Horizon Zero Dawn: Aloy's skills | Gameplay mechanics Horizon Zero Dawn Guide, walkthrough

Last update: 06 August 2020

In this chapter you will find important advice related to skills that can be unlocked while playing Horizon: Zero Dawn.

General information

During the game Aloy receives experience points that enable her to reach new levels. With each new level she gains one skill point that can be spent on any ability. Sometimes you receive skill points as reward for completing quests, especially the ones related to the main plot of the game.

You have access to three trees - Prowler, Brave and Forager. Each tree has three branches that determine access to further skills. Stronger skills can be unlocked after learning ones that precede them on a branch. As skill level increases, the number of points required to unlock it increases as well.

Further in this chapter you will find description of trees and advice relates to skills that give you greatest advantage in the post-apocalyptic world.

Prowler

Skills available in this tree are mostly related to combat. The exception is Hunter Reflexes skill. It enables you to aim in slow motion while jumping. Thanks to that you can aim weak points of the enemy. The absolute basic is Silent Strike. This enables you to perform stealth eliminations of opponents that can save your whole missions if used correctly.

Leader Strike is worth attention as well, it becomes especially useful in story missions near the end of the game. Upgraded Strong Strike that enables you to eliminate minor machines with a single hit is useful as well.

Brave

As the name of the tree suggests, here you will find many combat-related skills. They are mostly related to ranged combat, but you will also find something for close combat. The most important skill is Concentration. It makes the time slow down when you aim at enemies. Another important skill is Triple Shot that enables you to use a few arrows simultaneously, although even Double Shot provides you with decent advantage.

Knock Down is the most important spear skill. If you hit the machine with a strong attack, in most case you will stun it and gain a few seconds to heal, escape or deal critical damage.

Forager

The last tree, due to its versatility, can seem to be weak at first, but it's only the first impression. You will quickly learn about the usefulness of Combat Override, especially if you make it last as long as possible. One of the most important skills is Lure Call which together with Silent Strike enables you to neutralize many enemies without being detected.

You should also make sure you properly manage healing items and resources needed for crafting and upgrading the equipment. However, these aren't your main priorities as the world is rich with resources and you must save them rarely.