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Cauldron XI
Horizon Zero Dawn

Cauldron XI

Complete walkthrough for Cauldron XI in Horizon Zero Dawn. Learn how to defeat cultists and machines, override the core, and claim your rewards.

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Complete walkthrough for Cauldron XI in Horizon Zero Dawn. Learn how to defeat cultists and machines, override the core, and claim your rewards.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Approach Cauldron XI, located in the southcentral part of the jungle in the southwest of the map.
  2. 2
    Defeat the Eclipse cultists outside, including an elite carrying a Deathbringer Gun.
  3. 3
    Loot an Excavation Key from one of the cultists.
  4. 4
    Use the key to open the entrance door and head inside.
  5. 5
    Use fire arrows on Blaze Containers to explode cultists.
  6. 6
    Proceed through the linear path, dealing with two guards.
  7. 7
    In the first main room, eliminate the three guards and other cultists.
  8. 8
    Use the rappel point to descend into the lower area, picking off enemies from above if possible.
  9. 9
    Once the coast is clear, rappel down and eliminate remaining cultists, using cover if detected.
  10. 10
    After clearing the room, climb ramps to the next area, being mindful of a large hole in the floor.
  11. 11
    Navigate the cave-like room, avoiding water, and find a rope to climb to the Cauldron Core.
  12. 12
    Defeat the cultists in the Cauldron Core area, including one with a Deathbringer Gun.
  13. 13
    Override the Cauldron Core.
  14. 14
    Defend the Core from waves of cultists and machines, prioritizing the Ravager and using its cannon if possible.
  15. 15
    After the defense, use a ramp and platforms to return to the previous area.
  16. 16
    As you return, you'll encounter cultists and a cloaked Stalker.
  17. 17
    Shoot flares in the room to lure the Stalker into range before dropping down.
  18. 18
    Override the door to access the large open area.
  19. 19
    In the open area, defeat the cultists hiding in tall grass and multiple Stalkers, using the same tactics as before.
  20. 20
    On the eastern end, climb a discharge pylon to handholds leading to another battle.
  21. 21
    Let cultists and machines fight, then eliminate the survivors.
  22. 22
    Defeat the final two cultists between you and the exit.
  23. 23
    Emerge from the Cauldron; an optional battle outside can be ignored as you will complete the Cauldron upon exiting.
Tips
  • Use Blaze Containers outside to thin out the initial cultist numbers.
  • The Deathbringer Gun obtained from an elite cultist can be useful during the Cauldron Core defense.
  • Lay down traps before defending the Cauldron Core.
  • When facing the Stalker, look for red lights on the ground which are flares indicating its presence.
  • Shoot flares to lure the Stalker into a kill zone.
  • In the large open area, use the tall grass for cover.

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