Having expanded upon everything in the first game, it is no surprise that Guerrilla Games has created an even bigger skill system in Horizon Forbidden West. Like many other action RPGs, if you are looking to be well prepared for the many challenges ahead for Aloy, getting your skills right will be important. For those that need help picking from the 162 skills up for grabs in the game, our guide on the best skills to get first in Horizon Forbidden West is exactly what you need.
Best Skills to Get First in Horizon Forbidden West
To balance things out, Aloy needs to be proficient on both offense and defense. With the skill tree broken up into the six categories of Warrior, Trapper, Hunter, Survivor, Infiltrator, and Machine Master, focusing on just a few areas at the start will build a strong foundation in which you can further fine-tune later on.
For a good start in the game, here are the first 10 skills that will definitely come in handy no matter how you want to play in Horizon Forbidden West.
Combat
Horizon Forbidden West features excellent ranged combat options as well as an expanded melee combo system, and to take full advantage of that, there are some skills that will be indispensable.
- Warrior Tree – Resonator Blast
By continuously putting enemies under pressure with melee combos, you will energizing your spear. Hit them once more with a heavy attack, and Aloy will cause a glowing spot to appear on them that can be triggered by a ranged attack for heavy damage. - Warrior Tree – Block Breaker Combo
There will be quite a number of human enemies to contend with, and most of them are great at blocking attacks. With this combo, Aloy can break the guard of pesky human enemies and open them up for more hurt. - Trapper Tree – Quick Trapper
Not keen on fighting gigantic machines with just your bow and spear? Consider this skill to help you place traps much faster around the battlefield to exploit any potential weakenesses. - Hunter Tree – Concentration+, Deep Concentration, Concentration Regen
With a majority of the game counting on Aloy’s aim on the bow, the three skills are vital to help you aim better and hit harder. Expand your Concentration limit, make it last longer, and get it back faster to become a more effective hunter.
Survival
- Survivor Tree – Potent Medicine
You are going to get to hurt in the game, so be sure to get this skill to make the most out of all your healing berries in Horizon Forbidden West. This will make them heal much more and faster as at the same time, keeping you in the fight. - Survivor Tree – Low Health Defense
If you ever find yourself in critcial condition, and that can happen a lot with some of the machines, you need to be able to recover. Getting this skill increases your defense when your health is below 25%, just enough time for you to pop some healing and stay in the game.
Stealth
- Infiltrator Tree – Silent Strike+
Staying in the tall grass is going to be how you would want to approach most scenarios, and if you get the chance to spring a surprise attack on your foes, this skill will increase the damage you cause with Silent Strike for an instant advantage in Horizon Forbidden West. - Infiltrator Tree – Stealth Tear+
With components being very important to your upgrading process, getting the parts you need requires planning and strategy. With this skill, you have the opportunity to cause increased Tear damage from stealth, making it ideal to get the part you want or removing a dangerous weapon from the enemy.
That is everything you need to know about the best skills to get first in Horizon Forbidden West. For even more tips and tricks on the rest of the game, including the things to do in the game first, utilizing the Valor Surges effectively, or how to use the Pullcaster, be sure to check out our Guide Wiki for the game. There is also related content below which you can enjoy.
If you have any other questions that are not answered, be sure to leave them in the comments below so we can get to them.
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