In Horizon Zero Dawn, the Ancient Armory is one of the most sought-after side quests, as it rewards players with the powerful Shield-Weaver armor a legendary outfit that can absorb damage and give Aloy a near-invincible edge in battle. For many players, discovering and unlocking this ancient technology becomes one of the game’s most memorable adventures. This quest ties together exploration, puzzle-solving, and a touch of the game’s mysterious lore about the Old Ones. Understanding how to find and complete the Ancient Armory quest can significantly enhance your experience in Horizon Zero Dawn.
Overview of the Ancient Armory Quest
The Ancient Armory quest in Horizon Zero Dawn is an optional but highly rewarding side mission. It involves locating a hidden bunker from the Old World that contains the Shield-Weaver armor, a rare piece of advanced technology. This armor is encased within a locked chamber, and to open it, players must find and use five Power Cells scattered across various locations in the game world.
The Shield-Weaver armor provides an energy shield that absorbs all incoming damage until it overloads. Once the shield is depleted, it needs a short time to recharge before becoming active again. This makes the armor invaluable during challenging fights, especially against powerful machines or during late-game battles.
How to Start the Ancient Armory Quest
The Ancient Armory quest begins automatically once you discover the location of the Old Armory bunker. This area can be found early in the game, but you won’t be able to fully access it until much later when you have all five Power Cells. The entrance to the armory is located in the mountains south of Mother’s Rise, near the Ruins where Aloy first explores as a child.
When you enter the bunker for the first time, you’ll find a locked door that requires two Power Cells to activate the first console. Once this is done, the quest will update, prompting you to locate the remaining three Power Cells needed to unlock the armor chamber.
Finding All Five Power Cells
1. Ruins (Childhood Area)
The first Power Cell can be found in the same Ruins Aloy visits as a child during the early part of the story. You can return to this location later in the game once you have the ability to climb and open certain barriers. Inside the Ruins, locate a room blocked by yellow stalactites and use your spear to break through them. The Power Cell will be resting on a small platform.
2. All-Mother Temple
The second Power Cell is found in the All-Mother temple, which you can access during the main quest The Womb of the Mountain. After Aloy awakens inside the mountain, explore the nearby rooms before leaving. You’ll find a locked door on the right-hand side. Open it to reveal the Power Cell sitting on a small table. Make sure to grab it before continuing the quest, as this location becomes inaccessible later.
3. Maker’s End
The third Power Cell is located at the end of the Maker’s End main quest. After defeating enemies and climbing the ancient skyscraper to the top, you’ll find a large viewing platform. Look for a ledge you can climb even higher this extra area contains the Power Cell. It’s easy to miss, so be sure to explore thoroughly before leaving.
4. The Grave-Hoard
The fourth Power Cell is found during the main quest The Grave-Hoard. This quest takes you deep into an Old World military bunker filled with puzzles and ancient technology. After solving the energy conduit puzzle, proceed through the next room, and you’ll find the Power Cell lying among the wreckage. Pick it up before completing the mission, as returning later is difficult.
5. GAIA Prime
The final Power Cell can be collected during or after the main quest The Mountain That Fell. Inside the GAIA Prime facility, look for a small tunnel off to the side of the main chamber where the hologram of GAIA appears. Follow the tunnel until you reach a dead end with the Power Cell resting on a piece of debris. This is the last piece you need to unlock the Shield-Weaver armor.
Unlocking the Shield-Weaver Armor
Once all five Power Cells have been collected, return to the Ancient Armory bunker. Use two Power Cells to activate the first console, unlocking access to the chamber below. In this lower area, insert the remaining three Power Cells into the corresponding sockets on the second console. After a short activation sequence, the armor chamber will open, revealing the legendary Shield-Weaver armor.
Aloy can immediately equip the armor, which appears sleek and futuristic compared to other outfits in the game. When activated, the armor generates a blue energy shield around Aloy, protecting her from nearly all types of damage until the shield breaks. This makes combat far more forgiving and allows you to take on high-level machines like Thunderjaws or Stormbirds with much greater confidence.
How the Shield-Weaver Armor Works
The Shield-Weaver armor functions differently from other outfits in Horizon Zero Dawn. Instead of providing resistance bonuses to specific damage types (like fire, corruption, or shock), it generates a protective barrier that absorbs all incoming damage. Once the shield absorbs enough hits, it will break, leaving Aloy vulnerable until it recharges.
The recharge time is relatively short about 20 seconds and during that time, you must be cautious to avoid taking direct hits. The armor’s shield regenerates automatically when Aloy is out of combat or after a brief period without damage. This unique ability makes the armor especially useful in long fights where healing items might otherwise run out.
Advantages of the Shield-Weaver Armor
- Provides full protection against all types of damage while the shield is active.
- Automatically recharges after breaking, allowing near-constant defense.
- Ideal for taking on late-game enemies and hunting powerful machines.
- Eliminates the need to constantly swap outfits for specific elemental resistances.
- Greatly enhances survivability during boss battles or when exploring dangerous areas.
Drawbacks to Consider
- It lacks specialized resistance modifiers, meaning no elemental boosts once the shield is down.
- Once the energy field breaks, Aloy becomes temporarily vulnerable until it recharges.
- The armor cannot be upgraded like other outfits, so customization is limited.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shield-Weaver armor remains one of the most powerful items in the game and a favorite among players who enjoy exploring every corner of Horizon Zero Dawn.
Tips for Completing the Ancient Armory Quest Efficiently
Because some Power Cells are located in areas tied to specific main quests, it’s best to plan ahead. Here are some useful tips for completing the quest efficiently
- Collect Power Cells as you progress through the main story to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
- Revisit the Ruins and All-Mother Temple as soon as you have the necessary traversal abilities.
- Use fast travel to return quickly to the Armory once all Power Cells are collected.
- Save your game before exploring major quest areas, as some Power Cells can be missed during mission transitions.
- Equip weapons with high accuracy or elemental power before heading to GAIA Prime, as it’s a high-level area.
The Lore Behind the Ancient Armory
The Ancient Armory quest also contributes to Horizon Zero Dawn’s deep lore. The Shield-Weaver armor originates from Old World technology developed before the fall of human civilization. It represents humanity’s peak scientific advancement and serves as a symbol of how advanced technology once coexisted with warfare and environmental collapse.
In the context of the story, Aloy recovering this armor connects her directly to the technological heritage of the Old Ones. It’s not just a powerful tool it’s a piece of history, showing how human ingenuity can both save and destroy. The fact that Aloy, a warrior of a tribal future, is able to unlock and wield this armor underscores her role as a bridge between the old world and the new.
The Ancient Armory quest in Horizon Zero Dawn is more than just a treasure hunt for powerful gear it’s a journey that blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling into one unforgettable experience. By finding all five Power Cells and unlocking the Shield-Weaver armor, players gain access to one of the most effective defensive tools in the game. Beyond its gameplay benefits, the quest encapsulates what makes Horizon Zero Dawn so compelling the fusion of ancient mystery, futuristic technology, and human perseverance. Completing the Ancient Armory quest not only rewards you with unmatched protection but also a deeper appreciation for the world that Guerrilla Games has so beautifully crafted.