Soaring Through the Skies: A Guide to Flying in Horizon Forbidden West
The vast, breathtaking world of Horizon Forbidden West beckons with its sprawling landscapes and challenging quests. But what’s better than traversing this beautiful, yet dangerous terrain on foot or mount? Soaring through the skies, of course! But when can Aloy finally take to the air?
Aloy can fly in Horizon Forbidden West once you complete the Gemini main story mission. This mission unlocks the Sunwing override, allowing you to tame and ride a Sunwing, a magnificent flying machine. This occurs roughly three-quarters of the way through the main storyline, making it a significant milestone. This leads you directly into the Wings of the Ten main quest.
The Path to the Skies: Key Missions and Requirements
Aloy’s journey to becoming an airborne warrior is tied directly to the game’s narrative. There are a couple of missions and objectives to consider when unlocking flight, which are outlined below.
Gemini: Unlocking the Sunwing Override
The Gemini mission is a pivotal moment in Horizon Forbidden West. This level 30 main story mission is where Aloy obtains the Sunwing override, the key needed to tame these flying machines. Be prepared for a challenging encounter, as Gemini isn’t a walk in the park. It’s strategically placed late enough in the game to make flying a truly game-changing addition to your gameplay.
Wings of the Ten: Taking Flight
After completing Gemini, the Wings of the Ten mission becomes available. This mission guides Aloy to the location where she can override her first Sunwing. Follow the quest marker to the mountains near the base. Once there, you’ll need to find a suitable Sunwing and successfully override it. Be sure to have enough resources to complete the process!
The Sunwing: Your Airborne Companion
Once overriden, the Sunwing becomes Aloy’s personal flying mount. You can summon it at any time (except in restricted areas, of course) to travel across the map with unprecedented speed and freedom. From exploring hidden locations high above the ground to bypassing dangerous machine-infested areas, the Sunwing dramatically alters how you approach the game.
Taking on Stormbirds: Side Quests and Challenges
Although not required for unlocking the Sunwing, the First to Fly side quest is directly related.
First to Fly: A Stormbird Encounter
This is a side quest that’s focused on Ferikka’s Armor. You will need to head north of Stone Crest, override a Sunwing, and fly to the top of the mountain. You pick up Ferikka’s Breastplate, then you fight the Stormbird.
Defeating the Stormbird
The final step is to defeat the Stormbird. After the Stormbird is defeated, Aloy will take the Bracers before returning to Kettah and Sevirra. Then, she will craft new armor,
Flight Mechanics: Mastering the Skies
Flying in Horizon Forbidden West is intuitive and enjoyable. The Sunwing is responsive and easy to control, allowing for seamless exploration and aerial combat. Familiarize yourself with the controls for ascending, descending, boosting, and attacking from the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flying in Horizon Forbidden West
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of flying in Horizon Forbidden West:
1. What level do I need to be to unlock flying?
The Gemini mission, which unlocks flying, is a level 30 quest. While you can technically attempt it at a lower level, it’s highly recommended to reach level 30 or higher to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.
2. Can I fly anywhere in the game world?
Mostly, yes! You can fly across the entire map, accessing previously unreachable areas and enjoying breathtaking views. However, certain areas, such as settlements and indoor locations, are restricted and will prevent you from summoning your Sunwing.
3. Are there any combat advantages to flying?
Absolutely! Flying allows you to engage enemies from a safe distance, targeting their weak points with precision. It also provides a strategic advantage, allowing you to scout enemy positions and plan your attacks accordingly.
4. Can I upgrade my Sunwing?
Unfortunately, no. The Sunwing itself cannot be directly upgraded. However, you can upgrade Aloy’s skills and equipment to enhance her effectiveness while flying.
5. Are there any other flying machines besides the Sunwing?
In the base game of Horizon Forbidden West, the Sunwing is the only flying machine that Aloy can override and use as a mount.
6. What do I do after completing Wings of the Ten?
After completing Wings of the Ten, you are free to explore the world from a new perspective. Utilize your Sunwing to discover hidden locations, complete side quests, and tackle challenges that were previously inaccessible.
7. Can I fly in the Burning Shores DLC?
Yes! The Burning Shores DLC expands the flying experience, introducing new areas specifically designed for aerial exploration.
8. Does flying make the game too easy?
While flying certainly provides advantages, it doesn’t eliminate the challenge entirely. Enemies can still target you in the air, and skilled players will need to master aerial combat to survive.
9. Is there fall damage when flying?
If your Sunwing is destroyed or you dismount from a great height, Aloy will take fall damage. Be mindful of your altitude and avoid flying too close to dangerous terrain.
10. How do I call my Sunwing?
You can summon your Sunwing using your focus. Select the appropriate option from the menu, and your flying mount will arrive shortly.
11. Can the Sunwing be destroyed?
Yes. If the Sunwing takes too much damage it can be destroyed, forcing Aloy to dismount. Be careful when flying through areas with heavy machine presence.
12. Does flying affect the story?
Flying is primarily a gameplay mechanic and doesn’t significantly alter the main storyline. However, it enhances the overall experience and allows you to engage with the world in a more immersive way.
13. Where can I find more tips and tricks for flying?
Online forums, community guides, and gameplay videos are excellent resources for learning advanced flying techniques and strategies.
14. Are there any trophies related to flying?
Yes, there are a few trophies that encourage you to explore the world using your Sunwing.
15. How does Horizon Forbidden West utilize game-based learning?
Horizon Forbidden West is not explicitly designed as an educational game, but it contains elements of game-based learning. The game encourages problem-solving, strategic thinking, and resource management. The immersive open-world environment and engaging narrative promote exploration and discovery. Games Learning Society promotes these types of educational practices. See GamesLearningSociety.org for further reading.
Conclusion
Unlocking the ability to fly in Horizon Forbidden West is a game-changing moment. It opens up new avenues for exploration, combat, and overall enjoyment. By completing the Gemini and Wings of the Ten missions, you’ll be able to soar through the skies and experience the Forbidden West like never before. So, gear up, master your flying skills, and prepare to take flight!