The Trampler Challenge inHorizon Zero Dawnstands out as one of the more exciting and demanding trials in the game’s expansive hunting ground system. Found in the Nora Hunting Grounds and others, this particular challenge pits players against massive Trampler machines, testing not only your combat skills but your ability to strategize under pressure. With the right approach and tools, completing the Trampler Challenge can be both thrilling and rewarding. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown on how to beat the challenge efficiently, while offering insight into weapon choices, machine weaknesses, and the best combat tactics.
Understanding the Trampler Machine
The Trampler is a large, aggressive machine that resembles a mechanized bull or bison. It roams in herds and can be extremely dangerous when provoked. Knowing the machine’s structure and behavior is essential to overcoming the Horizon Zero Dawn Trampler Challenge.
Trampler Characteristics
- Elemental Weakness: Fire is especially effective, as many of its components are flammable.
- Major Components: Power Cell (rear), Processing Unit (top back), and Fuel Sac (underside).
- Behavior: Will charge and trample Aloy, and it can use its body to create shockwaves or flames.
Targeting weak points like the Fuel Sac or Power Cell can disable or destroy the Trampler faster. However, its aggressive nature means you need to stay mobile and out of its charging path.
Finding the Trampler Challenge
The Trampler Challenge can be found in multiple hunting grounds, but the Sun Furrows Hunting Grounds is a common location. You must have unlocked the grounds by speaking with the Keeper and paying the fee or clearing the required missions beforehand. Once you initiate the challenge, your goal is to complete the trial objectives within the set time to earn a Half Sun, Full Sun, or Blazing Sun ranking.
Types of Trampler Challenges
- Kill Trial: Eliminate a set number of Tramplers in a short time.
- Component Trial: Remove specific machine parts like the Power Cell or Processing Unit.
- Elemental Trial: Kill a Trampler using fire damage only.
Each variation of the challenge will test a different combat skill, such as precision aiming, use of elemental damage, or managing crowd control in chaotic battles.
Best Weapons to Use
Preparation is crucial before starting the Trampler Challenge. You’ll want to bring weapons that align with the machine’s weaknesses and allow you to control the battlefield.
Recommended Weapons
- Carja or Lodge Blast Sling: Launches fire bombs that can ignite Trampler fuel tanks quickly.
- Shadow Hunter Bow: Versatile and fast, useful for targeting weak points with precision arrows.
- Tripcaster: Set shock or fire traps to stagger or damage Tramplers as they charge.
- Ropecaster: Temporarily immobilizes the Trampler, giving you time to set up a perfect shot.
Don’t forget to stock up on elemental ammo types like Fire Arrows and Blast Bombs, as they are critical to triggering the Trampler’s weaknesses.
Effective Tactics for Beating the Trampler
Facing a group of Tramplers head-on without a plan will likely result in failure. The key is to use the environment, manage your distance, and prioritize targeting weak points for maximum efficiency.
Combat Tips
- Start from stealth: Get the first hit on a weak point from cover before the herd notices you.
- Set traps in advance: Lay shock wires or fire traps in the path you expect Tramplers to move.
- Use high ground: Elevation helps you stay out of trample range and gives you clear aim at critical components.
- Focus fire: Concentrate on one machine at a time rather than attacking them all evenly.
If you’re attempting the challenge with a fire-only objective, be sure to avoid using any other damage type. This includes your melee attacks or standard arrows, which can disqualify you from earning the highest score if misused.
Environmental Strategy
The layout of the challenge arena plays a large role in your approach. The terrain may include rock outcroppings, trees, or cliffs that you can use for cover or trap placement. Always analyze the environment before starting the trial.
Utilize the Arena
- Use choke points to trap multiple Tramplers with one tripwire.
- Lure enemies into trap clusters using noise arrows or rocks.
- Keep moving avoid getting cornered or surrounded, as the herd can coordinate trampling runs.
Understanding the layout will allow you to control the pace of the encounter, making it easier to avoid damage while efficiently meeting trial objectives.
Gear and Skills That Help
Your armor and skill tree setup can significantly influence your performance. If you find yourself struggling, consider changing your outfit or reassigning skill points.
Recommended Gear
- Banuk Werak Hunter: Enhances stealth and ranged damage, great for picking off weak points.
- Shield-Weaver Armor: Provides a strong shield to reduce damage from trample attacks.
Useful Skills
- Concentration: Slow down time while aiming, essential for hitting weak spots.
- Precision: Increase critical hit chance with bows.
- Critical Hit+: Improves melee follow-up after downing a machine.
Focus on upgrading your Hunter and Brave skill trees before attempting the more advanced variations of the challenge.
Rewards for Completion
Completing the Trampler Challenge earns you medals based on your performance: Half Sun, Full Sun, and Blazing Sun. These medals are not only marks of achievement but can be traded for powerful weapons in Meridian.
Blazing Sun Reward Tips
- Complete the trial under the shortest time limit.
- Use efficient weapons and avoid unnecessary actions.
- Retry as needed practice makes a huge difference.
After acquiring enough Blazing Suns across multiple hunting grounds, you can exchange them for Lodge weapons, some of the strongest in the game.
TheHorizon Zero Dawn Trampler Challengeis a thrilling encounter that tests your understanding of machine behavior, environmental tactics, and combat skills. Whether you’re going for a quick kill trial or a precision component challenge, mastering this trial takes preparation and strategy. With the right weapons, a thoughtful approach to trap placement, and solid aim, you can earn top-tier medals and enjoy one of the most exhilarating combat scenarios in the game. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different tactics and tools each attempt helps refine your approach and brings you closer to that coveted Blazing Sun.