In the immersive world of Horizon Forbidden West, mastering the selection of Legendary armor sets is essential for navigating the game’s myriad dangers and adversaries. A shift in armor mechanics from its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, now allows players to tailor their choices according to personal playstyle. Previously, the focus was largely on maximizing stats, but Forbidden West encourages experimentation with various Legendary armor sets, each offering unique benefits that align with different strategies.
The expansion Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, released in April 2023, added five new Legendary armor sets, expanding the total to 11. Beyond just fashion improvements for Aloy, this significant DLC introduces a fresh landscape to explore, new characters and enemies, engaging quests, and even a budding love interest, enriching the overall gameplay experience. Among these enhancements, the new Legendary armor sets stand out as some of the most impactful upgrades in Forbidden West.
11. The Nora Lookout Armor Set: Useful in Specific Situations
Available at Fleet’s End Stitcher in the Burning Shores DLC
Regarded for its aesthetic appeal, the Nora Lookout armor set pays homage to Aloy’s original design from Horizon Zero Dawn. However, this nostalgia comes with a trade-off—its utility is limited. While it enhances Low Health Regen and Medicine Capacity, which might be situationally beneficial, it ultimately falls short in defense. This armor only proves advantageous during moments of duress when Aloy has already sustained damage, placing it at the bottom of the Legendary tier.
Despite its limitations, this set can be valuable in the early stages of the DLC, aiding players as they navigate new machines. Unlocking this armor requires 2,000 Metal Shards and eight Brimshine at the Fleet’s End Stitcher.
10. The Quen Deadeye Armor Set: Ideal for Stealth Builds
Requires Completion of “The Splinter Within”in the Burning Shores DLC
Perfect for those who prefer a stealth-oriented approach, the Quen Deadeye armor set significantly enhances Aloy’s abilities in this playstyle. With perks in Low Profile, Concentration, Stealth Tear, and Stealth Ranged, this armor set is tailored for stealth archers looking to gain the upper hand through subterfuge. However, those favoring a more aggressive approach may find this armor less beneficial, as it is primarily geared toward a cautious strategy.
Players can obtain the Quen Deadeye set after completing “The Splinter Within”quest, with upgrades available that provide two additional modification slots at level three.
9. The Carja Stalker Elite Armor Set: Best for Trapper Builds
Available at The Maw of the Arena Prize Master
Infusing fashion with functionality, the Carja Stalker Elite armor set caters to players who favor a trapping strategy. This armor enhances trap limits and speeds up trap placement while also providing stealth abilities like Low Profile and Quiet Movement, allowing for effective pre-engagement tactics.
Nevertheless, since traps are primarily deployed before combat, many of its features go unused during battles. Players can acquire this set at The Maw of the Arena for 54 Arena Medals, which are earned through completing Arena challenges.
8. The Utaru Winterweave Armor Set: Superior for Stealth Builds
Available at the Thornmarsh Stitcher
The Utaru Winterweave armor stands out as the top choice for stealth gameplay in Horizon Forbidden West. This set is heavily focused on quick and efficient enemy takedowns, boasting skills like Low Profile, Quiet Spear, Smoke Bomb Capacity, and enhanced Quiet Movement. Ideal for stealth enthusiasts, it’s particularly conducive for missions involving the elimination of small to medium-sized foes.
When fully upgraded, this set offers increased stealth damage and the Silent Strike Heal ability, though it is less effective in prolonged skirmishes against larger machines. Players can acquire the Utaru Winterweave armor from the Thornmarsh vendor for 2,000 Metal Shards, one Tremortusk Circulator, and one Apex Dreadwing heart.
7. The Tenakth Tactician Armor Set: Tailored for Overriding Machines
Available at the Thornmarsh Stitcher
For players who approach machines as allies rather than adversaries, the Tenakth Tactician armor set offers exciting tweaks to machine interactions. With abilities that bolster overridden machines’ health, damage, and elemental attributes, even basic machines can become valuable assets in combat.
However, while it excels at prolonging a machine’s overridden state, it sacrifices the player’s direct combat damage potential, limiting versatility in personal damage output. This armor can be obtained for 2,000 Metal Shards, one Thunderjaw circulator, and one Apex Slitherfang heart at the Thornmarsh settlement.
6. The Quen Commander Armor Set: Best for Melee Builds
Available at Fleet’s End Stitcher in the Burning Shores DLC
Designed for close combat, the Quen Commander armor set enhances melee interactions significantly. It primarily boosts Aloy’s Resonator Blast and other melee attack perks, making it an exceptional choice for those who thrive in close-range encounters.
This armor can be purchased for 2,000 Metal Shards and eight Brimshine from the Stitcher in Fleet’s End. Additionally, fans can enjoy a free downloadable cosplay guide featuring this striking outfit on the official Burning Shores website.
5. The Blacktide Quen Commander Armor Set: More Fashionable Option
Available from Fleet’s End Stitcher with DLC Pre-Order
Functionally identical to the Quen Commander set, the Blacktide Quen Commander armor features a chic black-and-gold aesthetic. Players who pre-ordered the Burning Shores DLC can obtain this stylish armor for a mere Metal Shard at the Fleet’s End Stitcher, though new players cannot acquire it post-launch.
4. The Tenakth Vanquisher Armor Set: Enhancing Longevity
Available at the Maw of the Arena Prize Master
The Tenakth Vanquisher armor is designed for players who embrace high-stakes gameplay, specializing in a risk-reward dynamic. Most skills activate when Aloy’s health is low, maximizing valor and combat capabilities as she inches closer to defeat. The inclusion of the Second Chance mod increases the odds of surviving lethal hits, making this armor significantly potent in the hands of skilled players.
This armor provides robust offensive capabilities, but its efficacy is intrinsically tied to the player’s build. Available for 54 Arena Medals at The Maw of the Arena, this set fits those who thrive in intense combat scenarios.
3. The Oseram Artificer Armor Set: Melee Mastery
Requires Completion of All Salvage Contracts
The Oseram Artificer armor stands out as the premier choice for players focused on melee combat. This set boasts the highest melee stats when fully upgraded, enhancing Aloy’s melee damage, power attack abilities, and resonator buildup. Additionally, it provides resistance to various types of damage, allowing Aloy to endure while dishing out punishment.
Though it leans toward aggressive gameplay, players will find it somewhat vulnerable in high-difficulty scenarios without an Overshield valor surge. This armor set can only be collected upon completing all 17 salvage contracts throughout the Forbidden West, marking it as one of the harder sets to obtain.
2. The Quen Marine Armor Set: Perfect for Balanced Builds
Available at the Fleet’s End Stitcher in the Burning Shores DLC
Renowned for its versatility, the Quen Marine armor emerges as the best Legendary armor from the Burning Shores DLC. Categorized as Infiltrator armor, it excels in stealth but offers significant advantages regardless of combat style. This set enhances Stamina Regen and Concentration, making difficult confrontations manageable.
While many armors cater to specific strategies, the Quen Marine armor adapts to any combat situation, providing a well-rounded option for players. It can be purchased for 2,000 Metal Shards and eight Brimshine at the Fleet’s End Stitcher.
1. The Nora Thunder Warrior Armor Set: Unmatched in Horizon Forbidden West
Available at the Maw of the Arena Prize Master
Undoubtedly, the Nora Thunder Warrior armor secures its place as the top Legendary armor in Horizon Forbidden West. This ranged-centric set delivers exceptional impact damage and significantly boosts concentration. Moreover, its built-in skills enhance stamina regeneration and dodging frequency, paired with Heavy Weapon+ that augments two-handed weapon effectiveness.
When combined with powerful weapons like The Death-Seeker’s Shadow or Forgefall, its damage potential skyrockets. Furthermore, with a 50% resistance to most attack types—excluding frost and plasma—this armor affords Aloy remarkable survivability, rendering her resistant to one-shot kills. While other sets may specialize in niche playstyles, the Nora Thunder Warrior armor caters to a broad range of combat strategies, making it a go-to choice for most players. To earn this premier armor, players must engage in combat at The Maw of the Arena and provide 54 arena medals.
Source: Burning Shores website
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