Horizon Forbidden West - ''Reaching For The Stars'' | Aloy and Varl [The Beginning}

In the “Reaching for the Stars” mission of Horizon Forbidden West, players take on the role of Aloy, who is on a quest to find a backup of GAIA, an advanced terraforming system. This mission serves as a prologue and sets the stage for Aloy’s journey through ancient ruins alongside her companion Varl. Objectives The primary objectives of this mission include gathering medicinal resources, crafting arrows, navigating through ancient ruins, and ultimately searching for a GAIA backup. Players will encounter various machines and must decide whether to engage them in combat or use stealth tactics to bypass them. Gathering Resources At the start of the mission, players are tasked with collecting Medicinal Skybrush berries to heal any damage taken during their descent into the ruins. These berries can be found near water sources. Additionally, Ridge-Wood is collected to craft arrows necessary for combat against hostile machines. Navigating Ancient Ruins As Aloy and Varl make their way through the ruins, they will face challenges such as examining machine carcasses and overcoming obstacles using crafted tools like the Pullcaster. Players will need to solve environmental puzzles to progress deeper into the facility. Combat Encounters Throughout this mission, players will encounter various machines such as Burrowers and Scroungers. Stealth mechanics are emphasized, allowing players to perform silent strikes or set traps using crafted items like Blast Traps. Combat skills are crucial for defeating these enemies while managing health resources effectively. Climactic Moments The mission culminates in a significant battle against a Slitherfang—a new type of machine that poses a formidable challenge. Players must utilize their knowledge of machine weaknesses and environmental advantages to defeat it before proceeding to search for GAIA’s backup in the Data Center. Conclusion Completing “Reaching for the Stars” not only advances Aloy’s story but also introduces key gameplay mechanics that will be essential throughout Horizon Forbidden West. The mission rewards players with experience points and important items that aid in future quests.