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.
Your choice of weapons defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Weapons Rankings
| Weapon | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpshot Bow | S | Sharpshot Sniper | The long-range precision bow with three ammo types: Precision (high damage), Tearblast (removes components), and Harvest (bonus loot from components). |
| Ropecaster | A | Trap Specialist | Fires ropes that pin machines to the ground when enough ropes connect. |
| Tripcaster | A | Trap Specialist | Places tripwire traps on the ground that trigger when machines walk through them. |
| Rattler | B | Melee Brave | A close-range automatic weapon firing a spread of bolts. |
| Tearblaster | B | Sharpshot Sniper | A special weapon that fires a sonic blast removing all components in its blast radius. |
S-Tier: Sharpshot Bow
The long-range precision bow with three ammo types: Precision (high damage), Tearblast (removes components), and Harvest (bonus loot from components). The Sharpshot Bow is the most important weapon for efficient machine hunting. Tearblast arrows trivialize component removal.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Sharpshot Sniper |
| Key Mechanic | machine hunting |
| Recommended Role | Stealth Hunter |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Sharpshot Bow: Pairs naturally with Stealth Hunter thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Ropecaster
Fires ropes that pin machines to the ground when enough ropes connect. Essential for large machines (Thunderjaw, Stormbird) — pinning them creates extended damage windows. Higher-tier Ropecasters need fewer ropes to pin. A pinned Thunderjaw is a dead Thunderjaw.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Trap Specialist |
| Key Mechanic | component targeting |
| Recommended Role | Trap Specialist |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Ropecaster: Pairs naturally with Trap Specialist thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Tripcaster
Places tripwire traps on the ground that trigger when machines walk through them. Available in blast (explosive), shock (stun), and fire variants. Multiple tripwires layered on a path deal cumulative damage. The setup-and-lure playstyle is highly effective.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Trap Specialist |
| Key Mechanic | weapon mods |
| Recommended Role | Sharpshot Sniper |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Tripcaster: Pairs naturally with Sharpshot Sniper thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Rattler
A close-range automatic weapon firing a spread of bolts. The Rattler deals high DPS at point-blank range, making it effective against pinned machines or after a successful stealth approach. Ammo consumption is high.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Melee Brave |
| Key Mechanic | skill trees |
| Recommended Role | Melee Brave |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Rattler: Pairs naturally with Melee Brave thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Tearblaster
A special weapon that fires a sonic blast removing all components in its blast radius. No ammo is consumed — it recharges over time. The Tearblaster strips armor and components faster than Tearblast arrows but requires close range.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Sharpshot Sniper |
| Key Mechanic | override system |
| Recommended Role | Override Master |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Tearblaster: Pairs naturally with Override Master thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Weapons Progression Path
The order you should acquire weapons as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Embrace
- Ropecaster → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Tripcaster → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Sharpshot Bow → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Weapons Tips
- Always upgrade your primary weapon before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your weapons to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- 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.
- Check our tier list for how weapons rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
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 Combat Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Boss Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Maps & Locations
- Horizon Zero Dawn Crafting Guide
- Horizon Zero Dawn Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
