Horizon Forbidden West, the action-packed open-world adventure, has taken the gaming world by storm. As Aloy, the protagonist, explores the vast and mysterious world, survey drones become an essential tool for uncovering hidden secrets and navigating the treacherous terrain. But how do you get your hands on these valuable drones? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to acquire survey drones and unlock the full potential of your aerial allies.
The Importance of Survey Drones in Horizon Forbidden West
Survey drones are more than just fancy gadgets in Horizon Forbidden West; they’re game-changers. These flying companions offer a bird’s-eye view of the environment, allowing Aloy to:
- Scout out enemy positions and plan her attack
- Discover hidden paths and secrets
- Identify valuable resources and collectibles
- Solve puzzles and overcome environmental obstacles
Acquiring Your First Survey Drone
To get your first survey drone, follow these steps:
- Complete the main story quest “The Point of the Lance” until you reach the settlement of Ember Valley.
- Speak with the settlement’s leader, Talanah, and complete the side quest “The Wings of the Ten.”
- As a reward, Talanah will gift you your first survey drone.
This initial drone is a basic model, but it’s a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of survey drones in Horizon Forbidden West.
Upgrading Your Survey Drones
As you progress through the game, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your survey drones, increasing their range, speed, and capabilities. To upgrade your drones, you’ll need to:
- Collect components and resources scattered throughout the world
- Craft upgrade modules using the workbench
- Install the upgrade modules on your survey drone
Some essential upgrades include:
- Increased range: extends the drone’s flight distance, allowing Aloy to scout further afield
- Enhanced sensors: improves the drone’s ability to detect hidden paths and secrets
- Advanced propulsion: increases the drone’s speed and agility, making it more effective in combat
Higher-Tier Survey Drones
As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter higher-tier survey drones, which offer significant improvements over the basic model. These advanced drones can be acquired through:
- Completing challenging side quests and contracts
- Purchasing them from vendors using in-game currency or resources
- Crafting them using rare components and blueprints
Higher-tier survey drones boast improved performance, durability, and advanced features, such as:
- Thermal imaging: allows the drone to detect hidden enemies or objects using thermal signatures
- EMP capabilities: enables the drone to disable or destroy enemy machines
- Enhanced agility: increases the drone’s speed and maneuverability in combat
Tactical Deployment of Survey Drones
Survey drones are more than just tools for exploration; they’re valuable allies in combat. Here are some tactical tips for deploying your survey drones effectively:
- Use your drone to scout out enemy positions and plan your attack
- Deploy your drone as a decoy to distract enemies while Aloy sneaks past or flanks them
- Utilize your drone’s EMP capabilities to disable or destroy enemy machines
- Coordinate with your drone to execute complex ambushes and take down tough enemies
Survey Drone Maintenance and Management
To keep your survey drones in top condition, remember to:
- Regularly repair and maintain your drones using resources and components
- Upgrade your drones regularly to improve their performance and capabilities
- Manage your drone’s power levels, as excessive use can lead to battery drain
Conclusion
Survey drones are an integral part of the Horizon Forbidden West experience, offering a unique perspective on the game’s vast and mysterious world. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to acquiring and mastering the art of survey drones. Remember to stay vigilant, upgrade often, and deploy your drones strategically to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. With your trusty aerial allies by your side, you’ll be unstoppable in the world of Horizon Forbidden West.
| Survey Drone Tier | Range | Speed | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 100m | 30km/h | Scouting, Resource Detection |
| Advanced | 500m | 60km/h | Thermal Imaging, EMP Capabilities |
| Elite | 1000m | 100km/h | Enhanced Agility, Advanced Sensors |
What are Survey Drones in Horizon Forbidden West?
Survey Drones are special aerial companions that Aloy can deploy to scan the environment, reveal hidden locations, and provide valuable information about the machines and threats in the area. These drones are equipped with advanced sensors and scanners that allow them to detect and highlight important objects, enemies, and resources.
With Survey Drones, players can gain a significant advantage in exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. They can be used to spot hidden enemies, locate hard-to-reach areas, and even detect valuable resources and loot. Moreover, the drones can also help Aloy in combat by tagging enemies and weaknesses, making it easier to take them down.
How do I get Survey Drones in Horizon Forbidden West?
To get Survey Drones in Horizon Forbidden West, you’ll need to complete a specific side quest called “The Hunting Grounds”. This quest becomes available after you’ve completed the main story quest “The Besieged”. During the quest, you’ll encounter a character named Kael, who will task you with investigating a series of anomalies in the Hunting Grounds.
Upon completing the quest, you’ll receive the Survey Drone tool, which can be accessed from the gadget wheel. From then on, you can deploy the drone to scan the environment and gather information. Note that the drone has a limited range and battery life, so you’ll need to recharge it periodically and be mindful of its limitations when using it.
How do I deploy the Survey Drone?
To deploy the Survey Drone, open the gadget wheel and select the Survey Drone tool. Then, aim at the location where you want to deploy the drone using the camera, and press the deploy button. The drone will automatically take off and begin scanning the area.
Once deployed, the drone will highlight important objects, enemies, and resources in the area. You can move the camera to adjust the drone’s focus and scan different areas. The drone will also provide audio cues and vibrations to alert you to important discoveries. Remember to keep an eye on the drone’s battery life and recall it when necessary to recharge.
Can I upgrade my Survey Drone?
Yes, you can upgrade your Survey Drone to improve its performance and range. Upgrades can be purchased from merchants or crafted using resources and recipes. Upgrades can increase the drone’s range, battery life, and detection capabilities, making it more effective in exploration and combat.
Some upgrades can also grant the drone new capabilities, such as the ability to detect specific types of resources or weaknesses in machines. Be sure to check the upgrade descriptions to determine which ones are most useful for your playstyle and needs.
How do I recharge the Survey Drone?
The Survey Drone has a limited battery life, and it will eventually need to be recharged. To recharge the drone, open the gadget wheel and select the Survey Drone tool. Then, press the recall button to retrieve the drone. The drone will automatically recharge its battery over time.
You can also use special resources or items to accelerate the recharging process. These can be found in the environment or purchased from merchants. Keep an eye on the drone’s battery life to avoid running out of power at critical moments.
Can I use the Survey Drone in combat?
Yes, the Survey Drone can be used in combat to tag enemies and highlight weaknesses. When deployed, the drone can detect and highlight enemy weak points, making it easier to take them down. The drone can also detect and alert you to incoming attacks, giving you a chance to react and defend yourself.
However, keep in mind that the drone is vulnerable to enemy attacks and can be destroyed if it takes too much damage. Be sure to recall the drone and recharge its battery periodically to avoid losing it in combat.
Are there any limitations to using the Survey Drone?
Yes, there are some limitations to using the Survey Drone. The drone has a limited range and battery life, which means you’ll need to be mindful of its limitations when using it. Additionally, the drone can be affected by environmental factors such as weather and terrain, which can impact its performance.
Moreover, some areas may have interference or other obstacles that prevent the drone from functioning correctly. Be sure to check the drone’s status and adjust your strategy accordingly to get the most out of this valuable tool.