Fire/Freeze Bellowback

Learn the weaknesses and strategies to take down the Fire and Freeze Bellowbacks in Horizon Zero Dawn. Exploit their elemental vulnerabilities and target their weak points for a swift victory.

Alright, let's talk about the Bellowbacks in Horizon Zero Dawn. These guys look a bit intimidating, but they're actually pretty manageable once you know their tricks. They come in two flavors: Fire and Freeze. While their attacks differ based on their element, their core moveset is the same, and so is the best way to take them down.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Fire Bellowback: Weak to Freeze. Vulnerable to Shock.
• Freeze Bellowback: Weak to Fire. Vulnerable to Shock.
• Both: Their elemental sacs (Cargo Sac on the back, Gullet under the neck) are critical weak points. Hitting these causes them to explode, dealing massive damage and potentially igniting or freezing nearby enemies.

Phases:

1. Ranged Attacks: They'll spit elemental projectiles from a distance. These have a small splash radius, so dodge sideways.
2. Breath Attack: At medium range, they unleash a continuous stream of their element, like a flamethrower or ice breath. Keep moving to avoid this.
3. Close-Quarters Spin: If you get too close, they'll spin around while spewing their element. Back away quickly!
4. Melee Attacks: They have a standard charge and a lunging attack. Dodge these to the side.

Strategy:

• Target the Sacs: The absolute best way to deal with Bellowbacks is to aim for their elemental sacs. The Cargo Sac is on their back, and the Gullet is located under their neck. Hitting these with well-aimed shots will cause them to detonate, dealing huge damage to the Bellowback and anything nearby. It's a massive payoff for a precise shot.
• Exploit Elemental Weaknesses: Remember, Fire Bellowbacks hate Freeze, and Freeze Bellowbacks hate Fire. Use the opposite element to deal extra damage and build up the elemental status effect faster. Shock is also effective against both.
• Keep Moving: Like most machines, standing still is a death sentence. Constantly strafe and dodge to avoid their elemental attacks and charges.
• Loot Breakdown: You'll find Blaze, Metal Shards, Machine Core - Medium, Luminous Braiding, Bellowback Lenses, and Bellowback Hearts from both types. The specific elemental drops (Blaze for Fire, Chillwater for Freeze) are also common.