Unlocking the most powerful gear in Horizon Zero Dawn requires players to seek out rare energy sources hidden across the open world. The Ancient Armory side quest tasks Aloy with recovering five distinct items to restore an advanced technological suit. Securing this outfit grants incredible defensive capabilities that fundamentally alter late-game combat encounters.
Finding the First Power Cells in Early Quests
The journey to restore the Ancient Armory begins in the early regions of the map. Aloy can discover the initial energy unit while revisiting the underground bunker she explored as a child in the Sacred Lands. Another item rests near the top levels of All-Mother Mountain, accessible during or after the main story mission in that area.
Missing these items on your first visit is completely normal during initial story progression. Players can return to these locations later in the game without losing access to the rewards. Taking time to thoroughly search key story ruins ensures you collect these components without unnecessary backtracking.
Locating the Remaining Story-Locked Power Cells
Progressing further into the main storyline reveals the remaining items needed to unlock the protective gear. One energy component sits high atop Maker's End, resting near the ruins of Faro Automated Solutions. Another item is hidden within the Grave-Hoard ruins, tucked behind a balance puzzle room along the main exploration path.
The final item is located inside the Mountain That Fell during the late-stage campaign exploration. Tracking down these locations requires completing major narrative milestones before the vault can be opened. Players aiming for complete gear collection should keep a close eye on ambient ruin structures during these missions.
Solving the Ancient Armory Door Puzzles
Once all five units are collected, Aloy must return to the hidden bunker location to restore the ancient system. Reaching the interior chamber involves solving two separate dial puzzles based on holographic clock positions and directional hints. Aligning the dials correctly restores full power to the mounting clamps securing the outfit.
Solving these holographic mechanism puzzles unveils the powerful Shield-Weaver outfit for immediate combat use. This special outfit projects an forcefield that absorbs incoming damage before Aloy suffers health loss. Utilizing this defensive barrier drastically increases survival against aggressive machine threats in higher difficulty modes.
Maximizing Combat Potential with the Shield-Weaver
Equipping the newly acquired outfit completely transforms how players approach dangerous machine encounters across the wilderness. The shield recharges automatically after taking damage, allowing for aggressive hit-and-run tactics against massive foes. Managing the shield's temporary depletion cooldown is essential for maintaining constant battle efficiency.
While the outfit cannot accept modifications, its high baseline protection makes it a premier choice for challenging bosses. Combining this armor with tactical trap placement and precise weapon usage gives players ultimate control over combat scenarios. Mastering its defensive shield mechanics ensures Aloy remains virtually unstoppable during endgame challenges.
