Thunderjaw

Learn how to take down the fearsome Thunderjaw in Horizon Zero Dawn. Discover its weak points, attacks, and the best strategies to emerge victorious.

Alright, let's talk about the Thunderjaw. This thing is a serious beast, one of the toughest machines you'll face in Horizon Zero Dawn. It's got a radar on its back, so hiding in tall grass won't work – it'll spot you no matter what. Get ready for a real fight!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Loot: Blaze, Chillwater, Sparker, Metal Shards, Echo Shell, Machine Core - Large, Crystal Braiding, Thunderjaw Lens, Thunderjaw Heart
• Weak Points: Disc Launchers (back), Cannons (mouth), Heart (behind panels near head)
• Vulnerable to: Freeze

Phases:

1. Initial Assault: The Thunderjaw will start by using its Disc Launchers and cannons. Pay attention to the laser patterns from the Disc Launchers – they explode shortly after hitting the ground. The mouth lasers are a fan-like pattern that's easy to dodge by rolling left or right.
2. Melee Engagement: If you get too close, it'll use tail swipes and head slams. The tail spin can be avoided by detaching the tail. The lunge attack requires a well-timed roll when its head starts moving.
3. Targeting Weaknesses: Focus on detaching the Disc Launchers and cannons first. Use weapons with high tear damage, like the Carja Sharpshot Bow with Tearblast Arrows or the Tearblaster. Once detached, you can even use the Disc Launchers against it!
4. Finishing Blow: After disabling its ranged weapons, focus on its Heart, located behind panels near its head. Hitting this will deal massive damage. If you've managed to freeze it, even better – it'll take significantly more damage.

Strategy:

• Prioritize Disc Launchers: Your first goal should be to rip off those Disc Launchers on its back. Weapons with high tear damage are your best friend here. Once they're off, you can use them against the Thunderjaw for some serious damage.
• Freeze and Shatter: Use Freeze Arrows or any other weapon that inflicts the Freeze status. Once it's frozen, it takes much more damage, making it easier to finish off.
• Cannon Control: While you can't disable the mouth lasers, you can knock off the cannons on either side of its mouth. This significantly reduces its ranged attack options. The Concentration skill is super helpful for landing these precise shots.
• Melee Evasion: If you're struggling with its melee attacks, consider equipping armor with melee resistance. Keep your distance when possible and always be ready to dodge its charges and lunges.
• Farming Thunderjaws: If you need rare mods (purple quality), Thunderjaws are great for that. A good farming spot is west of Daytower, right next to a campfire. Kill it, save, and then choose 'Restart From Save' to make it respawn. You can take one down pretty quickly once you get the hang of it.