How to Get the Shell-Walker Heart in Horizon Zero Dawn: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways:

1. Shell-Walkers carry valuable resources, including the Shell-Walker Heart, which is essential for upgrading equipment and armor.
2. Two primary methods exist for obtaining a Shell-Walker Heart purchasing from a merchant or directly battling Shell-Walkers in convoys.
3. Mastering combat tactics can increase the chances of a Heart drop, making it easier to secure this coveted item.

In Horizon Zero Dawn, Shell-Walkers are distinct, crab-like machines with a large cargo container on their backs, transporting valuable resources. Often moving in convoy formation, each Shell-Walker group is guarded by three or four Watchers, making them formidable opponents. Players can engage with these convoys to obtain valuable resources, especially the sought-after Shell-Walker Heart. This rare resource can be traded for high-level equipment or sold for a decent amount of Metal Scraps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Shell-Walker Heart and put it to good use.

Method 1: Buying a Shell-Walker Heart from Machine Resource Merchants

For players looking to acquire a Shell-Walker Heart without combat, purchasing from a specialist merchant is a viable option. Machine Resource Specialty Merchants offer this valuable item for those who prefer trade over the battlefield.

• Location: One of the key merchants selling the Shell-Walker Heart can be found in Meridian. This city is a hub of resources, and you can locate the merchant on the map.
• Cost: The Shell-Walker Heart costs approximately 350 Metal Scraps. Note that the price can fluctuate depending on the game’s difficulty level, so be prepared for slight variations if you’re playing on a higher difficulty.
• Benefits: Buying from a merchant saves time and the risk of combat, though it comes at a cost of Metal Scraps, which may be needed for other upgrades or items.

Method 2: Hunting Shell-Walkers in Convoys

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, hunting Shell-Walkers offers an exciting way to secure a Shell-Walker Heart. Unlike static machine sites, Shell-Walker convoys move, which means you may need to track their locations as they travel across the map.

Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Take Down Shell-Walkers:

1. Locate a Shell-Walker Site: Shell-Walker sites are marked on the in-game map, but their locations shift over time due to the machines’ constant movement. Once you spot a convoy, prepare your weapons and supplies for the battle ahead.
2. Clear Out Watchers First: Each convoy is heavily guarded by Watchers, smaller machines that act as the Shell-Walkers’ security detail. Eliminating them first reduces interference during your fight with the Shell-Walkers.
3. Use Tearblast Arrows on the Cargo: Shell-Walkers have large cargo containers on their backs. Begin by dislodging this container with Tearblast Arrows, which increases your chances of obtaining valuable resources, including the Shell-Walker Heart.
4. Target Weak Points and Deliver a Critical Strike: After dislodging the cargo, focus on the Shell-Walker’s weak points. These include specific sections of the legs, body, and claws. Aim precisely, and once it’s down, perform a Critical Strike, which increases the odds of obtaining a Heart.
5. Loot the Shell-Walker and Cargo Compartment: Once the Shell-Walker is down, loot both the cargo container and the machine itself. While the Shell-Walker Heart is not a guaranteed drop, engaging multiple Shell-Walkers in the same convoy raises your odds.
6. Repeat as Needed: If you’re unsuccessful in obtaining a Heart after the first encounter, search for another convoy and repeat the process. Persistence is key, as this rare item is highly sought after but may take several attempts to acquire.

How to Use the Shell-Walker Heart

Once you have a Shell-Walker Heart, you can decide between selling it for a substantial reward or trading it for powerful items. Here’s a breakdown of what the Shell-Walker Heart can help you obtain:

• Sell for Metal Scraps: Selling the Shell-Walker Heart provides a good return in Metal Scraps, which can be used to purchase other upgrades, ammunition, or equipment.
• Trade for High-Quality Armor and Weapons: The Shell-Walker Heart is a key item for unlocking some of the game’s top-tier gear. Here are some items you can acquire using a Shell-Walker Heart:
  • Nora Protector Heavy Armor: This sturdy armor offers significant protection, making it ideal for players who frequently engage in combat.
  • Nora Protector Adept Armor (New Game+ Only): Exclusive to New Game+, this adept armor offers enhanced defensive capabilities for more experienced players.
  • Adept Ropecaster Weapon (New Game+ Only): Also available in New Game+, the Adept Ropecaster is an upgraded version of the Ropecaster, allowing for more efficient machine immobilization.

Combat Tips for Taking Down Shell-Walkers

Since Shell-Walkers and their convoys can be challenging to defeat, here are a few combat tips to help you:

• Stay Mobile: Shell-Walkers use their claws to attack. Keep moving to avoid getting hit and to maintain a better position for targeting weak spots.
• Utilize Stealth When Possible: Avoid engaging all machines at once. If you can sneak in and take out the Watchers silently, you’ll have an easier time focusing on the Shell-Walkers.
• Stock Up on Resources: Before engaging, ensure you have plenty of Tearblast Arrows, as well as healing potions and traps that can aid in battle.
• Aim for the Cargo First: Focusing on the cargo initially not only yields valuable resources but also weakens the Shell-Walker’s overall defenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a Shell-Walker Heart without fighting?

• Yes, you can purchase a Shell-Walker Heart from Machine Resource Specialty Merchants, particularly in Meridian, though it costs 350 Metal Scraps.

2. Are there specific locations where Shell-Walkers appear more often?

• Shell-Walker convoys are marked on the map but tend to move. Keep an eye on marked areas and check regularly for their appearance.

3. What is the best weapon to use against Shell-Walkers?

• Tearblast Arrows are highly effective for dislodging cargo. Critical Strikes and precise shots to weak points also increase the odds of a Shell-Walker Heart drop.

4. What equipment is worth trading a Shell-Walker Heart for?

• High-quality armor such as the Nora Protector Heavy Armor and weapons like the Adept Ropecaster are some of the best items you can obtain with a Shell-Walker Heart, particularly in New Game+ mode.

5. Is there a way to increase the drop rate of a Shell-Walker Heart?

• While there’s no guaranteed way to ensure a Shell-Walker Heart drop, targeting weak points and performing Critical Strikes increase your chances. Additionally, tackling multiple Shell-Walkers within a convoy raises the probability of obtaining one.