Horizon Forbidden West: The Comprehensive Guide to Side Quests

Horizon Forbidden West is a game filled with engaging narratives, stunning visuals, and, of course, an overwhelming number of side quests. As fans dive deeper into the world of Aloy, they quickly realize that the main story, while captivating, is only part of the experience. The side quests in Horizon Forbidden West not only offer additional playtime but also provide significant lore, character development, and valuable rewards that enhance gameplay. In this article, we will explore every aspect of these side quests, breaking down their importance, types, rewards, and why they matter in the overarching story. We will also offer some tips to manage and prioritize them effectively.

Side Quests: The Hidden Heart of the Game

Horizon Forbidden West boasts over 60 main side quests, and when you combine this with errands and other optional activities, the total number of side missions climbs up to 80-90 quests. This number may seem intimidating, but each quest is carefully crafted to feel unique and purposeful. Side quests in Horizon Forbidden West can be found in almost every region of the game's expansive open world, from the harsh desert landscapes to the deep forests and ancient ruins.

Each quest typically involves a combination of exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and interactions with the game's richly developed characters. However, it's not just about completing these tasks—side quests in Horizon Forbidden West serve a much deeper function, enhancing the narrative of the game and building a fuller, more immersive world. For example, through these quests, you may learn more about the various tribes, their histories, and the struggles they face in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by machines. In many cases, these quests add layers of complexity to the main storyline, providing additional motivation or insight into Aloy’s mission.

Types of Side Quests in Horizon Forbidden West

1. Main Side Quests
   These are the meat of the game's side content. Main side quests often involve significant characters, larger areas to explore, and tougher enemies to defeat. They also yield the most valuable rewards, such as legendary weapons, armor sets, or critical upgrades. Some examples include quests like "The Broken Sky" or "Seeds of the Past", which tie into the overarching plot while offering standalone adventures.

2. Errands
   Errands are generally shorter tasks with more focused objectives. While they may seem like fetch quests at times, the narratives tied to these errands often reveal important lore or provide opportunities for Aloy to form bonds with key NPCs. They typically offer smaller rewards but are quicker to complete, making them perfect for players looking to break up the intensity of main missions.

3. Salvage Contracts
   Introduced as a new type of quest in Horizon Forbidden West, Salvage Contracts challenge players to hunt down specific machine parts for various characters, who are trying to build their own unique items. These quests emphasize exploration and resource collection and often lead to some of the best armor in the game.

4. Outpost and Rebel Camps
   While not traditional side quests, outposts and rebel camps can be found throughout the world. Clearing them out not only makes the map safer to traverse but also provides valuable crafting materials and experience points. These are optional but highly recommended for players looking to maximize their progression.

5. Cauldrons and Ruins
   These are optional dungeons or puzzle areas that not only serve as exciting challenges but also provide massive rewards in terms of new machine overrides, resources, and lore. Cauldrons, in particular, allow Aloy to control more machines, giving her an edge in combat.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Side Quests

You might be tempted to rush through the main story, but doing so would rob you of some of the best content Horizon Forbidden West has to offer. Side quests are not just filler—they often provide essential context for the game’s world, fleshing out characters and revealing important details about the lore that can deepen your appreciation of the main narrative.

Character Development and Relationships:
Many side quests revolve around characters Aloy meets throughout her journey. These quests often give players a deeper understanding of these characters, their motivations, and how they fit into the larger story. For instance, completing a side quest for a character may lead to them helping Aloy in a crucial moment later in the game.

Worldbuilding and Lore:
From learning about ancient technologies to uncovering the mysteries behind the post-apocalyptic world, side quests in Horizon Forbidden West are crucial for those who crave lore. Some quests delve into the history of specific tribes, while others explore the relationship between humans and machines. This is where you will discover fascinating stories about the Old World and its downfall.

Rewards and Upgrades:
While some side quests are purely narrative-driven, most offer tangible rewards. Completing side quests can give Aloy better gear, which in turn makes the main story quests easier to tackle. Players can earn legendary weapons, armor sets, crafting materials, and even skill points that make progressing through the game more efficient. Some of the most powerful gear in the game is locked behind side quests, making them essential for players aiming to optimize their playthrough.

The Balance: Managing Your Time Between Main and Side Quests

With so many side quests available, it can be challenging to know how to balance them with the main story. Here are some tips on how to prioritize and maximize your time:

1. Start with Regional Quests:
   Each new region you unlock will have its own set of side quests. It’s often a good idea to complete these quests as soon as they become available, as they will help you acclimate to the area, introduce you to local NPCs, and earn rewards that will make subsequent main missions easier.

2. Tackle Errands for Quick Progress:
   If you’re looking to quickly gain experience or resources, focus on completing errands between larger story missions. These quests are shorter and can help you level up quickly without much commitment.

3. Follow the Storyline of Important Characters:
   Some characters in the game have multiple side quests that span across different regions. Follow their questlines for greater rewards and a deeper connection to the story. Quests related to key characters like Erend or Varl often lead to major developments in both the side content and the main story.

4. Check Your Inventory Needs:
   Many side quests offer unique items or resources. If you’re finding yourself low on a specific crafting material or in need of a particular upgrade, focus on side quests that offer those rewards.

Final Thoughts: Completing All Side Quests in Horizon Forbidden West

With approximately 80-90 side missions, Horizon Forbidden West offers an incredibly rich experience beyond its main story. For completionists, taking the time to do every side quest is a rewarding endeavor, not only because of the valuable loot and experience points but also because of the deeper connection to the game’s world and characters.

Players who invest the time to explore the side quests will find themselves better equipped, more knowledgeable about the world, and more emotionally connected to Aloy’s journey. It’s a testament to the game’s design that these optional missions feel as integral to the experience as the main story itself. Whether you're aiming to 100% the game or just looking to explore every nook and cranny, the side quests in Horizon Forbidden West are worth every moment spent.

So, the next time you're wondering whether to embark on a side mission, remember: it’s not just a distraction from the main plot—it’s an opportunity to make the world of Horizon Forbidden West your own.