Released initially in 2022 for consoles, Horizon Forbidden West made its way to PC in early 2022. Acting as the sequel to the 2017 hit Horizon Zero Dawn, the game advances the narrative, upgrades the visuals, and enhances the gameplay mechanics. It seamlessly blends open-world RPG elements with a captivating storyline, making it a well-rounded gaming experience.
Assuming the role of the female lead, Aloy, players can opt for a complete gaming journey or a more relaxed approach resembling an interactive movie. The latter choice offers simplified combat, abundant loot, and additional visual aids on the screen and map.
While ranged weapons dominate combat, the options for melee combat are limited to spears, with only three variations available.
3 Nora Legacy Spear
Exclusive Special Edition Weapon
Stats:
- Damage: Tear, Explosive
The Nora Legacy Spear is a special edition weapon reserved for novice players who purchased specific editions of the game. Eligible players can find this unique spear in their stash, accessible from any village or settlement.
Throughout the main storyline, players have the opportunity to enhance this spear with new functionalities like Vine Cutter and a special ability to destroy Firegleam clusters.
Nora Legacy Spear Abilities
This spear supports light, heavy, and power attacks, excelling in stealth situations when paired with heavy attacks and a combat leap for maximum impact. Precision timing is crucial as premature power attacks may not maximize damage output.
Attacks:
- Light: 17 + 30 Tear
- Heavy: 31/34 + 35 Tear
- Power: 54/25 + 50 Tear
2 Aloy’s Spear
Standard Melee Weapon for All Players
Stats:
- Damage: Impact, Tear
Aloy’s Spear serves as the default melee weapon for newcomers in Horizon Forbidden West. Many players retain this spear throughout the game unless they pursue the Champion’s Spear through a specific quest for an upgrade. Given the game's focus on ranged combat, the spear is generally kept as a secondary weapon.
Aloy’s Spear Techniques
This spear allows for light and heavy attacks, with the former being more potent but requiring a shorter charge time. Heavy attacks have a lengthier charge time but can potentially knock down enemies.
- Light attack - A series of horizontal strikes after a brief charge, ideal for finishing off low-health enemies in close combat.
- Heavy attack - Two long horizontal slashes after a lengthy charge, effective from stealth or against non-engaging foes.
Attacks:
- Light: 17 + 30 Tear
- Heavy: 31/34 + 35 Tear
- Power: 54/25 + 50 Tear
1 Champion’s Spear
Elite Spear Granted Through Quest Achievement
Stats:
- Damage: Explosive, Tear
The Champion’s Spear, one of the three melee weapons in Horizon Forbidden West, is bestowed as a quest reward by Sun-King Avad during the Point of the Lance quest. Drawing inspiration from Syrlen’s Lance seen in the quest, this spear can be upgraded at a workbench and gains Igniter and Vine Cutter abilities as the storyline progresses.
Champion’s Spear Abilities
Employing similar animations to Aloy’s Spear, the Champion’s Spear offers identical base attack stats across all three spears, ensuring its viability throughout the game.
Attacks:
- Light: 17 + 30 Tear
- Heavy: 31/34 + 35 Tear
- Power: 54/25 + 50 Tear
Maximizing Spear Utility
Melee weapons play a distinct role in Horizon Forbidden West, primarily overshadowed by Aloy’s proficiency with bows. While most focus on bow skills, the spear shines in stealth scenarios, offering a strategic advantage in dealing damage, especially on harder difficulty levels.