The Best Mounts In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

The Best Mounts In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Key Takeaways

  • Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
    is a worthwhile upgrade with enhanced graphics and updated textures.
  • Aloy can ride different machines, with Striders being weaker, Broadheads more dangerous, and Chargers being tough to acquire.
  • Chargers are the most assertive mounts in the game, with a powerful Charge attack and high durability.

As an old-time Apex Predator myself, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with these mechanical beasts roaming the post-apocalyptic world. The mounts in Guerrilla Games’ masterpiece, Horizon Zero Dawn, are as diverse and unique as the landscapes they inhabit.


It’s understandable if some fans of the original “Horizon Zero Dawn” might question the need for a remastered edition, given that it was only eight years since its initial release and the game still looks stunning. While it may not match the visual quality of its sequel, “Horizon Forbidden West”, there’s a generation leap in console technology to account for that difference. This is similar to other PlayStation franchises like “The Last of Us”, which often have remastered or remade versions of their games planned for release.

However, the results have shown that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was a more-than-worthwhile endeavor. The graphical upscale is a sight to behold, but more importantly, the game now features updated textures, environmental details, and character animations, all of which bring it into lockstep with the quality seen in Forbidden West. It’s honestly startling what a difference it makes in the moment-to-moment gameplay, and for players who already own Horizon Zero Dawn, upgrading to the remastered version only costs $10.

For beginners diving into Aloy’s adventure for the first time, they might be unaccustomed to certain gameplay aspects, such as taking control of machines and finding rideable creatures. In the remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn, there are three distinct machines that Aloy can ride as mounts; however, she needs to obtain PSI Overrides first. Fortunately, these override codes cannot be missed, as players will discover them naturally during gameplay. During the main quest “The Womb of the Mountain,” Aloy will come across her initial Corruptor encounter. Unlike other machines in the world, these Corruptors do not resemble animals or dinosaurs and are among the deadliest foes players will fight. After defeating this Corruptor, players will be prompted to search its remains, where they will find the PSI Overrides. Following this event, players can take control of any rideable machines in the game. It’s important to note that not all mounts are created equal. Some mounts are more resilient than others, although overriding them might be a bit challenging.

3 Strider

One Of The Weaker Machines In The Game, But They Can Still Be Dangerous When Cornered

  • HP: 105

In the game Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, the Strider, among the trio of mounts, is considered the least powerful. While the disparities between them are generally slight, it’s worth noting that. The Striders tend to move in the company of Watchers for protection. Interestingly, a herd would usually scatter at the sight of hunters rather than engage in combat. However, if provoked, these Striders can unleash a few potent attacks that could knock Aloy off her feet. Notably, similar attacks can be executed when Aloy has taken control and ridden a Strider.

Attack NameInputDescriptionDamage
ChargeSprint Into An EnemyRams the enemy20
Double StrikeR1Kick forward with both front legs35
Hind Leg StrikeR1 + Left Stick BackKick backward with both hind legs70
Pivot KickR2Kick backward with both hind legs twice while rotating 180 degrees70

Striders can be spotted across various territories, ranging from The Gatelands to The Rustwash in the west. Some Strider habitats can also be found in the Sun Stepps and the northern parts of The Jewel. Interestingly, they tend to steer clear of Valleymeet, but reappear to the east of Mother’s Heart. Striders are commonly found in areas stretching from the Red Drifts through The Sacred Lands and as far south as The Embrace. However, they do not typically inhabit Plainsong, The Longroam, or the DLC regions of The Frozen Wilds, specifically The Cut and Ban-Ur.

To successfully take control of a Strider, it’s advisable to move quietly so as not to disturb the herd. Aloy won’t be able to catch up with a running Strider unless she has her own mount, and by that point, it wouldn’t make sense for players to continue trying to tame a Strider because their mount will likely be at least as effective, if not more so, than a Strider.

2 Broadhead

Just As Skittish As Striders, But More Aggressive When Defending Themselves

  • HP: 175

In comparison to Striders, Broadheads are tougher built and have a distinct appearance, resembling cattle due to their side-mounted horns, in contrast to the equine look of Striders. Moreover, while both types share the same base structure, Broadheads enhance their security detail by replacing Watchers with more formidable Ravagers. However, it’s worth noting that some groups may travel without protection, and they can be just as prone to flee when they perceive danger, similar to Striders.

In comparison, Broadheads are more harmful than Striders in combat, yet they share similar mounted attacks. The damaging power of a Broadhead’s Charge exceeds that of a Strider’s, with the impact damage escalating according to the Broadhead’s speed at the time. However, their attack repertoires are almost indistinguishable. It’s important to mention that while both attacks deliver the same amount of damage, the Broadhead’s Hind Leg Strike has the ability to knock a smaller foe off balance.

Attack NameInputDescriptionDamage
ChargeSprint Into An EnemyRams the enemy35
Double StrikeR1Rears and kicks forward with each front leg twice35
Hind Leg StrikeR1 + Left Stick BackKick backward with both hind legs, knocking over smaller enemies70
Pivot KickR2Kick backward with both hind legs twice while rotating 180 degrees70

Broadheads can be found all across the middle of the map in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, from the East to the West. They are all over The Rustwatch, The Gatelands, and The Sun Stepps, but they don’t venture south to The Jewel or north to The Claim. They can also be found in Plainsong, but they again don’t go south to The Sacred Lands, or north to The Longroam. Unlike Striders, Broadheads can also be found in Valleymeet.

When taking control of a Broadhead, sneaking up is often the best strategy. They might become disinterested if Aloy vanishes too swiftly post-sighting, but the accompanying Ravagers are less likely to forget and are harder to evade in the initial stages. This method is also advisable because, should Aloy trigger a Ravager while commandeering a Broadhead, her mount could be promptly destroyed soon after acquisition, leaving players vulnerable to the enemy attack, with their survival depending mainly on the quality of their armor.

1 Charger

The Most Assertive Mounts In The Game, And The Hardest To Find

  • HP: 325

Instead of Broadheads and Striders, players will need to earn their way to ride Chargers, as these mounts are significantly more aggressive. If Aloy is detected by a herd, Chargers might aggressively charge at her. They resemble Big Horn Sheep or Mountain Goats due to their large curved horns and preferred habitats. Moreover, Chargers are often accompanied by various protective machines, such as Watchers, Longlegs, and Sawtooths, in the regions they inhabit. These machines can pose a risk even for well-prepared players when they graze alongside a herd of Chargers, making it potentially hazardous to be spotted.

As a devoted admirer of Horizon Zero Dawn, I must share my insights about Chargers, these magnificent beasts that are not easily obtained during the initial stages of the game. You’ll typically find them roaming in later regions such as The Frozen Wilds DLC and Ban-Ur, making them a formidable challenge for players eager to tame one early on.

Attack NameInputDescriptionDamage
ChargeSprint Into An EnemyRams the enemy60
Double StrikeR1Kick forward with both front legs35
Hind Leg StrikeR1 + Left Stick BackKick backward with both hind legs70
Pivot KickR2One single, powerful twin-leg backward kick while turning 180 degrees70

In contrast to Striders and Broadheads, Charger locations are usually farther away and harder to find. They tend to appear in the mountainous areas of The Claim, but become sparse once players reach The Sun Stepps or The Rustwatch. Similarly, you’ll find them in the snowy passes of The Longroam, moving north into The Cut and Ban-Ur, but they disappear if players travel south to Plainsong. However, Chargers are surprisingly common in the jungle region of The Jewel, unlike their preference for colder, rugged environments. But if you explore north towards The Gatelands, Chargers won’t be found (unless Aloy has control over one).

To tame a Charger, similar to other game mounts, it’s best to approach from hiding. When Aloy is detected, it’s not always the companion machines posing the biggest threat; often, it’s the Chargers themselves. These machines are highly aggressive, and their substantial health and powerful Charge move can make dealing with a single one difficult for Aloy, let alone an entire herd accompanied by some Sawtooths. However, if Aloy manages to tame a Charger before being detected, these creatures are strong and fast enough that players can usually escape even when other nearby machines have spotted them.

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2024-11-12 20:05