Horizon Zero Dawn is set in a post-apocalyptic world where robotic dinosaur machines roam and humanity has regressed to tribal societies. Aloy hunts these machines using a combination of bows, traps, and a device called the Focus that reveals machine weak points and components. The combat system rewards preparation and precision — scanning a machine reveals detachable components, elemental weaknesses, and armor plates. Tearing off a Thunderjaw's disc launcher and using it against the machine is one of gaming's most satisfying moments. The story slowly reveals why the world is this way, building to one of the best sci-fi narratives in gaming.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary weapons | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your role's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary weapons | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Embrace
Key resources: Basic weapons, Focus introduction, Proving completion, world access Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Ropecaster upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Meridian
Key resources: Shadow weapons purchase, side quest hub, story progression, best merchants Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Ropecaster upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Frozen Wilds
Key resources: Banuk weapons (best in game), Frozen Wilds armor, challenging machines, DLC story Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Ropecaster upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Sunfall
Key resources: Story progression, Shadow Carja encounters, western exploration Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Sharpshot Bow max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
GAIA Prime
Key resources: Story climax, world-building revelations, ancient technology, emotional payoff Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Sharpshot Bow max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Embrace — Meridian)
- Upgrade your starting weapons to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Ropecaster once accessible
Mid Game (Frozen Wilds)
- Push Ropecaster to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Sharpshot Bow
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Sunfall — GAIA Prime)
- Max out Sharpshot Bow — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary weapons for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple weapons — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Frozen Wilds farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- ALWAYS scan machines before engaging. The Focus reveals every component, weak point, and elemental vulnerability. Fighting without scanning is like fighting blindfolded — you waste ammo and miss component loot.
- Farm Frozen Wilds during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Horizon Zero Dawn Guides
- Horizon Zero Dawn Horizon Zero Dawn Overview
- Horizon Zero Dawn Best Builds
- Horizon Zero Dawn Tier List
- Horizon Zero Dawn Walkthrough
- Horizon Zero Dawn Beginner's Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Tips & Tricks
- Horizon Zero Dawn Weapons Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Combat Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Boss Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Maps & Locations
- Horizon Zero Dawn Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Crafting Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Crafting Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Crafting Guide — action game with similar mechanics
