Horizon Forbidden West's Ultra Hard Mode has brought a new challenge to fans in its new update. It involves the same game but is ramped up with higher enemy damage, lower health, and a brand new thrill to what is already a fantastic open-world adventure.
However, even with this added challenge, players still want to feel like a pro. Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a game where the player just keeps on dying without being able to get past one section. Luckily, with these tips, players will be well on their way to the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment throughout Horizon Forbidden West.
7 Understand The Machines
Much of the player's understanding will come from experiencing the game originally. They should know enough about the machines to find their weaknesses and understand which ones to ride, which ones to fight, and which ones to avoid as best as they can.
This understanding will need to be deeper if players want to succeed in Ultra Hard Mode. They will need to know exactly where and when to hit and what is best to hit them with. After all, in a game like this one, the machines are extremely volatile, reactive, and will not hesitate to take Aloy down. Figure out how to best approach the machine before going in for the kill.
6 Practice, Practice, Practice
No one advertised the Ultra Hard Mode as being an easy experience, it's labeled as such and is undeniably a challenge many were not expecting. However, for the most part, perseverance is key. Players will need to practice in both the original mode and the harder mode if they want to get the skills to take down enemies or sneak past them.
This mode in particular relies heavily on skill and understanding of the game mechanics. There is little room for error so the player needs to practice their shooting and their overall skills to succeed in Horizon Forbidden West.
5 Get The Best Weapons Before Starting
One of the best aspects about the Ultra Hard Mode is that it doesn't take away players' items. Since it's purely a difficulty option, players can change it at any point to best suit their needs. However, they will need to access the Ultra Hard Mode through a New Game +.
Luckily, this requirement will allow players an extra boost when searching for the best weapons in Horizon Forbidden West, especially with the newly announced Legendary Weapons. Having powerful weapons and armor is vital on a mode like this and players will need to seek out and perfect their use of such tools if they want to stay alive.
4 Keep An Eye On Your Health
When selecting Ultra Hard Mode, it should come as no surprise that the enemies will hit Aloy much harder than expected. Even the weaker machines can pack a punch and certain fights can lead to Aloy being one-hit if she's in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is why managing her health is so vital. Keep an eye on it at all times and make sure to be stocked up on extra elements of healing. Also, don't be afraid to try and get out of a situation if your health drops relatively quickly.
3 Be Prepared For Stealth To Go Wrong
Aside from the amount of damage machines can deal, one of the most prominent changes players will see in the Ultra Hard Mode is the accuracy and skill required to effectively stealth. It takes some intense skill to successfully stealth close to an observant machine so players will need to master this or stay away from enemies if they can.
It's not impossible but the slightest movement or damage dealt to the machine in question will send them charging at Aloy with pinpoint accuracy. Always be prepared for this to happen when traversing the beautiful world of Horizon Forbidden West.
2 Don't Buy Resources
When playing Horizon Forbidden West on any other difficulty, Resources are somewhat available. After all, players will need them for a plethora of things from buying weapons to crafting arrows or upgrading other aspects as Aloy traverses the unforgiving landscape.
In such difficulties, it's not uncommon to simply buy what's needed from a merchant and carry on with the game. This is something players should avoid. Resources are hard to come by but buying them from merchants is incredibly expensive and players need to keep as many Shards as they can. It's worth trying to farm them rather than wasting hard-earned Shards on Resources players can get from machines.
1 Only Craft When Needed
Due to the limited resources, players will need to be particularly careful when managing and using such materials. Typically, players will prefer to go into a battle with a full quiver of arrows or a full inventory of other relevant ammunition. This is a great way to approach a battle but can be relatively resource-heavy when Aloy is spending a small amount before every fight.
When playing Horizon Forbidden West, try being a little careful with resources. Spending lots on a regular occasion can prove to be devastating if players choose to change weapons only to find they've completely run out of the resources required to use them. These materials are hard to come by so think before each shot and be careful when crafting.
Horizon Forbidden West is available now on PS4 and PS5.