Though Horizon Zero Dawn gets a lot of things right, map traversal arguably isn't one of them. The fast travel system relies on campfires and special packs, while the game's mountable machines often struggle with the open world's rocky and mountainous terrains. Thankfully, Horizon Forbidden West improves quite a bit in this area, with the Shieldwing Glider, easy-to-identify climbing points, and flying mounts all helping to make map traversal feel quite a bit less clunky this time around.
Flying isn't just used as a means of map traversal though, with the mechanic also playing a pivotal role in the main story of Horizon Forbidden West. There are several side quests and errands that can only be completed with a flying mount too, all of which can be initiated before players are actually able to fly. As a result, this can be a little confusing for players, with many left wondering what it means when the game tells them to fly.
Updated June 17, 2022, by Tom Bowen: Being able to call in a flying mount with the push of a button can make a huge difference to the way that players navigate the world of Horizon Forbidden West. It can have a big impact when it comes to puzzles and collectibles too, with players able to use their winged-mount to easily reach the tops of Tallnecks and bring down high-flying surveillance drones. Perhaps the most interesting thing about flying in Horizon Forbidden West, however, is the handful of side quests and errands that the mechanic opens up. There are only four of them in total, but they're all noticeably different from the game's other side activities and so are definitely worth checking out. With this in mind, this guide has been updated to include information about all of the flying mount quests in Horizon Forbidden West.
How to Fly in Horizon Forbidden West
Before players can fly, they'll first need to complete the Gemini main story mission, during which, Aloy receives a Sunwing override key. They'll then have to initiate the Wings of the Ten mission, which begins with Aloy heading into the mountains near the base in order to find a Sunwing to override. There are three of them just standing around up there, so doing so should be a relatively straightforward task.
From here, players will need to continue on with the mission, which involves overriding a Tallneck in the Shining Wastes, collecting a Horus Energy Cell from a burned-out Titan, and defeating Regalla in combat. After deciding whether to kill or spare Regalla, players will then be able to use their flying mount however they choose; whether for exploration or completing the four errands and side quests that require a flying mount.
How to Control the Flying Mount
Controlling a Sunwing is actually fairly simple. X is used to move the machine forwards, while the analog stick determines the direction in which it moves (up and down are inverted by default). As well as performing a barrel roll with the Triangle button, players can press the Square button to dismount at any time and the Circle button to hover. While hovering, R1 will cause the Sunwing to ascend and R2 will make it land.
When it comes to calling their Sunwing, players can press Down on the D-Pad just as they would with a regular mount. Providing there aren't any obstructions above and Aloy isn't in a settlement, the Sunwing will swoop down and scoop her up whenever it's called. After Aloy dismounts, the Sunwing will usually hover around the area, with players able to grapple their way back onto it using the Pullcaster. The Sunwing can also pluck Aloy out of the sky while she's gliding with the Shieldwing.
What Can Players Do with a Flying Mount?
Naturally, being able to fly makes certain tasks considerably easier, particularly those which require players to get up high. Flying can therefore be used to override Tallnecks or bring down recon drones with absolute ease, as well as scanning machines from above without alerting them. Those who haven't already can also get an easy bronze trophy by flying as high as possible, dismounting, and then gliding continuously for sixty seconds.
Flying Mount Quests in Horizon Forbidden West
As well as making it much easier to traverse the map, the flying mount also grants access to four special side quests and errands that can only be completed while riding atop a Sunwing. As the name might suggest, players will need to complete two of these in order to unlock the game's "Completed 2 Flying Mount Quests" Trophy. Though any two will do, players may want to prioritize "The Way Home" and "First to Fly," as the former rewards players with a Legendary Weapon and the latter a Very Rare armor set.
The Way Home
"The Way Home" requires players to search for a gyrocompass by investigating two shipwrecks off the coast of the Quen settlement. Players can initiate the side quest by speaking with Harriem and Kristia, who can be found in Legacy's Landfall once players have unlocked the flying mount. Completing the quest will reward players with The Skykiller, one of only a handful of Legendary Weapons in Horizon Forbidden West. They'll also get 10,400 XP and 2 Skill Points for their trouble.
First to Fly
"First to Fly" is an errand that's given to Aloy by Serivva in the Bulwark. Players will be able to initiate it before unlocking the flying mount, though the four pieces of armor that they need to find to complete it won't actually spawn in until players have done so. After defeating the Stormbird that shows up after finding the armor at the location marked on the map, players will be able to turn in the quest to receive 6,500 XP and a single skill point. They'll also be allowed to keep Ferikka's "Tenakth Sky Climber" armor for themselves, which is one of the better Very Rare sets.
Shining Example
"Shining Example" is another of Horizon Forbidden West's flying mount errands and can be initiated by speaking with Marallo in Arrowhand. To complete the errand, players will need to head to the location marked on the map and kill a bunch of machines. Once they've all been taken care of, a Dreadwing will show up which players will again need to best before they can claim their reward. After doing so, they'll get 6,500 XP, one Skill Pint, and a Greenshine Slab which can be used for upgrading Aloy's weapons and armor.
Tides of Justice
The final flying mount quest in Horizon Forbidden West is called "Tides of Justice" and requires players to track down a group of bandits who plundered Tide's Reach. Before they can do so, however, they'll first need to head to the settlement and speak with Cragella to initiate the quest. Players will then need to travel east across the ocean, where they'll find the bandits hiding out in some ruins. After bringing them to justice, Aloy will gain 6,500 XP and a solitary skill point.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now on PS4 and PS5.
