Arrow crafting is a core mechanic in Horizon Forbidden West that empowers players to create customized ammunition on the fly, turning Aloy into a formidable hunter against machine beasts. This system allows for real-time production during intense battles, ensuring you never run out of firepower when it matters most.
Why Arrow Crafting Matters in Combat
In the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Forbidden West, machines dominate the landscape, and survival hinges on smart resource use and quick adaptation. Crafting arrows directly from the weapon wheel lets you respond to threats dynamically—switching from standard shots to elemental variants mid-fight. This flexibility is crucial for exploiting machine weaknesses, such as igniting Thunderjaws with fire arrows or corroding Scrappers with acid.
Unlike static inventory management, on-the-spot crafting slows time via the weapon wheel, giving you precious seconds to assess enemies and select the perfect ammo type. Mastering this elevates gameplay from reactive dodging to proactive domination.
Accessing the Crafting Interface
To begin crafting, hold the L1 button (on PlayStation controllers) to open the weapon wheel at any moment, even in the heat of battle. Time dilation kicks in, allowing deliberate selection without interruption.
- Navigate using the right analog stick to highlight arrow types.
- Check the bottom of the wheel for required materials and the ‘Craft’ prompt.
- Hold X to initiate crafting; continue holding to queue up to your maximum capacity.
This method is the fastest for combat, but alternatives exist for preparation outside fights.
Basic Arrow Types and Recipes
Start with foundational arrows that require minimal resources, ideal for early-game progression.
| Arrow Type | Primary Use | Materials Needed | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Arrows | High damage against soft points | 100 Metal Shards | Pack of 10 |
| Precision Arrows | Long-range accuracy | 50 Metal Shards, 1 Ridge-Wood | Pack of 5 |
| Standard Arrows | General purpose | 50 Metal Shards | Pack of 8 |
These basics form the backbone of your arsenal. Hunter arrows excel at piercing armor, while precision variants shine in sniping distant foes.
Advanced Elemental Arrows
As you gather rarer components, unlock elemental arrows that apply status effects, dramatically shifting battle outcomes.
- Fire Arrows: Ignite flammable machines; craft with 5 Metal Shards, 2 Blaze, 1 Ridge-Wood.
- Acid Arrows: Corrode armor; requires 5 Shards, 2 Machine Muscle, 1 Acid.
- Frost Arrows: Slow and freeze; 5 Shards, 2 Chillwater, 1 Wood.
- Shock Arrows: Chain lightning; 5 Shards, 2 Sparkers, 1 Wire.
Experiment with combinations—pair fire with acid for devastating DoT (damage over time) effects.
Resource Gathering Strategies
Efficient crafting demands a steady supply of shards, woods, and machine parts. Hunt smaller machines like Watchers for shards and Grazer cores for elemental sacs.
- Target weak points with tear arrows to dismantle without full destruction.
- Use traps and lures to farm herds efficiently.
- Salvage merchant vendors and camps for bulk resources.
Prioritize upgrading your hunter pouch early to carry more materials.
Workbench Crafting for Bulk Production
Workbenches, scattered in settlements and camps, offer a stationary alternative for mass-crafting without combat pressure. Interact to access full menus:
- Craft ammo packs in bulk.
- Upgrade arrow capacity via inventory weaves.
- Modify weapons for better ammo efficiency.
This is perfect pre-mission stocking, especially for Cauldrons where rare blueprints unlock.
Integrating Crafting with Hunter Tools
Beyond arrows, hold down on the D-pad to access kits for bombs, potions, and traps. Craft mid-exploration:
- Blast bombs from metal shards and explosives.
- Potions for health or stamina boosts.
- Combine with arrows for hybrid tactics, like arrow + trapwire setups.
Upgrading Your Crafting Capacity
Inventory limits hinder max crafting; counter this at workbenches with coils and weaves.
| Upgrade | Effect | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Ammo Pouch Weave | +50 Arrow Capacity | Level 10, Rare Resources |
| Resource Satchel Coil | +20% Material Carry | Level 15, Machine Parts |
| Elemental Kit Expansion | Unlock Tier 3 Arrows | Cauldron Reward |
These modifications ensure sustained crafting during long expeditions.
Combat Tactics with Crafted Arrows
Layer crafting into fights: Open wheel, scan enemy vulnerabilities via focus, craft specifics. Against Thunderjaw:
- Precision arrows to eyes for stagger.
- Acid to disc launcher.
- Fire to underbelly post-override.
Practice in arenas refines timing.
Common Crafting Pitfalls and Fixes
Avoid these errors:
- Material Shortages: Scan map for resource nodes.
- Wheel Overload: Customize loadouts to favorites.
- Wasted Crafts: Check yields before queuing.
Regular pouch upgrades mitigate most issues.
Progression Through Crafting Milestones
Early game: Stick to basics. Mid-game: Elemental dominance. Late-game: Override synergies with crafted specials. Complete Cauldrons for ultimate recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I craft arrows without the weapon wheel?
Yes, use workbenches or hunter kits via D-pad for non-combat crafting.
What if I lack materials mid-fight?
Salvage nearby machines or switch to melee/nearby weapons temporarily.
Do upgrades carry over to New Game+?
Most inventory persists, retaining crafted advantages.
How to max arrow capacity?
Fully upgrade weaves at high-level benches with legendary parts.
Are there infinite crafting resources?
No, but efficient farming loops provide near-endless supply.
References
- Horizon Forbidden West: Crafting and upgrading equipment — Gamepressure. 2022-02-18. https://www.gamepressure.com/horizon-forbidden-west/crafting-and-upgrading-equipment/z2f73b
- How To Craft Arrows – Horizon Forbidden West — YouTube (Gaming Guide). 2022-02-25.
- Horizon Forbidden West How To Craft Ultimate Guide — YouTube (Tutorial). 2022-03-01.
- Horizon Forbidden West How to Craft Arrows — YouTube (HowToPremium). 2022-02-20.
- Weapon wheel only way to craft ammo? — GameFAQs Boards. 2022-02-28. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/292822-horizon-forbidden-west/79971690
