Horizon Forbidden West features a number of mysterious underground locations known as cauldrons, which are key to unlocking new abilities and expanding the game's story. These cauldrons were introduced in the first game, Horizon Zero Dawn, and they will play an even bigger role in the upcoming sequel.
What are Cauldrons?
Cauldrons are ancient facilities created by an advanced civilization that existed long before the game's events. They are filled with challenging puzzles and powerful machines that players must defeat to unlock new abilities and weapons. Each cauldron is unique, and players will need to explore and solve the puzzles within to uncover their secrets. In Horizon Zero Dawn, players had to complete three cauldrons to unlock new abilities and progress the story. In Horizon Forbidden West, there will be even more cauldrons to explore and conquer. These cauldrons will be larger and more complex than in the previous game, with more challenging puzzles and tougher enemies.
How to override the Cauldrons?
Players can unlock certain machine overrides by completing a Cauldron. These overrides allow players to control robots they encounter in the game world. However, gaining access to these abilities requires players to navigate through complex climbing puzzles and defeat a boss at the end of each Cauldron.
Once players have unlocked an override, they can use it to command machines in battle. However, not all machines can be used as mounts. Only four specific machines - Charger, Clawstrider, Bristleback, and Sunwing - can be ridden.
In addition, players may not receive a full override from a Cauldron. Some facilities may provide partial overrides that require players to gather additional materials from machines they want to hack before they can fully craft their overrides. For example, the Scrapper Override requires two Scrapper Radars and one Scrapper Primary Nerve to make. This means players may need to take on multiple Scrappers to collect the necessary materials for their overrides.
Where are all the Cauldrons located?
Horizon Forbidden West Cauldron Locations
Cauldron Sigma
Cauldron Sigma is located in the southern part of the game world, in the region known as the Sundom. This Cauldron is accessible early on in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Watchers, one of the most common machines in the game. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including Watchers, Striders, and Scrappers, so you'll need to use a combination of stealth, traps, and weapons to make your way through it.
Cauldron Rho
Cauldron Rho is located in the western part of the game world, in the region known as the Cliffside. This Cauldron is accessible later in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Ravagers, powerful machines that are capable of launching devastating attacks. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including Snapmaws, Glinthawks, and Stalkers, so you'll need to be prepared for a tough fight.
Cauldron Xi
Cauldron Xi is located in the eastern part of the game world, in the region known as the Great Plains. This Cauldron is accessible later in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Lancehorns, a type of machine that can be used as mounts. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including Longlegs, Shell-Walkers, and Snapmaws, so you'll need to be ready for a challenging battle.
Cauldron Eta
Cauldron Eta is located in the northern part of the game world, in the region known as the Hinterlands. This Cauldron is accessible later in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Tramplers, powerful machines that are capable of charging at you with incredible speed. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including Longlegs, Glinthawks, and Tramplers, so you'll need to use your skills and weapons wisely to make it through.
Cauldron Mu
Cauldron Mu is located in the southern part of the game world, in the region known as the Sundom. This Cauldron is accessible later in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Behemoths, massive machines that are heavily armored and armed. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including Snapmaws, Watchers, and Behemoths, so you'll need to be ready for a tough challenge.
Cauldron Zeta
Cauldron Zeta is located in the southwestern part of the game world, in the region known as the Forbidden West. This Cauldron is accessible later in the game, and completing it will grant you the ability to override Thunderjaws, one of the most powerful machines in the game. The Cauldron is guarded by a variety of machines, including a Stalker.
List of Cauldrons in Horizon Forbidden West
Here's a breakdown of the Horizon Forbidden West Cauldrons in the game, along with the rewards you receive upon completion. However, it's important to note that some are story-specific and won't count toward game completion.
Cauldron MU (Level 18)
This is the first Cauldron you'll encounter while exploring, and it's an optional one that counts towards your total game completion.
Full overrides include Burrower, Scrounger, and Grazer.
Crafting required includes Scrapper, Fanghorn, and Widemaw.
Repair Bay Tau (Level 15)
This Cauldron is linked to the story, and you'll likely find it first, depending on how much you explore.
The full override is Bristleback.
Crafting required includes Plowhorn and Grimhorn.
Cauldron Gemini (Level 30)
While you may stumble upon Cauldron Gemini on your own, it's best to wait until the story takes you there because you won't be able to do anything with it until then.
It won't count toward completion because it's a story event.
The full override is Sunwing.
Cauldron Iota (Level 22)
This Cauldron is one of the best in the game as it contains a secret Horizon Forbidden West Tallneck.
Overrides include Leaplasher, Glinthawk, Lancehorn, Longleg, and Clawstrider.
Crafting required includes Skydrifter, Bellowback, Ravager, Snapmaw, and Rollerback.
You'll need to find another way in, which is just to the south of the main entrance.
Cauldron Chi (Level 30)
To access this Cauldron, you'll need to find another way in, which is to the right of the main door.
Overrides include Frostclaw, Redeye Watcher, Shell-Walker, Clamberjaw, and Behemoth.
Crafting required includes Stalker, Shellsnapper, Spikesnout, Scorcher, and Fireclaw.
It involves a focus on getting the power back on and finding batteries.
Cauldron Kappa (Level 40)
This is the most challenging Cauldron in the game, and it's for Level 40 players.
You'll need to get in via an underwater entrance and be prepared for some tough climbing while changing water levels to proceed.
Overrides include Rockbreaker, Tideripper, Tremortusk, and Stormbird.
Crafting required includes Thunderjaw, Slitherfang, Dreadwing, and Slaughterspine.
There's a big fight at the end, so it shouldn't be taken lightly.
In addition to unlocking new abilities, completing cauldrons will also expand the game's story. Players will learn more about the ancient civilization that created the cauldrons and the events that led to their downfall. There will also be new characters and factions to discover, adding to the game's rich lore.
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