Tallnecks

Learn how to find and override every Tallneck in Horizon Zero Dawn. Get tips on dealing with enemies and reaching the top to reveal more of the map.

Alright, let's talk about Tallnecks in Horizon Zero Dawn. These massive machines are less about fighting and more about a bit of climbing and exploration. Think of them as giant, walking map reveals. You can't really damage them, and they won't hurt you, so your goal is to get to the top and override them. Doing so will uncover a good chunk of the map around them and net you a Skill Point and some sweet XP. Here's how to tackle each one:

Tallneck - Devils Thirst

You'll spot this one while heading north for the 'A Seeker at the Gates' mission. Aloy will mention a strange signal. Activate your Focus (press the left stick) and look northwest. You'll see a pulsating purple signal – scan it to start a side activity. The Tallneck itself is pretty chill, but the building it's walking around might have some Watchers. The key here is a ledge on top of the building. Wait for the Tallneck to pass, then use the ledge for a running jump to grab onto one of its neck protrusions. From there, it's a series of leaps to the top. Once you're there, you'll get the prompt to Override.

Tallneck - Sun-Steps

This one is northwest of Daytower. When you get close, you'll find a bunch of cultist enemies. You'll need to clear out at least some of them to get to the Tallneck. There's also a Corruptor chilling in the middle of the camp, but you can usually avoid it or take it down quickly. Start from the campfire to the south and pick off a few cultists. Look for a ramp east of a wooden walkway you might see from the campfire. Head up that ramp and then west to fight more cultists, including an elite with a Deathbringer Gun. Prioritize taking down the Corruptor if you can, then deal with the other cultists. Just past the elite, you'll find a wooden platform jutting out – that's your launch point onto the Tallneck. Once you're on, climb to the top and override it.

Tallneck - Copper Deeps

You'll find this Tallneck west of Cauldron Rho, or southwest of Daytower, situated in a lake. This one can be tricky because of the machines. There are two islands in the lake, and both Watchers and Snapmaws are patrolling. The southeastern ledge on either island is your best bet for reaching the Tallneck. You have two main approaches: either sneak past all the enemies and make your jump, or take out the machines on one or both islands. The Watchers can't cross the water, so the Snapmaws are your main concern. They're weak to fire, especially if you target their Blaze Canisters. Whichever way you go, get to that southeastern ledge, jump onto the Tallneck, climb up, and override it.

Tallneck - Spearshafts

Head northeast of Cauldron Xi for this Tallneck. It roams in a circle and you'll likely encounter Longlegs, Redeye Watchers, and Sawtooths nearby. You don't need to wipe out every single machine, but you might have to deal with a Watcher or a Longleg or two. Zoom in on your map to find a ledge on the southern side of its circular path – that's your jumping-off point. Once you're on, climb to the top and override the beast.

Tallneck - Rustwash

This Tallneck is located south of Sunfall, on the western edge of the map. If you haven't explored that far yet, just look for it roughly in the middle of the western edge. The area can be crawling with enemies: Watchers, Redeye Watchers, Longlegs, Ravagers, and even Fire Bellowbacks. If things get hairy, a pro tip is to shoot the cannon off a Ravager and use it to clear out the other machines. Southwest of the Tallneck icon on your map, you'll find a rock formation with some debris creating a platform at the top. Wait for the Tallneck to pass, jump onto it from the platform, climb to the summit, and override it. Enjoy the expanded map and your new Skill Point!