Power Cell Horizon Zero Dawn Location And Uses
In Horizon Zero Dawn, special collectible items called Power Cells play a crucial role in unlocking one of the game's most powerful defensive suits. Players exploring post-apocalyptic ruins will encounter these ancient battery components hidden across key story locations. Knowing where to find each cell and understanding their primary purpose allows players to maximize Aloy's survivability during challenging combat encounters.
What Are Power Cells and Their Primary Purpose
Power Cells are unique quest items required to complete the side mission known as Ancient Armory. Collecting all five cells allows players to restore power to a subterranean facility that houses the legendary Shield-Weaver armor. This advanced suit provides Aloy with a rechargeable energy barrier that completely absorbs incoming damage until depleted.
Unlike standard equipment modifications, the Shield-Weaver outfit drastically alters tactical gameplay by preventing direct health loss during battle. Players can monitor the barrier status through visual and audio cues that indicate when the shield needs time to recharge. Securing this gear before tackling late-game bosses offers a massive tactical advantage.
Early-Game Power Cell Locations
The first Power Cell can be retrieved when exploring the underground ruins Aloy fell into as a child, located southwest of Mother's Watch. Once Aloy reaches adulthood and gains access to her spear upgrade, players can return to pry open a locked doorway and collect the cell from a desk.
A second cell rests inside the All-Mother Temple in Mother's Watch during or after the quest titled The Womb of the Mountain. Players can locate this item inside a room accessible through a small ventilation shaft near a locked door. If missed initially, players can return to the area later in the campaign after the gates reopen.
Late-Game Power Cell Locations
The remaining three Power Cells are tied directly to major story destinations visited later in the main quest line. One cell is located at the very top of the Faro tower during the Maker's End mission, requiring players to climb ruined scaffolding above the main office. Another cell can be picked up inside the Grave-Hoard facility after solving the second electronic dial puzzle.
The final Power Cell is located deep within the ruins of GAIA Prime during the mission The Mountain That Fell. Players must navigate a hidden side path near the rappel point after speaking with Sylens to discover the cell in a cave. Gathering all five components completes the required set for the bunker mechanism.
Unlocking the Ancient Armory
To claim the armor reward, players must travel to the bunker located between the Sacred Lands and Nora territory. Inserting two cells restores power to the outer door, requiring players to align hololock dials according to specific directional clues. Slotting the remaining three cells into the inner chamber terminal reveals a second dial puzzle.
Once both puzzle circuits are solved, the containment chamber unlocks and yields an outfit box containing the Shield-Weaver armor. Equipping this gear allows players to navigate tough combat zones with greatly improved durability.