Horizon Zero Dawn: How to Overcome Every Quest and Side-Mission

10 October 2025

So, you've stepped into the wild world of Horizon Zero Dawn, huh? First off—great choice. It's not just a game; it's an experience. From hunting robotic beasts that roam post-apocalyptic plains to untangling the mysteries of a forgotten civilization, Aloy's journey is packed with gripping quests, tricky side-missions, and tons of jaw-dropping moments.

But let’s be real—some of these quests can get a bit overwhelming. Between all the collectibles, Tallnecks, Cauldrons, Hunting Grounds, errands, and corrupted zones, it’s easy to lose your way. That’s where this guide comes in. I’m here to walk you through how to dominate every quest and side-mission like a seasoned Nora warrior.

Let’s get into it!

Main Quests: The Path of the Seeker

The main storyline in Horizon Zero Dawn is where Aloy’s journey begins, and it’s chock-full of action, emotion, and plot twists. Main quests usually unlock new regions, tools, and major characters. Here’s how to handle them with ease.

1. Stick to the Level Recommendations

Each main quest has a suggested level. Don’t ignore it. If you’re under-leveled, enemies will tear through your health faster than a Ravager on a rampage. Grind a little with side-quests or hunts if you're falling behind.

2. Use Your Focus—Always

That little blue device on Aloy’s head isn’t just for show. Use it constantly. It highlights machine paths, enemy weak points, and even hidden clues for puzzles. Think of it as your sixth sense.

3. Stock Up Before Big Fights

If a quest warns you about an incoming battle, that’s your cue to top up on ammo, traps, and health potions. Craft everything you can. You'll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling mid-fight.

4. Mix Stealth and Aggression

Rushing head-on into a group of machines or bandits? Not always the best idea. Hide in tall grass, use silent strikes, and toss rocks to lure enemies. Then, when the time’s right, unleash chaos with fire arrows or tripwires.

Side-Missions: Where the World Really Shines

Side-missions might not push the main plot forward, but trust me—they add layers of depth to the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. From helping villagers to solving mini-mysteries, these missions are often filled with emotional punch and sweet loot.

1. Prioritize Character-Driven Side-Missions

Some side-missions introduce you to unforgettable characters who may pop up again later. Ever heard of Nil, the mysterious warrior with a bloodthirsty streak? Don’t skip these stories—they’re worth every second.

2. Pay Attention to Dialogue Choices

Aloy gets dialogue options in most side-quests. While they rarely change outcomes dramatically, they do affect how people see her. Want her to be compassionate, clever, or aggressive? It’s up to you. Just be consistent if you’re roleplaying.

3. Side-Missions = Easy XP + Rare Gear

Let’s break it down: side-missions often give you more experience per minute than grinding enemies. And some reward you with special weapons or armor you can’t get anywhere else. So yeah, they’re totally worth it.

Errands: Small Tasks, Big Rewards

Errands are like side-quests’ little cousins. Shorter, simpler, but still useful. Think of them as quick to-do lists in the game.

1. Tackle Them While You're Nearby

Don’t go out of your way for errands unless you're already close. They’re best completed while you’re traveling between bigger quests. Efficiency is key, folks!

2. Some Lead to Bigger Things

Certain errands open up new quest lines or trigger hidden events. For example, helping a stranded traveler might reveal a hidden camp full of loot. So don’t brush them off too quickly.

Hunter’s Lodge: Prove You’re a Machine-Slaying Pro

If you love the thrill of the hunt, the Hunter’s Lodge quests are made for you. They're all about showing off your combat skills, getting better gear, and earning the respect of the hunting elite.

1. Master the Different Weapon Types

To overcome these quests, you’ll need to be a wizard with tripcasters, bows, and sling bombs. Learn how to use each one depending on the enemy. Ropecaster for flying machines, shock bombs for robots with energy cores, you get the drill.

2. Beat the Time Challenges

Most lodge missions are timed, which pressures you into being quick AND efficient. Use traps and stealth to set up your kills before the timer starts for a head start.

3. Unlock the Lodge Blast Sling

Trust me—this weapon is a beast once you get it. Complete the required lodge challenges and it’s all yours. You’ll feel like a walking tank afterward.

Cauldrons: Where the Machines are Made

Imagine sneaking into a robotic factory, dodging death traps, and downloading the ability to override deadly machines. Welcome to Cauldrons.

1. Prepare for a Dungeon-Like Experience

Each Cauldron is like a mini dungeon—twists, turns, and tons of enemies. They’re dense, dark, and sometimes confusing. Bring fire arrows and healing items, because you’ll need both.

2. Use Overrides Strategically

Completing a Cauldron lets you override certain machine classes. Use these to your advantage during tough fights. Turn a Thunderjaw into your personal bodyguard? Yes, please.

Tallnecks: Your Eyes in the Sky

Tallnecks are Horizon Zero Dawn’s version of Assassin’s Creed view-points. Climb them, override them, and reveal huge chunks of the map.

1. Don’t Try to Fight Them

Tallnecks aren’t aggressive. They’re like peaceful giraffe-robots. The challenge lies in figuring out how to climb them, not killing them (which, by the way—you can’t).

2. Look Around Before You Climb

Each Tallneck requires a unique approach. Some are surrounded by bandits, others by cliffs or machines. Use your Focus to scout the best path up. It’s a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Corrupted Zones: Clean Up the Map

These are machine-infested areas that are, well, corrupted. Machines here are extra aggressive and tougher. But clearing these zones makes the map safer.

1. Use Ranged Tactics

Don't go toe-to-toe with corrupted machines. Stay in stealth, lay traps, and try to thin the herd before jumping into the main fight. Fire arrows work wonders here.

2. Bring the Right Armor

Equip gear that resists corruption damage. If you haven’t unlocked corruption-resistant armor yet, keep an eye out for it in side-quests or merchants’ inventories.

Bandit Camps: Wipe Out the Scum

Clearing bandit camps is satisfying as heck. You’re liberating areas, unlocking new fast travel points, and collecting rare loot.

1. Clear with Stealth First

Start by picking off isolated guards silently. Use Aloy’s whistle to lure them into tall grass traps. Once you thin their numbers, go loud if needed.

2. Pay Attention to the Leader

Each camp has a leader. Taking them out causes major disruption and can sometimes end the fight early. Make them your top priority.

Tips to Overcome Any Quest or Mission

Before we wrap up, here’s a hit-list of quick tips that’ll make every mission smoother.

- Upgrade your gear regularly—don’t get comfortable.
- Customize coils and mods to match the machines you’re fighting.
- Fast travel smart. Don’t waste time zigzagging the map.
- Use elemental weaknesses—shock, fire, and freeze are your besties.
- Collect as you go—herbs, machine parts, everything.
- Save often at campfires. You never know what’s lurking around the corner.

Final Thoughts

Listen, Horizon Zero Dawn is more than just a bunch of quests and side-missions. It’s a living, breathing world that invites you to explore, experiment, and immerse yourself. Every mission adds a piece to the puzzle, and every side-story makes the world feel that much richer.

Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t stress about completing EVERYTHING in one go. You’ll get more out of the game by playing at your own pace. Whether you’re toppling Thunderjaws or chatting with a quirky NPC, the key is to stay curious and stay prepared.

Good luck, Seeker. The wilds await.