Horizon forbidden west metal flower puzzles can seem tricky the first time you encounter them. These glowing vine-covered plants often block off hidden treasures, secret pathways, and valuable areas. Naturally, the biggest question for most players is how to clear them efficiently.
Why Metal Flower Blocks Exploration
When you first come across a metal flower, you won’t be able to remove it right away. These strange plants can only be dealt with after unlocking a special upgrade known as the Vine Cutter. Since this tool is tied to the main storyline, you’ll have to progress further before the vines can be cleared. No matter how often you attack with your spear, the glowing barriers won’t break until you gain that ability.
Unlocking the Vine Cutter Tool
In the main quest Seeds of the Past, also referred to as the Demeter mission, Aloy gains the Vine Cutter as part of the story. With this upgrade, she can finally interact with a horizon forbidden west metal flower and clear away the vines that had been blocking hidden areas and valuable paths.
Step-by-Step: How to Clear a Metal Flower
Once you’ve unlocked the Vine Cutter, here’s exactly how to use it:
- Approach the Flower: You’ll recognize them as triangular metallic plants wrapped in glowing vines.
- Strike with Your Spear: Hit the flower three times to open its core.
- Activate the Vine Cutter: Use the prompt (R1 on PlayStation) to implant the upgrade.
- Watch the Vines Recede: The vines retract, unlocking hidden loot, paths, and treasures.
Why These Flower Obstacles Matter
Taking down every metal flower is essential for players who want complete exploration. Removing them doesn’t just open shortcuts, it also reveals hidden loot, greenshine, and rare crafting resources that make returning to older areas worthwhile.
Conclusion
At first, figuring out how to destroy a metal flower in horizon forbidden west can feel like a roadblock. Once you obtain the Vine Cutter, though, these plants turn into opportunities instead of obstacles. Hit the flower with your spear, activate the upgrade, and the vines will retreat. From that point onward, every horizon forbidden west metal flower you encounter becomes a chance to unlock new paths and achieve full exploration of the world.
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