically, players often reach the end of the main story and complete all other visible trophies, yet the Platinum remains elusive. The reason? You must obtain all 59 trophies to unlock the Platinum. Many players overlook the necessity of completing “Completed All Machine Strike Sets.” This trophy requires gathering and mastering all Machine Strike pieces.
Machine Strike, Horizon Forbidden West’s in-game board game, may seem like a minor diversion, but it’s a crucial component for achieving 100% completion. Mastering the game, collecting every piece, and defeating all challengers is the key to unlocking that final, glorious Platinum. So, if you’re stuck at 98% or 99% completion, chances are, Machine Strike is your bottleneck.
Diving Deeper into Machine Strike
Machine Strike isn’t just a simple minigame. It’s a strategic challenge that requires understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each piece, the layout of the board, and the tactics of your opponents. It mirrors real-world strategy games and can even contribute to cognitive skills development, as explored by the Games Learning Society.
Understanding the Game
The goal in Machine Strike is to eliminate all of your opponent’s pieces or force them into a position where they can no longer make a valid move. Players take turns moving their pieces across the board, attacking opponent pieces, and strategically positioning themselves to gain an advantage.
Collecting the Pieces
Finding all the Machine Strike pieces is an adventure in itself. They are scattered throughout the Forbidden West, often rewarded for completing side quests, exploring settlements, or purchased from merchants. Some pieces are more powerful than others, so collecting them all is essential for building a well-rounded team.
Mastering the Strategy
Winning at Machine Strike requires more than just collecting powerful pieces. You need to understand the game’s mechanics, including:
- Movement Range: Each piece has a specific movement range, which determines how far it can move during a turn.
- Attack Power: The attack power of a piece determines how much damage it deals to opponent pieces.
- Defense: A piece’s defense stat mitigates incoming damage.
- Abilities: Some pieces have special abilities that can turn the tide of battle.
- Terrain Effects: Different terrain types can affect movement and attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Missing Trophy and Machine Strike
1. Is the “Completed All Machine Strike Sets” trophy required for the Platinum?
Yes, absolutely. It is not an optional trophy. To obtain the “All Trophies Obtained” Platinum trophy in Horizon Forbidden West, you must unlock all other 58 trophies, including “Completed All Machine Strike Sets.”
2. Where can I find all the Machine Strike pieces?
Machine Strike pieces are found throughout the game world. They are commonly obtained from completing side quests, purchasing them from merchants in settlements, and as rewards for winning Machine Strike games against specific NPCs. Explore thoroughly!
3. Are all Machine Strike opponents marked on the map?
No, not all of them. Some Machine Strike players are part of side quests, while others are hidden or require specific conditions to trigger. Careful exploration and conversation with NPCs are key.
4. How do I initiate a Machine Strike game?
Look for NPCs with the Machine Strike icon above their heads. Interact with them to initiate a challenge. Make sure you have enough shards to cover the entry fee.
5. Is there a specific strategy for winning at Machine Strike?
There’s no single “best” strategy, as it depends on your pieces and your opponent’s play style. However, focusing on piece positioning, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and anticipating your opponent’s moves are crucial.
6. Can I lose Machine Strike pieces?
No, once you acquire a Machine Strike piece, it’s permanently added to your collection. You don’t have to worry about losing them in matches.
7. Is there a difficulty setting that affects Machine Strike?
No, Machine Strike difficulty is independent of the main game’s difficulty setting. Winning requires skill and strategy, regardless of the overall game difficulty.
8. How do I know which Machine Strike pieces I’m missing?
Unfortunately, the game doesn’t provide a comprehensive checklist. You’ll need to compare your collection with online guides and lists to identify the missing pieces.
9. Are there any missable Machine Strike pieces?
While none are technically missable, some are tied to side quests. If you skip a side quest, you might delay obtaining a particular piece. It’s best to complete all side quests to ensure you collect everything.
10. Do I need to win every Machine Strike game to get the trophy?
Yes, you generally need to win against specific Machine Strike players to unlock certain pieces or advance related quests that ultimately lead to acquiring all the necessary pieces.
11. Are there any online resources to help me with Machine Strike?
Yes, many websites and YouTube channels offer guides, strategies, and walkthroughs for Machine Strike. These resources can be invaluable for finding specific pieces and learning advanced tactics.
12. Can Machine Strike be played against other players online?
No, Horizon Forbidden West’s Machine Strike is a single-player experience. There is no online multiplayer component for this minigame.
13. Does the “Completed All Machine Strike Sets” trophy require DLC pieces?
If additional Machine Strike pieces are introduced in future DLC, then yes, acquiring those pieces will become necessary for achieving the “Completed All Machine Strike Sets” trophy and, consequently, the Platinum trophy.
14. Is Machine Strike worth the effort?
Beyond the trophy requirement, Machine Strike is a genuinely enjoyable and strategic minigame. It offers a break from the main story and challenges you to think in new ways. It can even indirectly improve skills that are beneficial in academic settings, similar to findings explored by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
15. I’ve completed all Machine Strike sets, but I still don’t have the Platinum trophy! What should I do?
Double-check that you’ve earned every other trophy in the game. It’s easy to overlook a seemingly minor trophy. If you’re absolutely sure you’ve obtained all 59 trophies, try syncing your trophies with PlayStation Network. Sometimes, there can be a delay in trophy recognition.
Final Thoughts
The “missing” trophy in Horizon Forbidden West is a testament to the game’s depth and attention to detail. While Machine Strike might initially seem like a minor diversion, it’s an integral part of the overall experience and a required step towards achieving Platinum glory. So, dive in, master the strategy, collect all the pieces, and claim your well-deserved reward! You will get your platinum trophy and complete all sets of Machine Strike! Good luck and happy hunting!