Taking the foundation of its predecessor, Horizon: Forbidden West expands and evolves the franchise with new gameplay mechanics and features. As players head west to stop a new and world ending threat, Aloy has new tools available to her to help traverse the landscape including the Pullcaster, a grappling hook style device, as well as the Shieldwing Glider for landing softly from large heights.
In addition to new tools and exploration mechanics like underwater diving, Horizon: Forbidden West introduces its largest set of machine enemies the franchise has seen. While some fan favorite machines return from the first game, including the T-Rex-like Thunderjaw, Guerrilla's latest introduces a variety of new enemies as well. This includes the Tremortusk, a massive machine mamoth that was featured predominantly in promotional materials and pre-release demos.
Horizon: Forbidden West also takes some notes from the comic series by incorporating Apex level machines for players to hunt. These are unique variants that are more powerful and are distinctive through their black armor plating. Some are easier to find than others, though for the bat-like Dreadwing, players will want to follow this guide to find this Apex predator.
Apex Dreadwing Location
TO get started, players will want to head to the location called The Maw of the Arena. This is nearly at the very center of the map and is directly north of The Memorial Grove, a story-related settlement that players will visit. To the West of The Maw is a Slaughterspine Site which is home to a deadly and formidable machine opponent. Thankfully, players don't have to go there, but to the South of that Site is home to Dreadwing, which can be seen flying around the mountains. This is also the location where the Apex Dreadwing can be found, flying among normal versions, so players will want to use their focus to scan each one to find it.
One thing to note here is that this isn't a static encounter. The Apex Dreadwing appears to be RNG based, appearing at random in this location, so players may need to fast travel a few times before it appears. It may also be valuable to eliminate the machines in this area, as Apex level machines are drawn to areas where other machines are killed in large numbers. In addition, it's advised that players search for the Apex Dreadwing at night, which seems to give the highest odds of it appearing.
Apex Dreadwing Details
Unlike the normal version of the Dreadwing, players will want to bring plasma weapons with them to face off against the Apex. This is the only element that it is weak to, as using Fire, Purgewater, and Ice are all ineffective. Ideally, players will want to bring along Glowblast weapons, which heavily feature plasma infused projectiles or one of the big, legendary Hunter Bows like the Death-Seeker's Shadow.
In terms of fighting it, players should use the same strategy as they would against a normal version of the Dreadwing. It uses the same style of disruptive attacks, so players will want to attempt to tear off various pieces like the Metalbite Sac, Flash Blinders, and Metal Fang. The Antenna should also be a priority, as removing that prevents the Dreadwing from calling for backup, making the fight even tougher.
Detaching the Bomb Launcher also allows Aloy to use it against the Dreadwing, so another viable strategy is to tear that off its chest then use it to deal additional damage. A ropecaster weapon can also make life easier by tying the flying creature down briefly allowing players to get a few good shots in at it before it breaks loose.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now on PS4 and PS5.
