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Horizon Zero Dawn

Best Builds: Damage, Resistance, and Stealth Builds

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★ Horizon Forbidden West Guide & Walkthrough Wiki

Horizon Zero Dawn - Best Builds.png

This is a guide to making the best build for maximum damage and defense in Horizon Zero Dawn. To learn what outfits and weapons will deal the most damage and offer the most protection, read on!

List of Contents

Weapon Builds

Best DPS Weapons

Equipment Primary Mod
Horizon Zero Dawn - Banuk Striker BowBanuk Striker Bow Horizon Zero Dawn - Untested Coil.pngUntested Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Shadow RattlerShadow Rattler Horizon Zero Dawn - Hidebound Coil.pngHidebound Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Banuk Powershot BowBanuk Powershot Bow Horizon Zero Dawn - Pristine Coil.pngPristine Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Lodge Blast SlingLodge Blast Sling Damage Coil.pngDamage Weapon Coil

This is a straight up in-and-out shooter build focuses on the ability to deal damage against various enemy types without relying on the elements for a tactical advantage. This is is useful for players who want to play the game at a fast pace relying on quick kills to end encounters.

Best Elemental Damage Weapons

Equipment Primary Mod
Horizon Zero Dawn - Banuk Champion BowBanuk Champion Bow Horizon Zero Dawn - DrummerDrummer's Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Shadow SlingShadow Sling Horizon Zero Dawn - VeteranVeteran's Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Shadow TripcasterShadow Tripcaster Horizon Zero Dawn - Painted Coil.pngPainted Weapon Coil
Horizon Zero Dawn - Shadow RattlerShadow Rattler Horizon Zero Dawn - Hidebound Coil.pngHidebound Weapon Coil

This build focuses more on using the elements to turn the tide of battle to your advantage. While damaging and depleting your enemy's HP is the key to any encounter, when playing on Hard or even Ultra Hard, using the elements to create openings for your arrows and bombs will help you take down difficult enemies.

Outfit Builds

Tank Build

Outfit
Shield WeaverShield Weaver

The Shield Weaver is an absolute beast at taking damage. This outfit has a shield generator that can take damage equal to your max HP before depleting your actual HP. This allows you to just tank damage as you deal damage of your own.

Health Regen Build

Outfit Mod Recommendations
Banuk Werak ChieftainBanuk Werak Chieftain Horizon Zero Dawn - Reinforced Weave.pngReinforced Outfit Weave Horizon Zero Dawn - WarriorWarrior's Outfit Weave

The Banuk Werak Chieftain would come at a close second when it comes to builds thanks to its health regeneration ability. Granted that it will take a bit of time before the regeneration starts, it does leave room for modifications to minimize the damage you take.

Elemental/Stealth Build

Outfit Mod Recommendations
Nora Silent Hunter MasterNora Silent Hunter Master Horizon Zero Dawn - Heat Sink Weave.pngHeat Sink Outfit Weave Horizon Zero Dawn - Insulated Weave.pngInsulated Outfit Weave Horizon Zero Dawn - SurvivorSurvivor's Outfit Weave

For an overall protective build that gives you that stealth advantage, the Nora Silent Hunter Master is second to none. With 3 modification slots, it allows for maximum customizability against the elements and even straight up damage.

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Beginner's Guide: Tips and Tricks for Getting Started

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How to Complete Tutorials All Stranded Item Locations
Weapons Tier List Outfits Tier List
All Editions Guide What Does Corruption Do?
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Best Builds: Damage, Resistance, and Stealth Builds Best Modifications and How to Get
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