Ranking All the Elite Enemy Types in Horizon Forbidden West, From Hard to Absolute Nightmare

Horizon Forbidden West is the ideal sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, as it keeps the best from the last game and adds new things to make it much better. In this new journey, Aloy sets for the mysterious Forbidden West to save the world once again. Aloy comes across many new faces in this journey, although turned out to be great allies while some are enemies.

Talking about enemies, the primary enemy in this video game series is the machine that took over the world. Horizon Zero Dawn featured some devastating machines, but the sequel added some more dangerous ones to the list. Let’s look into the strongest machines to defeat in Horizon Forbidden West.

10. Leaplasher

Leaplasher might not look like a threat but this kangaroo-like machine sure packs some punch. It is extremely nimble, hopping about swiftly and making it difficult to attack weak points even with Concentration.

If agility wasn’t enough of a challenge, this Transport class machine can seize Aloy with its claw, trapping her and kicking her away with its legs. Leaplasher’s attacks are imbued with Shock Damage, so using weapons that do Purgewater Damage is the way to defeat it.

9. Widemaw

Widemaw is an Acquisition class machine introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn. This hippo-like Pokemon cannot move as quickly as Leaplasher but can use its vacuum to draw enemies closer to attack. It can also suck adjacent rocks and reverse the direction of its vacuum to shoot them.

The front isn’t the only thing to keep an eye out for, as the turbines at the back can perform the same job as the vacuum. Its strong armor and lack of weak points make it an even more difficult foe to tackle. The only way to defeat a Widemaw is to use Purgewater Damage weapons and maintain a good distance from it.

8. Frostclaw

Horizon Zero Dawn’s DLC, The Frozen Wilds first introduced Frostclaw, an Acquisition Class bear-like machine. But it made a comeback in the 2022-released sequel. This machine has some devastating claw attacks in its arsenal. Despite the huge size, it is quite fast.

But the devastating claw attacks aren’t the only moves, as it also has access to Frost-based attacks that can impose Frost status effect on the enemies. Further, it can change the pace of the battle by changing the stance. Aloy should always stay on her feet while fighting this machine. Only weapons that inflict Fire and Shock Damage would only work against it.

7. Slitherfang

Slithergang is a Combat class machine that is introduced in the first story mission for Horizon Forbidden West. Being introduced so early in the game, it is a tough opponent to beat with a limited arsenal of weapons. This serpentine machine can use its long body for some strong melee attacks.

It has access to a wide range of elemental assaults in addition to physical attacks. Slitherfang can shoot pressurized jets of both Acid and Purgewater from the mouth. It can also fire lightning bolts from the rattle on its tail.

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So, the players must employ weapons that deal Fire, Frost, and Plasma damage to rip apart this machine’s components, rendering it unable of using its devastating attacks.

6. Tremortusk

The Combat Class Tremortusk is a force to reckon with Horizon Forbidden West. Whether it’s a wild one or a tamed one, this mecha elephant is a devastating opponent to face. It is a literal fortress walking on the land with tusks that can shoot. Further, have access to devastating missiles and homing shock blasts.

Aloy can detach one of its guns to use against it. But that doesn’t mean it can be easily taken down, as it can call upon reinforcements to take care of the enemy. The only way to take down its Blaze sac is by using Frost-based weapons, as this will leave it unable to fire attacks.

5. Tideripper

Horizon Forbidden West allowed access to the huge ocean, but it also introduced a major threat, the Tideripper. It is an Acquisition Class machine that resembles a Plesiosaur. It can fire Purgewater-based attacks from its headcanon. Further, Tideripper can also use physical attacks like slamming into enemies or swiping them with its tail.

Aloy should attack the tidal disk on its back with weapons inflicting Shock and Freeze damage, as it will render its Purgewater cannon useless. Furthermore, while it may be a difficult foe to confront in the water, it would be a little easier to deal with on land. Aloy should also try targeting its heart from a good distance for significant damage.

4. Rockbreaker

Rockbreaker is a massive Acquisition Class machine that has a health bar to match its size. It has decent attacks, but what makes it truly devastating is the ability to burrow underground and strike Aloy directly from below her feet. Throughout the battle, it keeps burrowing in and out of the ground.

Aside from the surprise melee assault under the enemy’s feet, Rockbreaker can also launch rocks from their mouths toward an opponent. The only way to defeat this tricky Acquisition Class machine is by damaging its fuel sacs with Frost and Shock-based weapons.

3. Slaughterspine

Slaughterspine is a large Combat Class machine that looks like a Spinosaurus. It is among the deadliest enemies to face in the game. Slaughterspine has powerful physical attacks like slashing enemies with its tail or stomping them when anyone gets closer. But this is not all that this machine can do.

It can fire plasma beams for significant damage or use a larger beam to kill Aloy. The Slaughterspine can also fire a burst of plasma energy at a target until it hits it. Aloy would need to use Purgewater and Freeze-based weapons. Additionally, the best time to attack will be when it is recharging its Plasma attack.

2. Thunderjaw

Thunderjaw was a nightmare to face in Horizon Zero Dawn, and it is still the same in Horizon Forbidden West. This massive Combat Class mecha T-Rex can not only resist numerous strikes but also use a variety of physical and ranged attacks against opponents. This apex predator is a terror to deal with in both games.

Thunderjaw’s ability to locate foes via a radar scanner adds to its ferocity. But Aloy can get the upper hand by tearing off its weapons and then using them against it. It didn’t have any elemental weaknesses in the first game, but it’s vulnerable to Acid and Purgewater-based attacks in Forbidden West.

1. Shellsnapper

Shellsnapper is the one who takes the top spot as the most threatening machine to face in Horizon Forbidden West. This Combat Class mecha snapping turtle is an absolute tank. It can withstand a lot of damage and build up a large amount of energy to release as a large burst on enemies.

This machine can also fire devastating freeze balls at enemies. It is difficult to defeat a Shellsnapper in the game without the assistance of other machines or characters. Aloy must employ a combination of Acid and Fire strikes to defeat this lethal opponent.

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There are more machines in the game that players may find difficult to deal with. However, dealing with these ten can be exceedingly frustrating. Let us know if there are any machines from Horizon Forbidden West that you believe should be included on this list.