Chainscrape Melee Pit

Master the Chainscrape Melee Pit in Horizon Forbidden West! Learn the requirements, tutorials, and challenge strategies to earn your Pristine Skull reward.

Alright, so you've just entered Chainscrape and you're probably wondering about that Melee Pit icon on your map. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward! It's located in the northern part of the settlement, down on the lower level. Just head to the top and look for the stairs leading down – that's where you'll find Odurg, the guy running the show.

He'll give you the lowdown on the Melee Pits, explaining that your ultimate goal is to beat the Enduring Master later on. But for now, focus on these first four pits, starting with this one in Chainscrape. Let's get you prepped!

Requirements for the Chainscrape Melee Pit

Before you jump in, there are a couple of key things you need. While there's no specific level requirement, you absolutely *must* have unlocked two skills from the Warrior Tree: Resonator Blast and Block Breaker. These each cost one Skill Point, which you should have plenty of at this stage of the game. Resonator Blast is on the left side of the skill tree, and Block Breaker is the first skill on the right. Make sure you've got those!

How to Complete the Chainscrape Melee Pit

Once you talk to Odurg and agree to enter, you'll see three options: Tutorials, Challenges, and Practice. My advice? Don't just dive straight into the challenges. Take a moment to get a feel for the controls and mechanics in the pit.

Tutorials

There are three tutorials available right now: Light Attacks, Heavy Attacks, and Power Attacks. You've probably got a feel for these already, but here's a quick refresher:

• Light Attack: Tap R1. These are fast but don't pack a huge punch.
• Heavy Attack: Tap R2. These hit harder but are slower to execute.
• Power Attack: Hold R2. These take a bit longer and leave you open, but they deal the most damage.

Practice

The Practice mode is super useful. It lets you try out your combos and skills against some opponents without any pressure or risk of failing. It's a great way to build confidence before you tackle the actual challenges.

How to Complete the Challenges

When you feel ready, it's time to take on the challenges. There are three in total, but only two will be available at first.

Block Breaker Challenge

This is the first challenge you'll face. Your objective is to defeat your opponent within a one-minute time limit. The key here is the combo: R1-R1-R2. Nail this combo, and your opponent will be knocked down, leaving them wide open for more attacks. It's pretty easy to master!

Blast Resonator Challenge

Next up is the Blast Resonator Challenge, and you've got one minute and twenty seconds to win. Keep an eye on the right side of your screen; it'll show you the required combination. You'll need to string together R1 and R2 attacks until your spear is fully charged. Once it is, you can unleash a Power Up Attack (hold R2) to stagger your opponent. A piece of their armor will glow purple – shoot it with an arrow to trigger the Resonator Blast. This is your main way to deal significant damage here.

Pit Master Challenge

Finally, the Pit Master Challenge unlocks! You have two minutes to defeat the Pit Master. Honestly, if you're playing on Story or Easy mode, this fight is usually pretty quick. Just keep up the pressure with your attacks, and remember to dodge when they're about to strike back. You'll have this done in no time.

Reward for the Chainscrape Melee Pit

Successfully defeating the Pit Master here earns you a Pristine Skull. This is a valuable item you can sell or trade with hunters for rare animal parts. Nice!