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Scattered across the landscape of Horizon Forbidden West, players can see remnants of modern society before the apocalypse thousands of years prior. Referred to in game as the Old Ones, their ruins are an integral part of the story regardless of if it is a main quest or a side quest.
One example of an Old One focused side quest, is the quest 'Drowned Hopes'. In this quest, Aloy investigates a Carja expedition site and learns of a prototype that could be useful for her as she explores the wilderness. This guide will show Horizon Forbidden West players how to start and complete 'Drowned Hopes'.
Talk to the Carja Scholars
This side quest can be started at the Carja Outpost by talking to the two scholars that are arguing. Aloy looks at the relic that was found at the Carja dig site. Turns out the 'tray' is a Data Drive with information about a Mobile Cover System. Interested in learning more, Aloy agrees to help clear out the machines at the dig site.
Before continuing this quest, players must have the Special Gear that allows them to breathe underwater.
Go to the Dig Site
The Dig Site is not far from the Carja Outpost, so it won't take long to get there. Before investigating the area, the machines must be destroyed first. Once it is clear, Aloy comments on how she should search underwater for more information.
Search the Lake
Dive into the water and move down toward the bottom of the lake. Use the Focus to find a security terminal. Swim down toward the hole and use the terminal. This causes the chest next to the terminal to unlock. Inside the chest is a Vault Key. In addition, players get coordinates to the location of another key.
Look for the Second Vault Key
The next key is not in the lake, so swim back up to the surface and follow the waypoint to reach the next area. Once again, there are machines that need to be cleared out before looking for the next Vault Key.
Enter the ruined building and slowly climb down the shaft. On the right side of the shaft, there is a doorway that is open and glows with purple light. Climb toward this spot to reach the next terminal and the second Vault Key sealed within the box.
Look for the Third Key
One more key must be found in order to get the Mobile Cover System. Head toward the coordinates and dive into the water. There is a door that can be pried open. Beyond the door, take a left to find another door that needs to be pried open. Inside this room is the third and final Vault Key.
Find the Vault
Fortunately, the coordinates for the Vault are contained with the third Vault Key as well. The entrance to the Vault can only be reached by diving through a underwater tunnel. Use the spear to pry away rocks in the wall and leave the water.
The entrance to the Vault is guarded by machines, but unlike previous steps of this quest they do not have to be killed. There is plenty of tall grass to hide in along the way toward the Vault. If players want, they can destroy the machines instead of sneaking past them. Once at the entrance to the Vault, insert the three Vault Keys to unlock the door. Go inside and loot the chest to find the Mobile Cover System.
Return to the Carja Scholars
With the Mobile Cover System obtained, return to the Carja Outpost and speak to the two scholars. Gendas is pleased to see what Aloy found and gives her the Data Drive so that she can use both artifacts to craft a weapon.
Approach the workbench next to the scholars and craft the Guardian Tripcaster. Upon crafting this new weapon, the side quest will end.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now on PS4 and PS5.
