Horizon Zero Dawn is renowned for its breathtaking open world and intricate story, but beyond the main quests lies a vast network of hidden caches, secret side quests, and collectible items. This guide is your complete walkthrough to uncovering every secret in Aloy’s journey, from rare weaponry to hidden machines, secret narrative moments, and all collectible locations. Perfect for players seeking 100% completion and maximum loot, it’s structured for SEO optimization and practical usability.
How to Explore Horizon Zero Dawn for Hidden Content
- Investigate off-path areas: Many hidden caches and side quests are tucked behind mountains, cliffs, and forests.
- Use the Focus ability: Scan the environment for weak points, collectibles, and hidden objects.
- Complete errands for NPCs: Some secret quests only appear after helping side characters in unexpected ways.
- Revisit previous zones: New areas and hidden caches often unlock after advancing the main story.
- Track collectibles methodically: Mapping locations ensures nothing is missed for trophies or achievements.
Hidden Caches & Rare Loot Locations
1. Ancient Tech Caches
Location: Various abandoned ruins scattered across the Embrace and the Cut.
Rewards: Rare crafting components, including Hardpoint Mods for weapons.
Tips: Use Focus to detect hidden entrances and weak walls.
2. Hidden Weapon Caches
Location: Rocky cliffs and valley floors near Cauldron entrances.
Rewards: Advanced bows, slings, and unique ammunition.
Tips: Scan for small glowing markers indicating loot containers.
3. Machine Overrides & Rare Parts
Location: Hidden in less-traveled wilderness zones.
Rewards: Items for modifying machine behavior or upgrading traps.
Tips: Certain overrides require stealth or specific environmental conditions to access.
Secret Side Quests & How to Trigger Them
1. The Banuk Trader Quest
Location: Eastern Banuk lands.
Trigger: Speak to the trader after a specific main quest event.
Rewards: Rare Banuk weapons, cosmetic outfits.
Tips: Some dialogue choices unlock bonus collectible items.
2. Forbidden West Relic Quest (Optional Early Access)
Location: Hidden cave system near the southwest of the map.
Trigger: Discover a mysterious artifact during normal exploration.
Rewards: Unique machine-mounted weapons and lore entries.
Tips: Requires climbing and environmental puzzle-solving.
3. Shadow Carja Camp Rescue
Location: Mountain valley north of Meridian.
Trigger: Investigate a faint signal of distress near a Carja encampment.
Rewards: XP, rare ammo, and secret narrative cutscenes.
Tips: Approach carefully; some enemies patrol stealthily.
4. Hidden Photo Ops & Lore Panels
Location: Scattered throughout all biomes.
Trigger: Use your Focus ability to uncover hidden inscriptions and images.
Rewards: Additional backstory, collectible lore pages, and aesthetic achievements.
Tips: Many panels are missable if the player rushes past areas.
Collectibles Overview
1. Metal Flowers
- Found across all territories.
- Required for trophy/achievement completion.
- Tips: Focus on cliffs, caves, and rooftops for hard-to-reach blooms.
2. Ancient Vessels
- Hidden within abandoned Cauldrons and ruins.
- Contain rare crafting resources.
- Tips: Scan environment carefully; some vessels are behind destructible walls.
3. Banuk Figures & Hunting Grounds Challenges
- Optional collectible statues and hidden trial spots.
- Unlock unique story entries and weapons.
- Tips: Combine exploration with machine hunting to maximize efficiency.
Tips for 100% Hidden Content Completion
- Systematically scan all areas using Focus.
- Map each collectible and cache for repeat visits.
- Complete NPC side quests before advancing storylines that may lock zones.
- Return to previously explored zones after key main quest events.
- Experiment with stealth and environmental interaction to uncover secret loot and triggers.
GGC