Breaking Sunken Barriers in Horizon Forbidden West

In the vast, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Forbidden West, underwater exploration adds a thrilling dimension to Aloy’s adventures. Among the many obstacles players encounter beneath the waves are sunken barriers—piles of loosely stacked rocks blocking paths to valuable resources and secrets. These environmental puzzles require precise interaction with Aloy’s tools, particularly her versatile spear, to overcome. Mastering this mechanic not only unlocks crafting materials and collectibles but also deepens immersion in the game’s richly detailed aquatic environments.

Understanding Sunken Barriers and Their Role

Sunken barriers, often labeled as “Rock Barriers” by Aloy’s Focus scanner, appear exclusively in submerged areas like lakes, rivers, and coastal zones. When scanned, they reveal a description: “Loosely piled rocks, obstructing access. Can be cleared with prying force.” This hint is crucial, as it points directly to the solution involving physical force rather than weapons or explosives.

These barriers serve multiple purposes in gameplay. They guard underwater caches filled with metals, herbs, and rare components essential for upgrading gear. Some conceal collectibles such as Black Boxes, which contribute to the Data Points trophy or achievement. Others lead to side paths revealing lore entries or machine parts. Their rectangular map icons, featuring a central eye-like symbol, make them easy to spot from afar, encouraging thorough exploration.

Basic Technique: Prying with Aloy’s Spear

The core method to destroy a sunken barrier is straightforward. Swim directly toward the rock pile until a prompt appears on-screen. Press and hold the **R2** button (on PlayStation controllers) to initiate the prying action. A circular meter will fill as Aloy wedges her spear into the rubble, dislodging chunks until the entire structure collapses.

This process typically takes a few seconds per barrier. Success depends on positioning—Aloy must be close enough for the prompt to trigger, ideally facing the most vulnerable gaps in the rocks. Visibility underwater can be low due to currents or darkness, so using the Focus scanner (L3 + R3) to highlight interactables is recommended.

• Approach the barrier head-on while swimming.
• Hold **R2** until the meter completes.
• Watch for debris to scatter, clearing the path.

Practice this in early-game waters, such as the initial flooded ruins, to build confidence before tackling deeper zones.

Navigating Tricky and Seemingly Indestructible Barriers

Not all sunken barriers yield immediately. Some appear solid from one angle, refusing the pry prompt. This design encourages spatial awareness and backtracking. The key solution: swim around to the opposite side. Many barriers are one-sided, accessible only after circumventing them via underwater tunnels, ledges, or plane wreckage.

For instance, in central map lakes, a barrier might block a Black Box. Instead of forcing the front, dive to the submerged aircraft below, enter through side doors, collect interior items, and pry from inside. This reveals the barrier’s rear, where the prompt activates seamlessly.

Always explore fully—currents might push you away, or nearby machines could interrupt. Clear threats first.

Prime Locations for Sunken Barriers

Horizon Forbidden West’s map teems with submerged hotspots. Central lakes host clusters around downed planes, ideal for Black Box hunts. Coastal areas near The Daunt feature barriers in shallow reefs, yielding early resources. Deeper forbidden zones, post-Poseidon acquisition, reveal advanced barriers tied to story progression.

Key areas include:

• Chainscrape Lake: Multiple barriers near village docks, with Firegleam and Greenshine rewards.
• Barren Light Depths: Sunken wrecks hiding Metal Flowers and slabs.
• Legacy Rise Waters: Barriers guarding relic datalog entries.

Mark icons proactively and pair with diving mask upgrades for extended breath holds.

Rewards and Incentives for Clearing Barriers

Effort pays off handsomely. Common loot includes Blaze Canisters, Metal Shards, and Wire bundles for crafting arrows and traps. Rarer finds: Greenshine Slabs for coil upgrades, Firegleam for explosives, and collectibles advancing trophy progress.

Black Boxes, in particular, compile into the Notebook menu, unlocking audio logs from the Old World. Completing sets grants XP and lore insights into the apocalypse’s origins. Barriers also enable fast travel points or machine override caches, streamlining exploration.

Tips for Efficient Underwater Exploration

Underwater sections demand preparation. Upgrade the Spear with Resonance Handles for better prying power in late-game. Pair with Pullcaster for tugging distant vines blocking alternate paths. Oxygen management is vital—swim to air pockets or bubbles frequently.

1. Scan all anomalies with Focus before diving.
2. Use boost pads (E prompt) for speed across open water.
3. Evade Thunderjaws or Fangfins patrolling depths.
4. Combine with Survey Drones for overhead mapping.

Post-Burning Shores DLC, new barriers integrate with aquatic mounts, enhancing mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t my spear pry the barrier?

You’re likely on the wrong side. Circle around or find an entry tunnel—prompts only appear from accessible angles.

Do I need special gear for sunken barriers?

No, the base spear suffices. Diving mask helps for longer sessions, but prying is available from early game.

What if machines attack while prying?

Pause and engage threats first. Barriers regenerate if left half-destroyed, but cleared ones stay open.

Are there barriers above water?

No, all are submerged. Look for watery map icons.

How many barriers exist total?

Dozens across main map and DLC, contributing to 100% completion.

Advanced Strategies and Common Pitfalls

Veteran players leverage synergies. Chain prying with Firegleam blasts for clustered barriers, creating chain reactions. In multiplayer-adjacent Cauldrons, barriers hide dataspheres boosting machine hacks. Pitfalls include ignoring scanner hints or rushing without oxygen checks, leading to failed dives.

Mods (PC) can enhance visuals for better gap spotting, but console players rely on patience. Track progress via Journal’s Exploration tab for missed spots.