Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: Complete Walkthrough for “A Seeker at the Gates” Quest

Key Takeaways:

1. Unlock Machine Override Abilities: Discover how to use Aloy’s spear to override Striders, enhancing travel and combat tactics.
2. Strategize for Corrupted Zones: Efficiently clear Corrupted Zones to advance while gaining valuable XP.
3. Meet Allies and Progress the Story: Connect with Varl, complete key quests, and explore new locations to move deeper into Aloy’s journey.

In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Aloy’s quest continues with “A Seeker at the Gates,” a pivotal mission that sees her venturing outside the protective embrace of her home. Aloy is now a Seeker, a title allowing her to journey beyond the Nora’s sacred lands, where danger and discovery lie in equal measure. In this walkthrough, we’ll take you through each step, offering tips on handling enemies, completing quests, and making the most of Aloy’s abilities.

Gaining the Power to Override Machines

After your encounter with the Corruptor, Aloy unlocks a new ability: she can now use her spear to override specific machines, granting temporary control. This opens up unique ways to engage with both enemies and the environment. Early on, this ability only works on Striders, which Aloy can ride, boosting her speed as she travels the vast open world. Here’s how to make the most of this ability:

1. Locate a Strider Site: Head northeast from the initial area to find a Strider site. This early part of the mission requires stealth. Use the tall grass to approach a Strider without alerting it.
2. Execute the Override: When close enough, an override prompt will appear. Hold the button to successfully override the Strider, allowing Aloy to mount it. Riding the Strider not only improves travel speed but also offers Aloy a quick escape in challenging situations.

Meeting with Varl: Moving Towards the Gates

Once mounted on the Strider, guide Aloy eastward to meet Varl at the gate. Moving through the narrow pass triggers a cutscene and introduces the next stage of your mission. Here, you’ll be directed toward The War-Chief’s Trail, a quest that eventually ties into A Seeker at the Gates. While it’s optional at this point, completing it now can help you level up before tackling harder sections of the story.

Tackling Mother’s Cradle and Cauldron SIGMA

On your journey, make a stop at Mother’s Crown. This Nora outpost is not only a waypoint but also a great location to gather side quests, stock up on supplies, and prepare for tougher enemies. One notable side quest here leads you to Cauldron SIGMA, a hidden location where Aloy can upgrade her override abilities further.

• Exploring Cauldron SIGMA: Delving into the Cauldron allows Aloy to learn how to override additional machines like Lancehorns, Sawtooths, Grazers, and Scrappers. Unlocking these overrides greatly expands Aloy’s options in combat, allowing her to enlist powerful machines in battle.
• Other Supplies and Side Quests: The area is rich with merchants and save points, so be sure to stock up on items and save your progress as needed. These resources will prove invaluable when facing the more challenging encounters ahead.

Clearing the Corrupted Zones

To continue the main story, you must clear at least two of the three Corrupted Zones near Mother’s Crown. These zones are marked on your map with red circles and are teeming with hostile, corrupted machines. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to approach each area effectively:

1. Zone One – Corrupted Grazers: The nearest zone to Mother’s Crown is guarded by Corrupted Grazers. These machines can be challenging if alerted, so use stealth by hiding in tall grass to strike with Silent Strike, ideally taking them out one at a time.
2. Zone Two – Corrupted Watchers and Scrappers: The second Corrupted Zone includes Watchers and Scrappers. There’s a conveniently placed save point nearby, so take advantage of this safety net in case things get intense.
3. Recommended Level and Strategy: With each zone’s level recommendation at around 15 or higher, ensure that Aloy has reached this level or close to it by completing side quests and leveling up through other activities before proceeding. This preparation can make a significant difference in handling the corrupted machines.

Once two Corrupted Zones are cleared, the next destination is the Carja Border Fort, where Aloy will face a challenging encounter.

The Carja Border Fort: Final Battle and Transition

Approaching the Carja Border Fort, Aloy finds herself amid an active battle. The fort is under attack by a Corruptor and several machines. This presents a strategic advantage, as the Corruptor’s focus is on the Carja guards. Here’s how to navigate this critical scene:

• Take Advantage of the Distraction: Since the Corruptor and machines are preoccupied, Aloy can use stealth and ranged attacks to chip away at their health or take them out silently if she’s close enough.
• Final Assault and Cutscene: After defeating the Corruptor, approach the fort gate to trigger a cutscene. This signals the end of A Seeker at the Gates and the beginning of the next quest, The City of the Sun, opening up new paths for Aloy’s journey beyond the Nora territories.

FAQs

1. How can I level up quickly to tackle Corrupted Zones?
   • Completing side quests, exploring Cauldrons, and clearing out Bandit Camps are all excellent ways to earn experience points quickly.
2. Can I skip The War-Chief’s Trail quest?
   • Yes, it’s optional at first, but completing it eventually is necessary to progress in the story, and it offers significant experience and rewards.
3. What machines can I override at Cauldron SIGMA?
   • Cauldron SIGMA allows Aloy to override a variety of machines, including Lancehorns, Sawtooths, Grazers, and Scrappers, which can be invaluable allies.

Completing A Seeker at the Gates is a milestone in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Each step brings Aloy closer to her ultimate goal, and with patience and the right strategies, you’ll be well-prepared for what lies ahead.