The Looming Shadow: Rise Of The Machines

Prepare for the final battle in Horizon Zero Dawn! Learn how to solve the Bunker puzzles and claim the powerful Shield-Weaver Outfit.

Alright, we're getting close to the end here, and you're gonna want all the help you can get. If you've been diligent and collected all five Power Cells from those bunkers and ruins scattered throughout the game, you're about to get your hands on the most powerful armor in Horizon Zero Dawn. If you're missing any, don't worry, you'll just have to do a bit of backtracking. First things first, fast travel to the campfire just northwest of the Nora Hunting Grounds. From there, find the entrance to The Bunker and head inside.

Once you're in the main chamber, look to the right side for the breakers. This is where you'll insert two of your Power Cells. Now, it's puzzle time! Examine the Code Nexus right next to the switches. You'll see a series of numbers pop up: 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100, and 0000, listed from top to bottom. These are military times, and they're your key to figuring out the switch order. Think about it: 1200 is noon, and 1500 is 3 PM. Using that logic, the correct sequence for the switches is Up, Right, Down, Left, and Up. Nail this, and the door next to you will swing open, revealing the armor. But wait, it's still locked in place! One more puzzle stands between you and that sweet gear.

In the next room, you'll place the remaining three Power Cells. Again, examine the Code Nexus. This time, the numbers relate to segments of a circle, specifically angles. Yep, who knew geometry would be useful in a post-apocalyptic world? If you're scratching your head, the solution for this angle puzzle is Right, Left, Up, Right, and Left. This will unlock the clamps holding the armor, and you can finally grab the Shield-Weaver Outfit. This armor is incredible – it absorbs damage up to a certain point, then needs to recharge before you're effectively invincible again. Plus, grabbing it completes the Ancient Armory sidequest!

Now, for the final preparations before the big fight. You're approaching a point of no return, and while the main story isn't missable, keep an eye out for the All Allies trophy opportunity coming up. You'll need to complete specific sidequests to snag that one, but you can find all the details in the trophy guide. For now, fast travel to Meridian and head to the Palace of the Sun to chat with Avad, then find Marad. You'll then have the option to visit the Ridge and Spire. These are places where you can find the people you've helped throughout your journey.

Visiting the Spire (at the top of a winding path on a large rock formation) and the Ridge (just outside Meridian Village) are totally optional, but it's a nice way to see the fruits of your labor. After you've spoken to the key NPCs at both locations, head back to Meridian and rest at Olin's house. This will wrap up this quest and kick off the final one. You've earned it!