Metallic Arrow
The only arrow capable of piercing the thickest machine armor plating.
The Metallic Arrow is a specialized projectile weapon used by the Nora and other tribes in the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn. Unlike standard arrows tipped with stone or wood, these projectiles feature a hardened metal tip forged from scavenged Old World materials or refined ore found within machine carcasses. They serve as a critical tool for hunters who need to pierce through heavy armor plating that would otherwise deflect conventional ammunition.
- Type
- Specialized Arrow
- Primary User
- Nora Hunters and Skilled Archers
- Target Suitability
- Heavily Armored Machines (e.g., Thunderjaws, Behemoths)
- Material Composition
- Metal Tip with Wooden Shaft
- Acquisition Method
- Crafting or Loot from Machine Parts
- Gameplay Role
- Armor Penetration
Lore & Background
The creation of Metallic Arrows is not trivial; they require access to high-quality metal, often harvested from defeated machines or traded as valuable resources between tribes. For a hunter facing a Thunderjaw or a Behemoth, standard arrows are useless against their primary plating, bouncing off harmlessly. Only the concentrated mass and hardness of a metallic tip can find purchase in the weak points or slice through gaps in the armor, making them an essential component of any serious machine-hunting expedition.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the valley as Aloy nocked her final Metallic Arrow, the metal tip gleaming dully against the grey sky. Before her stood a Thunderjaw, its armored chest plates humming with energy, impervious to the stone-tipped bolts that had already shattered against it. She drew the bowstring back, feeling the tension in the wood, and aimed not for the center of mass, but for the thin gap between the shoulder plating where the metal would bite deep. With a release as smooth as silk, the arrow flew true, piercing the machine's hide with a sickening crunch that echoed through the canyon.
Reader's Guide
Metallic Arrows are essential for engaging heavily armored machines like Thunderjaws, Behemoths, and Scorpions where standard arrows fail to penetrate. They deal significantly higher damage to armor parts but are less effective against unarmored flesh compared to other arrow types. Players can craft these arrows using Metal Shards or by scavenging them from defeated machines. Upgrading the bow's capacity allows for carrying more of these specialized projectiles, ensuring you don't run dry during tough encounters. While they lack elemental effects, their raw penetration makes them a reliable choice for physical damage. Strategically, use Metallic Arrows to strip away armor plating first, exposing weak points before switching to elemental arrows or finishers. They are particularly useful when facing machines with high durability shields that block standard attacks.
Did You Know?
- Metallic Arrows are specifically designed to counter the heavy armor plates of large machines like Thunderjaws.
- Crafting these arrows requires Metal Shards, a resource often found on machine carcasses or in specific ruins.
- Unlike elemental arrows, Metallic Arrows deal pure physical damage but offer superior penetration capabilities.