In an attempt to boost player agency and choice withinHorizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games has completely overhauled the skill trees seen inZero Dawn. As a result of this, players will find that they have more options available to them withinthe PS4 and PS5 sequel. Beyond reinforcing the game’s RPG DNA, the shift in philosophy has also resulted in the creation of several distinct classes that Aloy can now embody.
In the run-up to the release ofHorizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla spent part of its marketing efforts talking about the sequel’s melee combat improvements. With thins in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising that one of the skill trees that can be invested in heavily emphasizes a melee-based play style. While there’s plenty of other classes available to players, focusing on the subsequent ‘Warrior’ build comes with some clear benefits.
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The Warrior Skill tree
Any player who looks into the Warrior skill tree will realize thatGuerrillahas filled it with perks that reinforce Aloy’s spear and ability to deal high levels of damage. Using skill points earned by leveling up, players can invest in 20 different perks that transform the Nora hunter into a competent melee fighter. WhileHorizon Forbidden West‘s melee mechanics never quite ascend to the same levels seen in games likeGod of War, fighting in close-quarters is now an enjoyable experience that’s enhanced by a Warrior build focus.
Like each of the potential build options available toplayers inForbidden West, the Warrior can be broken down into four groups of skills. At the top there’s the ‘Active Skills’, which add new moves to Aloy’s arsenal like the effective ‘Nora Hunter’ combo. This skill should be a priority to all, as it can be used to easily cut through smaller machines. Aside from ‘Passive Boosts’ that raise the protagonist’s melee damage output, there’s also three ‘Weapon Techniques’ that unlock fun Bow-based bonuses.
It might seem counterintuitive to pick these in a melee-based Warrior build, but taking each can add welcome variety into the mix. The ‘Melee Detonator’ in particular should be at the top of most wishlists, as it allows Aloy to fire a special explosive arrow at an enemy that she can detonate with a melee strike. While there’s also twoValor Surges' within this build class, the ‘Melee Might’ perk is arguably the most viable. For a select amount of time, Aloy’s melee damage output is boosted exponentially whenever it’s activated.
Unlike the other skill trees and classes that can be found withinForbidden West, the Warrior build and its buffs weren’t present in a different guise withinthe originalHorizongame. This is not only further evidence of the improvements that Guerrilla has made to melee combat, it also highlights the uniqueness that players will experience if they choose to invest in the concept. Instead of being an afterthought, added into the game to keep it in line with other open-world titles, fighting in close quarters is now a viable option that’s worth exploring.
Forbidden West’s Warrior Gear
Having a deep arsenal of perks is only one of the reasons why players should keep the Warrior build in mind while they playForbidden West. There’s also a wide selection of gear pieces available, which can make its play-style one of the most devastating. When it comes to specific armor options that reinforce the Warrior, players should keep their eyes out forthe Oseram-themed setsthat can be bought from vendors. These tend to come with built-in melee and impact resistances, which can allow Aloy to stick around in close quarters for longer.
Unlocking the ‘Oseram Artificer’ is something that Warrior players should focus on doing when theyreachForbidden West’s endgame, though. Acquiring the set through the completion of the Keruf’s Salvage Unlimited side-quest might take some time, but its unparalleled resistance stats and buffs make the effort worth it. Guerrilla has also added several weaves into the game that can enhance both of these qualities even further when they’re equipped. ‘Power Attack’ and ‘Valor on Impact’ Weaves are particularly useful to Warriors.
On the weapons front, thanks to the build’s melee-focus Aloy’s spear is always going to be its primary tool. However, players can’t go wrong with the ‘Barrage Blastsling’ that can be purchased from vendors. Its high damage output will likely solidify its place as a handy backup companion. The ‘Carja’s Bane’ Warrior Bow that can be acquired after finding all ofForbidden West’s Black Boxesis similarly a sound loadout addition too. Adding several ‘Impact’ and ‘Knockdown Damage’ Coils to both can help to stagger larger machines, leaving them vulnerable to melee combos.
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Warrior Specific Trophies
Even though trophies might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that they occasionally shine a light on a game’s hidden features. That’sthe case withForbidden Westat least, as Guerrilla has ensured that several of its virtual accolades are tied to optional side-activities. Focusing on a Warrior build will actually make acquiring several of these more straightforward.
InForbidden West, players will stumble across the Melee Pit challenge early on while they’re exploring Chainscrape. It’s at this point that Aloy will be informed of the 15 melee-based challenges she can undertake at locations across the open-world. Completing all of these, while beating each ofthe Tenakth tribe’s Pit Masters, will unlock the ‘Defeated the Enduring’ trophy. As the name of the activity infers, fighting in close-quarters with melee attacks is vital to success.
Acquiring Warrior perks inForbidden West’s skill tree will therefore make earning the trophy easier. As an added bonus, players that haven’t snagged the ‘Performed 3 Melee Combos’ trophy will earn it while they’re competing, thanks to the unique combos that are unlocked in the Pit.Taking on the Enduring challengewill also conversely make the Warrior build more effective for good measure. After defeating the final Pit Master, the fallen leader will enhance Aloy’s spear damage stat, making melee-centric combat strategies all the more viable.
Horizon Forbidden Westis available now on PS4 and PS5.
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