Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is the PC version of Guerrilla's 2022 sequel, ported by Nixxes and released on Steam and the Epic Games Store on 21 March 2024 with the Burning Shores expansion included. This is a different game from Horizon Zero Dawn: Aloy travels west into drowned and buried stretches of old America where Tenakth clans, Utaru farmers, Oseram forge towns and the newly arrived Quen all hold ground, and machines such as the Tremortusk, Slitherfang and Slaughterspine set the ceiling for what a fight can throw at you. The PC build adds DLSS 3, FSR, XeSS and DLAA support, an unlocked framerate, DirectStorage, ultrawide up to 48:9, and graphics presets from very low to very high.
Boss fights are where Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainscrape | Easy | Warrior Melee Brave | Hunter Bow |
| Barren Light | Moderate | Warrior Melee Brave | Hunter Bow |
| Plainsong | Hard | Hunter Sharpshooter | Sharpshot Bow |
| The Memorial Grove | Very Hard | Hunter Sharpshooter | Sharpshot Bow |
| Legacy's Landfall | Extreme | Hunter Sharpshooter | Sharpshot Bow |
Chainscrape Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Roughly levels 5 to 10 Recommended role: Warrior Melee Brave with Hunter Bow
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Holding the Focus highlights a machine's components, elemental canisters and armor plates, and marks the parts worth shooting off. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Focus scanning and weak points to create safe windows.
- Hunter Bow is enough to handle everything here.
Barren Light Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Roughly levels 8 to 14 Recommended role: Warrior Melee Brave with Hunter Bow
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of elemental status buildup. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- elemental status buildup is critical for these fights.
- Farm Hunter Bow upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Warrior Melee Brave if your current setup isn't working.
Plainsong Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Roughly levels 15 to 22 Recommended role: Hunter Sharpshooter with Sharpshot Bow
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Focus scanning and weak points and Valor Surges mastery.
- Sharpshot Bow makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
The Memorial Grove Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Roughly levels 20 to 30 Recommended role: Hunter Sharpshooter with Sharpshot Bow
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Sharpshot Bow at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Legacy's Landfall Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Post-campaign, around level 40 and up; the level cap rises from 50 to 60 with the expansion Recommended role: Hunter Sharpshooter with Sharpshot Bow
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons: A max-upgraded Sharpshot Bow trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Focus scanning and weak points: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Guides
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Overview
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Best Builds
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Tier List
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Walkthrough
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Beginner's Guide
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Tips & Tricks
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Weapons Guide
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Combat Guide
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Maps & Locations
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Crafting Guide
- Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition Classes & Characters
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