How Many Cauldrons Are in Horizon Forbidden West

Exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Forbidden West requires mastering various combat and traversal mechanics to survive against hostile machines. Among the most essential locations scattered across the map are Cauldrons, subterranean forge facilities where machines are manufactured. Unlocking these sites allows Aloy to gain override codes and turn dangerous beasts into allies or mounts.

Understanding the Total Count of Cauldrons

In the base game of Horizon Forbidden West, players can discover and explore a total of six distinct Cauldrons. These include Repair Bay TAU, Cauldron MU, Cauldron IOTA, Cauldron CHI, Cauldron KAPPA, and Cauldron GEMINI. If you include the Burning Shores expansion, the total count increases to seven with the addition of Cauldron THETA.

Each facility presents a unique combination of environmental platforming, puzzle solving, and formidable boss encounters. Completing these challenges rewards players with valuable skill points, experience, and critical machine override capabilities.

Story-Driven Cauldrons Versus Optional Explorations

Not every Cauldron in the game can be tackled at your own leisure during free exploration. Two specific facilities, Repair Bay TAU and Cauldron GEMINI, are tied directly to the main storyline progression. Players naturally enter and complete these locations as they advance Aloy's primary narrative mission.

The remaining four base game Cauldrons act as optional side activities that players can discover while traversing the open world. Exploring these optional dungeons significantly expands your ability to override powerful combat and mountable machines.

Level Requirements and Preparation Tips

Cauldrons vary greatly in difficulty and recommended character levels as you head further west across the map. Early-game sites like Repair Bay TAU and Cauldron MU cater to characters around levels 15 to 18. In contrast, late-game facilities like Cauldron KAPPA demand high-level gear and reach up to a level 40 recommendation.

Before stepping inside any facility, ensuring Aloy is equipped with elemental weapons and adequate supplies is critical. Many final chambers force players into close-quarters combat against heavy boss machines without easy escape routes.

Unlocking Machine Overrides and Mounts

Overriding machines serves as one of the most rewarding tactical options available to players in the open world. Clearing Cauldrons grants access to full overrides as well as corrupted data that requires crafting at the Base to fully unlock. Finding the right facility is essential if you want to unlock flying mounts or heavy combat guardians.

Taking the time to clear all facilities across the map ensures maximum strategic flexibility during difficult encounters. Players aiming for complete completion will also need to conquer these underground manufacturing centers.