Embrace your curiosity, whether it leads you to climb a mountain or explore a sunken ruin. If you want a better view, listen for the sound of wandering Tallnecks - by climbing these impressive machines, you can use their radar sensors to uncover more information about the area. This will not only lead you to exciting new locations, intriguing side stories, and new characters, but also to Hunting Grounds where you can improve your skills, and local rumor merchants who have secrets and wisdom to share.

Aloy's device serves multiple purposes beyond just being a fashionable accessory. By tapping it, your Focus will highlight valuable resources and points of interest for exploration. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the various adversaries you encounter. Scanning machines and enemies in the Forbidden West will provide you with extensive information. Additionally, you can tag important parts to improve your aim in combat and fulfill merchant requests. The combat in Horizon Forbidden West emphasizes both skill and strategy. Anticipating enemy movements, exploiting weaknesses, and utilizing their weapons and abilities can quickly shift the battle in your favor.

The key to success in the Forbidden West lies in your network rather than your expertise. You'll find a plethora of potential allies who are willing to assist you if you reciprocate the favor. Take the time to engage with the locals in the towns and cities you encounter, as they hold valuable information about the region. Whether it's lending a helping hand to those in need or engaging in friendly conversations, you'll uncover hidden opportunities. Additionally, you can challenge your luck with the popular board game Machine Strike or sharpen your combat skills in the numerous Melee Pits found throughout the world.

Proper preparation is crucial for success. Seek out skilled cooks in nearby settlements who can assist you in creating delicious meals that provide beneficial effects to your abilities, giving you an advantage when facing formidable machines. In the Forbidden West, there is a wide array of weapons to discover, such as Spears, Bows, Slings, Shredder Gauntlets, Spike Throwers, and more. These weapons come in rare and legendary variations that you can collect, and they offer various types of ammunition that can be crafted. By collecting, customizing, and mastering these weapons, you not only increase your strength but also unlock access to new areas. However, remember that defense is equally important. Explore the world to find different armor sets, and customize and enhance them to ensure that you are always well-equipped to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

As you venture further into the Forbidden West, you will have the opportunity to unlock new abilities on Aloy's skill tree. Aloy can specialize in six distinct areas, and it is crucial to prioritize the one that aligns with your preferred playstyle. By investing in Warrior skills, you can expand your options for direct confrontations, while Hunter skills enhance your proficiency with weapons and traps. Additionally, focusing on Infiltration will bolster your stealth capabilities and enable you to execute surprise attacks more effectively.