Ancient Armory in Horizon Zero Dawn: 7 Powerful Secrets to Unlock the Shield-Weaver Armor
Key Takeaways
- The Ancient Armory quest in Horizon Zero Dawn unlocks the legendary Shield-Weaver armor.
- You’ll need Power Cells hidden across the world to complete the quest.
- Once unlocked, the armor gives Aloy an energy shield that makes tough battles far easier.
- Finding all the Power Cells takes exploration, puzzle-solving, and a bit of patience.
- The reward is one of the strongest and most iconic outfits in the game.
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The Ancient Armory in Horizon Zero Dawn is a special side quest that rewards players with the powerful Shield-Weaver armor. To unlock it, you must find five hidden Power Cells scattered across the game world, use them to open the ancient bunker, and complete a puzzle inside. Once obtained, the Shield-Weaver armor gives Aloy a rechargeable energy shield, making her nearly invincible in combat for a short time.
Introduction
I’ll be honest—when I first stumbled across the Ancient Armory quest in Horizon Zero Dawn, I didn’t realize I was about to unlock one of the coolest outfits in the entire game. At first glance, it just looks like another side mission tucked away in the menu. But the deeper you dive, the more it feels like a treasure hunt designed to test your patience, curiosity, and love for exploring every hidden corner of Aloy’s world.
If you’ve ever been pummeled by a Thunderjaw or found yourself regretting that last fight with a Stormbird, this quest feels like sweet payback. The Shield-Weaver armor you get at the end is basically Aloy’s superhero suit—it soaks up damage, buys you breathing room in tough battles, and makes you feel unstoppable. And the best part? You can grab it way before the final chapters of the game if you know where to look.
What is the Ancient Armory Quest?
The Ancient Armory is a side quest unlocked once you discover a hidden bunker. Inside, you’ll find a locked chamber containing the Shield-Weaver armor—an ancient piece of tech left behind by the Old Ones.
Here’s the catch: the armor is sealed behind a high-tech lock that requires five Power Cells. Each Power Cell is hidden in different parts of the world, often tucked away in story missions or places you may not think to revisit.
The quest itself doesn’t hold your hand—you’re left to explore, piece things together, and feel that rush of discovery when you finally connect the dots.
How to Start the Ancient Armory Quest
- Head east of Mother’s Rise, where you’ll come across a bunker hidden in the rocks.
- Inside, you’ll find the locked chamber containing the armor.
- The quest marker will be added to your journal as Ancient Armory.
Once you activate it, the real adventure begins: hunting down those elusive Power Cells.
All Power Cell Locations in Horizon Zero Dawn
Here’s the breakdown of all five Power Cell locations and how to grab them:
1. The Womb of the Mountain (Main Quest: The Proving)
- You’ll find this Power Cell after Aloy wakes up inside the Nora’s Sacred Mountain.
- Look for a locked door in the ruins—smash through the stalactites to find it.
2. All-Mother (The Sacred Mountain)
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- Return to the same mountain later in the story after the Proving.
- Explore the locked rooms deeper in the mountain to grab this Power Cell.
3. Maker’s End
- During the quest where Aloy climbs a massive skyscraper, don’t rush to the top.
- Once you reach Faro’s office, look for a path leading even higher up to find the Power Cell.
4. The Grave-Hoard
- Found during the mission inside the ruins of an old military facility.
- It’s sitting in a side room near one of the puzzle locks.
5. GAIA Prime
- The final Power Cell is only available near the end of the main story.
- It’s hidden in the ruins during the GAIA Prime mission, near the cliffs where Aloy makes her escape.
Unlocking the Shield-Weaver Armor
Once you’ve collected all five Power Cells, return to the Ancient Armory bunker.
- Insert two Power Cells to open the first lock.
- Solve the rotation puzzle by aligning the dials correctly.
- Insert the remaining three Power Cells for the final lock.
- Complete the second puzzle, and the chamber opens.
And just like that—the Shield-Weaver armor is yours.
Why the Shield-Weaver Armor is Worth It
Here’s why every Horizon Zero Dawn player should chase this armor:
- Energy Shield: Absorbs massive amounts of damage before Aloy’s health takes a hit.
- Rechargeable: The shield automatically regenerates after a short cooldown.
- Game-Changing: Battles against Stormbirds, Deathbringers, and Thunderjaws feel more manageable.
- Confidence Boost: You’ll start hunting machines you once avoided.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Energy Shield | Prevents damage until it breaks |
| Auto Recharge | Restores after a cooldown |
| Durability | Handles huge hits from machines |
| Style Points | Looks incredible on Aloy |
Tips for the Ancient Armory Quest
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- Don’t stress about grabbing all Power Cells early—you can return later.
- Use fast travel packs to revisit older locations quickly.
- Tackle big machines with confidence once you have the armor.
- If you’re playing on higher difficulty, this armor feels like a lifesaver.
Summary
The Ancient Armory quest in Horizon Zero Dawn is more than just a side activity—it’s a treasure hunt that rewards your curiosity with the Shield-Weaver armor, arguably the best gear in the game. By tracking down five Power Cells, solving some clever puzzles, and opening the bunker, you’ll unlock an outfit that changes how you approach combat. It’s tough to beat the satisfaction of finally strapping Aloy into her glowing shield suit and watching her walk into battle like an unstoppable force.
FAQs
Yes. It’s widely considered the most powerful outfit in the game thanks to its rechargeable shield.
Yes, some Power Cells are accessible early in the story, but a few require progression through later missions.
Not completely. The shield absorbs a lot of damage, but once it breaks, Aloy still takes hits until it recharges.
No, but you’ll need to backtrack and revisit areas to gather all the Power Cells.
