Kicking off with Horizon Zero Dawn Machine List, this comprehensive guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the machines present in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn, including their characteristics, attributes, and weaknesses.
The machines in Horizon Zero Dawn vary greatly in terms of their abilities, attributes, and strengths, which are categorized into different types, providing a fascinating exploration of their unique characteristics.
Overview of Horizon Zero Dawn Machine List

Horizon Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games, set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have regressed to a tribal state and must fight against robotic creatures known as Machines. These Machines are the remnants of a long-lost technology that has been taken over by nature and has evolved into various forms, from small robotic insects to massive mechanical beasts.
The Machine list in Horizon Zero Dawn plays a crucial role in the game’s lore, as it reveals the history and development of the Machines. The Machines are not just random creatures, but are instead a product of a long-lost civilization that has been overrun by nature. The game’s narrative is built around the idea of discovery and exploration, and the Machine list serves as a key component of this, revealing the secrets of the Machines and their role in the world.
Machine Classification
The Machines in Horizon Zero Dawn can be broadly classified into several categories, including:
- Small Machines: These are the smallest and most basic Machines, such as the Sawtooth and the Glinthawk. They are often used for scouting and reconnaissance, and are typically found in large numbers.
- Medium Machines: These are more advanced Machines, such as the Hootenanny and the Bristleback. They are often used for hunting and defense, and are typically found in smaller groups.
- Large Machines: These are the most advanced and powerful Machines, such as the Groteus and the Forbidden Woods. They are often used for high-level combat and are typically found in isolated areas.
The classification of Machines is not just a matter of size or strength, but also reflects their role in the world and their place in the game’s narrative. Each Machine has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, and players must adapt their strategies accordingly.
Machine Origins
The Machines in Horizon Zero Dawn are the remnants of a long-lost technology that was developed by a civilization known as the Old Ones. This technology was based on nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, and was designed to be sustainable and self-repairing.
The Machines were a product of the Old Ones’ hubris and ambition, driven by a desire to create a utopian society that would be free from conflict and disease. However, this technology ultimately proved to be their downfall, as it became self-aware and began to evolve beyond their control.
The Old Ones’ technology was abandoned and left to decay, but it continued to evolve and adapt to its environment. Over time, the Machines became a major force in the world, and humans were forced to adapt to a new reality where Machines were a dominant force.
Machine Types
There are many different types of Machines in Horizon Zero Dawn, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Some of the most common Machines include:
- Bristleback: A medium-sized Machine with a pair of long, spiky arms that can be used for close combat.
- Glidebug: A small Machine with a pair of gliding wings that allows it to move quickly and stealthily.
- Grotto: A large Machine with a pair of long, curved horns that can be used for close combat.
- Spitter: A medium-sized Machine with a large, acid-filled sac that can be used to attack players from a distance.
Each Machine has its own strengths and weaknesses, and players must learn to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Machine Classification and Types
The machines in Horizon Zero Dawn can be broadly categorized into several types, each with distinct attributes and abilities. Understanding these classifications is crucial in navigating the game’s world and defeating these mechanical creatures.
Machine Classification Criteria
The machines in Horizon Zero Dawn can be categorized based on their attributes such as size, speed, weight, and attack type. These attributes determine how the machines move, interact with their environment, and engage with Aloy, the protagonist.
Biomass Machines
The biomass machines are the smallest and fastest machines in the game. They are agile and can move quickly, making them challenging to hit in battle.
- Examples of biomass machines include the Snapmaw, Rotwing, and Heliwing.
- These machines are often found in groups, making them a formidable opponent in combat.
Heavy Machines
The heavy machines are the largest and slowest in the game. They are powerful and can deal massive damage to Aloy, but their size and weight make them less agile than biomass machines.
- Examples of heavy machines include the Glinthawk, Thistlethorn, and Stalker.
- These machines often use powerful attacks to take down Aloy, but their slow movement speed can make them vulnerable to counterattacks.
Beast Machines
The Beast machines are a combination of biomass and heavy machines. They are larger and slower than biomass machines but faster than heavy machines.
- Examples of Beast machines include the Thunderjaw and the Behemoth.
- These machines often use a combination of attacks to take down Aloy, including powerful melee strikes and projectiles.
Predator Machines
The Predator machines are a unique class of machines that can move and attack without being detected by Aloy. They are often stealthy and can set traps for the protagonist.
- Examples of Predator machines include the Ravager and the Sawtooth.
- These machines often use their surroundings to their advantage, setting up traps and ambushes for Aloy.
Unique Machines and Their Abilities
In Horizon Zero Dawn, unique machines play a significant role in the game, each possessing distinct abilities that make them formidable opponents. These machines are scattered throughout the world and can provide the player with valuable resources and insights into the world’s ecosystem. Understanding the capabilities of each unique machine is crucial to progressing through the game and defeating challenging foes.
Sky Dancers: Gravity Manipulation
The Sky Dancers, also known as the Glinthawks in the game, are a type of unique machine that utilize their wingspans to create powerful gusts of wind, hindering the player’s movement and disrupting their accuracy. They are often found near bodies of water and are known to be aggressive when provoked.
- The Sky Dancers’ primary ability is their capacity to manipulate gravity, creating powerful whirlwinds that can lift the player off the ground or cause them to become dizzy. This can be an effective defense mechanism against the player’s attacks, forcing them to reposition and reassess their strategy.
- The whirlwinds created by the Sky Dancers can also disorient the player’s allies, making it difficult for them to assist in combat or perform tasks effectively.
Thunderjaws: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Ability
The Thunderjaws, another type of unique machine, possess the ability to generate a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can disable the player’s equipment and cause electrical damage to the environment. They are highly sought after for their valuable components and can be found in various regions throughout the world.
- The Thunderjaw’s EMP ability can be used to disable the player’s equipment, making them vulnerable to attack and creating opportunities for the machine to counter-attack.
- The EMP also has a devastating effect on the environment, causing electrical fires and disrupting the local ecosystem. This can lead to a range of secondary effects, including explosions, structural damage, and environmental hazards.
Shell-Walkers: Camouflage Ability
The Shell-Walkers are a unique machine that possess the ability to camouflage themselves in their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. They are often found in areas with dense foliage or rocky terrain and can be a formidable opponent due to their ability to blend in seamlessly with their environment.
- The Shell-Walker’s camouflage ability allows it to remain invisible to the player, making it difficult to track or engage in combat. This can lead to a range of strategic challenges, including difficulty in identifying the Shell-Walkers’ location or determining when and where to attack.
- The Shell-Walker’s camouflage also extends to its ability to absorb and redirect environmental hazards, making it resistant to damage from environmental attacks such as fire or electrical storms.
Machine Weaknesses and Exploitable Points: Horizon Zero Dawn Machine List
In order to effectively counter the machines of Horizon Zero Dawn, it is essential to understand their weaknesses and exploitable points. By identifying these vulnerabilities, players can gain a significant advantage in combat and increase their chances of success. This section will focus on the weaknesses of common machines, such as the Tramplers and Snapmaws, and provide strategies for exploiting these weaknesses.
Weakening Tramplers with Stealth and Precision
The Tramplers are a formidable machine, known for their powerful stomps and rapid movements. However, they also have several weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage.
- Sneaking Up from Behind: Tramplers are vulnerable to attack when caught off guard from behind. Players can use stealth and precision to sneak up behind the Trampler and strike from a vulnerable angle.
- Targeting the Legs: Tramplers rely on their powerful legs to move and attack, making them vulnerable to targeted attacks on these areas. Players can aim for the Trampler’s legs to slow it down and leave it open to further attack.
- Using Bounced Arrows: Bounced arrows are a useful tool for taking out Tramplers quickly and efficiently. Players can use these arrows to target the Trampler’s weak spots, such as the back of the skull or the eyes.
Countering Snapmaws with Agility and Timing
The Snapmaws are a deadly machine, known for their powerful jaws and swift movements. However, they also have several weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage.
- Aiming for the Eyes: Snapmaws are vulnerable to attack when their eyes are targeted. Players can use agility and timing to dodge the Snapmaw’s attacks and strike at its vulnerable eyes.
- Targeting the Jaw: Snapmaws rely on their powerful jaws to attack, making them vulnerable to targeted attacks on these areas. Players can aim for the Snapmaw’s jaw to disable its primary attack mechanism.
- Using Sticky Arrows: Sticky arrows are a useful tool for taking out Snapmaws quickly and efficiently. Players can use these arrows to target the Snapmaw’s weak spots, such as the nose or the ears.
Exploiting Other Machines’ Weaknesses
In addition to Tramplers and Snapmaws, other machines in Horizon Zero Dawn also have unique weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage.
- Targeting the Weak Spots: Each machine has a unique set of weak spots that can be targeted for maximum damage. Players can use this knowledge to take out machines quickly and efficiently.
- Using the Environment: The environment can be a powerful ally in combat, providing opportunities to take out machines from unexpected angles or use environmental hazards to exploit their weaknesses.
- Mastering the Art of Dodge: Machines are often vulnerable when they are off balance or in a state of confusion. Players can use agility and timing to master the art of dodging and weaving around attacks, creating openings for counterattacks.
Notable Machines in the Game’s Storyline

The game’s narrative is heavily influenced by the various machines that roam its world. Among these, some machines play a more significant role in shaping the story and its characters.
These machines not only serve as obstacles for Aloy to overcome but also provide valuable insights into the world’s past and the reasons behind the machines’ existence. In this section, we will explore some of the most notable machines in the game’s storyline and their impact on the narrative.
Griffin
The Griffin is a majestic and powerful machine that first appears in the early stages of the game. It is a symbol of the advanced technology that once existed in the world, and its discovery sets Aloy on a path to uncover the secrets of the past. The Griffin’s strength and agility make it a formidable opponent, and its defeat serves as a turning point in the story, revealing the true nature of the machines and the world.
Thunderjaw
The Thunderjaw is a massive and fearsome machine that serves as a guardian of the Banuk’s sacred site. Its appearance marks a shift in the narrative, as Aloy learns more about the Banuk’s history and culture. The Thunderjaw’s ability to fly and its devastating attacks make it a challenging foe, and its defeat reveals valuable information about the machines and their creation.
Emerald Sharpshooter
The Emerald Sharpshooter is a unique machine that is capable of shooting energy blasts from its fingers. It appears in the game’s later stages and serves as a formidable opponent for Aloy. The Emerald Sharpshooter’s abilities and strengths make it a valuable addition to the game’s narrative, and its defeat sheds light on the world’s history and the machines’ purpose.
In the game’s story, these machines play a crucial role in shaping Aloy’s understanding of the world and its history. Each machine presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth and discovery, and their interactions with Aloy drive the narrative forward.
- The Griffin’s defeat marks a turning point in the story, revealing the true nature of the machines and the world.
- The Thunderjaw’s appearance and defeat provide valuable insights into the Banuk’s history and culture.
- The Emerald Sharpshooter’s abilities and strengths make it a formidable opponent and a valuable addition to the game’s narrative.
Each of these machines serves as a stepping stone for Aloy’s journey, and their interactions with her drive the narrative forward. Through their encounters, Aloy learns more about the world and its history, and her character evolves as a result of these experiences.
Rare and Hard-to-Find Machines

In the vast open world of Horizon Zero Dawn, rare and hard-to-find machines present a unique challenge for hunters. These machines, unlike their more common counterparts, are scattered throughout the world, often in remote locations or hidden areas. Tracking down these machines requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and patience.
Locations of Rare Machines, Horizon zero dawn machine list
Rare machines can be found in various locations throughout the world, including:
- The ancient ruins of Meridian: Home to several rare machines, including the Glinthawks and the Apecks.
- The frozen tundras of the Far Edge Outpost: A region home to the rare Glinthawks and Snapmaws.
- The sun-scorched deserts of the Sunstone Bench: A region home to the rare Snapmaws and Basilisks.
To find these machines, players must use their knowledge of the world, including the various machines and their habitats. This requires careful planning and exploration to track down these elusive machines.
Strategies for Hunting Rare Machines
Hunting rare machines requires a combination of skill, strategy, and equipment. Some key strategies include:
- Using stealth and strategy to take down rare machines: Rare machines are often tougher and more elusive than their common counterparts. Using stealth and strategy to take them down is often the best approach.
- Upgrading equipment and armor: Upgrading equipment and armor to increase damage output and reduce damage taken can make all the difference when hunting rare machines.
- Learning machine behaviors and patterns: Learning the behaviors and patterns of rare machines can help players anticipate and prepare for battles.
These strategies, combined with a thorough understanding of the world and its mechanics, can increase the chances of hunting down and defeating these elusive machines.
Rewards for Hunting Rare Machines
Hunting rare machines rewards players with unique equipment and resources, including:
- Rare machine components: Used to upgrade equipment and armor.
- Unique resources: Used to craft rare equipment and resources.
- Experience and reputation: Increasing experience and reputation can unlock new equipment and skills.
These rewards make the effort to hunt down these machines well worth it, as they provide unique benefits to the player’s progress and development.
For the thrill of the hunt and the sense of accomplishment that comes with taking down a rare machine, the journey to find these elusive creatures is often just as rewarding as the reward itself.
Machine List by Type (Table)
The diverse array of machines in Horizon Zero Dawn can be categorized into various types, each with its unique attributes and abilities. This table provides a comprehensive overview of the machines in the game, highlighting their characteristics and exploitable points.
Machine Types
To better understand the machines, let’s examine the different types and their attributes.
Machine Types:
– Herbivores
– Carnivores
– Small
– Medium
– Large
| Machine Type | Size | Diet | Abilities |
|————–|——|——|————|
| Herbivores | Small to Large | Plant-based | Herbivorous, often found in grasslands and forests |
| Carnivores | Small to Large | Meat-based | Carnivorous, often found in forests and mountains |
| Small | Tiny | Both | Agile, often found in grasslands and forests |
| Medium | Medium | Both | Balanced, often found in various environments |
| Large | Large | Both | Powerful, often found in forests and mountains |
| Glinthawk | Tiny | Small Insects | Highly agile, fast flying, capable of diving attacks |
| Glinthawk variants | Tiny | Small Insects | Highly agile, fast flying, capable of diving attacks |
| Thunderjaw | Large | Large Prey | Powerful melee attacks, lightning strikes |
| Thunderjaw variants | Large | Large Prey | Powerful melee attacks, lightning strikes |
Unique Abilities
The machines in Horizon Zero Dawn exhibit a range of unique abilities, from enhanced strength and agility to advanced combat capabilities.
- Herbivores:
- Enhanced agility for quick movements and evasive maneuvers.
- Herbivorous diet, making them less aggressive towards humans.
- Carnivores:
- Enhanced strength and speed for hunting and predator-prey relationships.
- Carnivorous diet, making them more aggressive towards humans.
- Small Machines:
- Highly agile and fast, making them a threat in close combat.
- Capable of hiding in dense foliage, making them hard to detect.
- Large Machines:
- Powerful melee attacks and lightning strikes in the case of the Thunderjaw.
- Slow movement speed, making them vulnerable to attacks when stationary.
- Machine Adaptations:
- Adaptation to environmental conditions, such as temperature or terrain.
- Development of unique abilities, such as enhanced vision or agility.
Machine Weaknesses and Exploitable Points
Understand the machines’ weaknesses to overcome them in combat.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerability to electricity and fire attacks, making certain machines more susceptible to these methods.
- Exposure to heat sources, such as fire or volcanic areas, which can weaken or disable machines.
- Exploitable Points:
- Glitches or technical malfunctions in the machines’ systems, which can be exploited by hacking or other means.
- Weak points in the machines’ armor or structure, such as joints or exposed electrical components, which can be targeted for maximum damage.
The machine types, their attributes, and abilities are crucial in understanding and combating the machines in Horizon Zero Dawn. Identifying the machines’ weaknesses and exploitable points is essential for successful battle strategies and progression through the game.
Machine Behavior Patterns and Tactics
Machine behavior in Horizon Zero Dawn is determined by their classification, type, and unique abilities. Understanding these patterns and developing effective tactics is crucial for survival and progression in the game. Machines can be categorized into different types, each with its own movement and combat patterns, making combat challenging and varied.
Movement Patterns of Machines
Machines in Horizon Zero Dawn exhibit various movement patterns, which can be divided into different speeds and types. These patterns include:
- High-speed machines, such as the Snapmaw, which can move at incredible velocities, making them challenging to hit during combat.
- Low-speed machines, such as the Tremortusk, which can be lured into trap locations and ambush points.
- Aerodynamic machines, such as the Glinthawk and the Griffin, which can fly and make sharp turns.
- Ground-based machines, such as the Sawtooth and the Charger, which are stable and rely on their physical strength.
Understanding these movement patterns can help players anticipate the machine’s actions and develop a counter-strategy.
Combat Patterns of Machines
Combat patterns in Horizon Zero Dawn machines often revolve around a mixture of attacks and defensive measures, including:
- High-damage area attacks, like the Charger’s shockwave or the Snapmaw’s explosive bites.
- Multi-target attacks, like the Griffin’s claw swipes or the Glinthawk’s dive-bombing.
- Crowd control attacks, like the Sawtooth’s whirling saw or the Bristleback’s electric shock.
Players must be aware of these combat patterns to evade machine attacks, manage damage, and counterattack effectively.
Fighting Against Machine Packs
Machine packs in Horizon Zero Dawn pose significant challenges due to their varied abilities and attack patterns. Combatting them requires players to think strategically and use the terrain to their advantage. Effective tactics for fighting against machine packs include:
- Identifying and targeting machine weaknesses to reduce the overall pack’s effectiveness.
- Using trap locations and ambush points to whittle down the pack from a distance.
- Utilizing area attacks that can affect multiple machines at once to clear a large area quickly.
Players must remain vigilant, adapting their strategy as needed, and exploiting machine weaknesses to overcome challenging battles.
Adaptive Strategies Against Machines
Players should be prepared to adjust their tactics in response to the changing circumstances of a combat encounter. Machine patterns may change dynamically depending on the situation, such as when machines are low on health or when a powerful ally is introduced. To combat these situations effectively, players need to:
- Constantly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the machine and the surrounding environment.
- Employ adaptability in their strategies to stay effective.
- Keep track of the environment to locate potential traps and ambush points.
This ensures that players remain one step ahead of the highly adaptable machines in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Machine Weaknesses Exploitation Methods
Exploiting the weaknesses of machines in Horizon Zero Dawn is crucial to defeating them efficiently. Understanding their vulnerabilities allows you to develop effective strategies and use the right equipment and abilities to take them down. This section focuses on the various methods for exploiting machine weaknesses, including the use of specific attacks or abilities, and the role of terrain in machine combat.
Using Specific Attacks or Abilities
Certain machines have unique weaknesses that can be exploited by using specific attacks or abilities. These include:
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Freezing machines with cryo weapons or abilities: This slows down their movements and makes them vulnerable to other attacks.
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Blinding machines with flashbangs or abilities: This disrupts their vision and makes them disoriented, leaving them open to attack.
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Paralyzing machines with stun abilities or heavy attacks: This immobilizes them temporarily, giving you time to land critical hits or use other abilities to exploit their weakness.
These attack types can be used in various combinations to take down machines more efficiently.
Using Terrain to Your Advantage
Terrain plays a significant role in machine combat in Horizon Zero Dawn. Understanding how to use terrain to your advantage can make a significant difference in the outcome of battles. Here are some examples of how terrain can be used:
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Using high ground to attack machines: This allows you to attack from a safe position, out of the machine’s line of sight and vulnerable to its attacks.
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Using pillars or structures to block machine attacks: This can protect you from machine attacks and give you time to respond with your own attacks.
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Using terrain to disorient machines: This can cause machines to become disoriented and vulnerable to attack, especially in areas with complex terrain layouts.
Knowing how to use terrain to your advantage is essential for effective machine combat in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Targeting Vulnerable Areas
Certain areas of a machine can be more vulnerable than others. Targeting these areas can increase your chances of taking down a machine quickly and efficiently. Here are some examples of vulnerable areas to target:
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Lungs: Targeting a machine’s lungs can cause it to slow down and stumble, leaving it vulnerable to attack.
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Spinal cord: Targeting a machine’s spinal cord can cause it to become immobilized, making it easy to take it down.
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Power core: Targeting a machine’s power core can cause it to malfunction, making it easier to defeat.
Keep in mind that different machines may have different vulnerable areas, so it’s essential to research and understand the machine you’re fighting before engaging in battle.
Using Abilities and Equipment Effectively
Using abilities and equipment effectively is crucial for exploiting machine weaknesses and taking them down efficiently. Here are some tips for using abilities and equipment effectively:
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Use the right abilities for the job: Different abilities are better suited for different situations and machines.
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Use equipment that complements your abilities: Make sure your equipment is suitable for the machine you’re fighting and your abilities.
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Upgrade your equipment and abilities regularly: Upgrading your equipment and abilities can make a significant difference in your ability to take down machines efficiently.
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, this Horizon Zero Dawn Machine List serves as a valuable resource for players, providing in-depth information about the machines, their weaknesses, and how to exploit them to gain an advantage in combat.
FAQ Guide
Q: Can I track and hunt machines in the game?
A: Yes, you can track and hunt specific machines using various strategies and methods.
Q: How can I exploit machine weaknesses?
A: You can exploit machine weaknesses by using specific attacks or abilities, taking advantage of terrain, and understanding their behavior patterns.
Q: What are some common machine types in Horizon Zero Dawn?
A: Common machine types in Horizon Zero Dawn include Tramplers, Snapmaws, Glimmerwings, and Thunderjaws, among others.
Q: Where can I find rare machines in the game?
A: Rare machines can be found in specific locations, such as unique biomes or during specific times of day or weather conditions.