Horizon Forbidden West for PS5: List of all machines, both new and returning

One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's initial PS5 showcase, The Future of Gaming, was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn was developed by Guerrilla Games, which uses the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths.

The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery, and one of the highlights is the different machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world, with each machine filling a specific role. As Aloy travels into what was the Western U.S., she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new and returning forms. Here's the complete list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.

Please note that machines not revealed before the game's launch are included in this list, as well as machines tied to some story reveals, so there will be some light spoilers ahead

Machine classes

In the original Horizon Zero Dawn game, machines were separated into four classes. However, players couldn't see what classes they were sorted into. As we previously assumed, things have stayed the same, and these are the same classes that exist in Horizon Forbidden West. They are as follows:

• Acquisition Class: This describes machines designed to harvest resources. They're shaped like herbivores in the original game and have blaze canisters.
• Recon Class: Recon or Reconnaissance machines are the ones that act as sentinels and look out for threats. For example, Watchers from the first game.
• Combat Class: These machines are specifically designed to attack threats and typically have the form of predatory animals. Think Sawtooths or Stalkers from the original game.
• Transport Class: Machines designed to carry cargo or canisters around the world. For example, Shell-Walkers from the original game.

In addition to details on the machine classes for all the new and returning machines of Horizon Forbidden West, we've got details on variations of machines, as well as what each machines' strengths and weaknesses are, so you can strategize better when going up in a fight. Take your time, plan your attacks carefully, and you'll come to dominate one of the best PS5 games available.

While not a class, Horizon Forbidden West also marks the debut of Apex variant machines. Apex machines are variations of other machines that have fewer weaknesses and black armor that's more resistant to damage. They're more dangerous and should be approached more carefully.

For more information on preparing for fights, be sure to consult our Horizon Forbidden West tips and tricks guide.

Bellowbacks

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Fire Bellowback, Acid Bellowback, Frost Bellowback
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Fire), Acid Damage (Acid), Frost Damage (Frost)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Bellowbacks return in Horizon Forbidden West, trudging along and transporting powerful liquid chemicals in tanks on their backs. If attacked, Bellowbacks can spray the liquids in their tanks, providing them with dangerous ranged attacks.

Behemoths

• Transport Class
• Variations: Behemoth, Apex Behemoth
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Behemoth), Acid Damage (Behemoth, Apex), Frost Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Behemoth), Shock Damage (Behemoth, Apex), Plasma Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: CHI

First debuting in Horizon Zero Dawn, Behemoths transport large drums of raw materials. If attacked, they can use an anti-gravity system to send enemies flying back, followed shortly by huge boulders.

Bristlebacks

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Acid Bristleback, Fire Bristleback, Apex Bristleback
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Acid, Fire), Purgewater Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Acid Damage (Acid, Apex), Fire Damage (Fire)
• Cauldron: TAU

The first new type of machine introduced, Bristlebacks, are powerful machines that look like warthogs, especially with dangerous tusks. We first saw a couple of Bristlebacks in the announcement trailer for Horizon Forbidden West, being overridden by a mysterious hostile tribe called the Tenakth Rebels that use machines for war. They bear a strong resemblance to Behemoths, machines introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn with anti-gravity capabilities.

Burrowers

• Recon Class
• Variations: Burrower, Fire Canister Burrower, Frost Canister Burrower, Purgewater Canister Burrower, Tracker Burrower, Apex Burrower
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Burrower, ) Shock Damage (Fire Canister, Frost Canister, Acid Canister, Purgewater Canister), Acid Damage (Tracker)
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Fire Canister, Frost Canister, Acid Canister, Purgewater Canister, Apex), Shock Damage (Tracker)
• Cauldron: MU

Burrowers are a new kind of Recon class machine in Forbidden West. They can emit a high-pitch noise that alerts other machines while simultaneously stunning enemies. They're capable of swimming and, as their name suggests, can burrow underground to reappear at a new location.

Chargers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Charger
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage
• Strengths: None
• Cauldron: PSI
• Mountable

One of the machines returning from the last game, Chargers are a smaller type of machine. They're usually found in open grassy plains and rocky areas, traveling in herds. Aloy could override them in Horizon Zero Dawn and, alongside the Broadhead or Strider, could ride them. One Charger is seen in the trailer for Horizon Forbidden West, being used as a mount by Aloy. If threatened, they'll charge, headbutting any threat.

Clamberjaws

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Fire Clamberjaw
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Plasma Damage
• Cauldron: CHI

Machines resembling monkeys called Clamberjaws were also first seen during the trailer at The Game Awards 2021. Clamberjaws move up and down trees, leaping with flaming attacks that can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Clawstriders

• Combat Class
• Variations: Clawstrider, Fire Clawstrider, Acid Clawstrider, Apex Clawstrider, Apex Fire Clawstrider, Apex Acid Clawstrider
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Clawstrider, Apex), Purgewater Damage (Fire, Apex Fire), Plasma Damage (Acid, Apex Acid)
• Strengths: Acid Damage (Clawstrider, Acid, Apex, Apex Acid), Fire Damage (Fire, Acid, Apex Fire, Apex Acid), Plasma Damage (Apex),
• Cauldron: IOTA
• Mountable

Another new type of machine life, Clawstriders look like robot Velociraptors. They travel in packs and have powerful, chainsaw-like jaws. Their name was first revealed via some comics. Clawstriders are one of the new kinds of machines that Aloy can override and ride.

Corruptors

• Combat Class
• Variations: Corruptor
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage
• Strengths: Berserk Damage
• Cauldron: N/A

Returning from Horizon Zero Dawn (albeit briefly), Corruptors are relics of the Old World, combat machines with a powerful tail that can whip out for speedy attacks.

Dreadwings

• Combat Class
• Variations: Dreadwing, Apex Dreadwing
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage
• Strengths: Frost Damage, Shock Damage, Acid Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Dreadwings are massive new machines, resembling hulking bats. They can launch bombs, while also using stunning flash blasts and checking for enemies with a radar system.

Glinthawks

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Frost Glinthawk, Fire Glinthawk
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Frost), Shock Damage (Frost, Fire), Frost Damage (Fire)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Frost), Fire Damage (Fire)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Another machine to return from Horizon Zero Dawn, Glinthawks are a rare flying Acquisition machine, picking up machine parts to recycle while using Fire or Frost attacks.

Fanghorns

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Fire Fanghorn
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage
• Cauldron: MU

A new machine in Horizon Forbidden West, Fanghorns are extremely similar to the Grazers and Lancehorns, being deer-esque machines that churn the soil with their antler-like tools. They roam in herds but are capable of shooting fire if attacked.

Fireclaws

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Fireclaw, Apex Fireclaw
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage, Purgewater Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage
• Cauldron: CHI

One half of the bear-inspired duo of machines that first debuted in Horizon Zero Dawn's The Frozen Wilds expansion, Fireclaws use tanks of Blaze to unleash powerful flame attacks.

Frostclaws

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Frostclaw, Apex Frostclaw
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage, Shock Damage
• Strengths: Frost Damage
• Cauldron: CHI

The second of two bear-inspired machines that first appeared in The Frozen Wilds, Frostclaws use internal tanks of Chillwater to freeze anything that attacks them.

Grazers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Grazer
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage
• Strengths: Acid Damage
• Cauldron: MU

Grazers return from Horizon Zero Dawn as one of the many deer-like machines. They dig up soil with their horns, processing it in tanks on their backs. They operate in herds and will usually, but not always, flee from an attack.

Grimhorns

• Combat Class
• Variations: Grimhorn, Apex Grimhorn
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage (Grimhorn), Acid Damage (Grimhorn, Apex)
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Grimhorn, Apex), Shock Damage (Grimhorn, Apex)
• Cauldron: TAU

Another new machine, Grimhorns are a fortunately rare version of Plowhorns that have been modified, with new heavy weapons installed in their backs that allow the machines to attack with fire.

Lancehorns

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Lancehorn
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage
• Strengths: Frost Damage
• Cauldron: IOTA

Returning from Horizon Zero Dawn, Lancehorns drill into the ground, gathering minerals while also ensuring hard soil is broken up, allowing new life to grow. Operating in herds, Lancehorns will attempt to gore a target if threatened.

Leaplashers

• Transport Class
• Variations: Acid Canister Leaplasher, Fire Canister Leaplasher, Frost Canister Leaplasher, Apex Leaplasher
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage (Acid Canister, Fire Canister, Frost Canister, Apex)
• Strengths: Shock Damage (Acid Canister, Fire Canister, Frost Canister, Apex)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Another of the new machines in the Forbidden West, Leaplashers are designed after kangaroos. Where the pouch would be, these machines have a Cargo Claw, allowing them to "lash" out with it, making them dangerous even at medium ranges.

Longlegs

• Recon Class
• Variations: Longleg, Apex Longleg
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Longlegs), Frost Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Acid Damage (Longlegs, Apex), Shock Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Machines that are vaguely turkey-shaped, Longlegs scan their surrounding, hopping instead of flying to new locations. If they spot a threat, their sound attacks can stun and disorient whatever they're fighting.

Plowhorns

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Plowhorn, Apex Plowhorn
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage (Plowhorns)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Plowhorns), Purgewater Damage (Plowhorns)
• Cauldron: TAU

Shaped after a Triceratops, Plowhorns use their horns to, well, plow, digging up earth before dispersing fertilizer and seeds. While generally benevolent, their horns can be used to deal heavy damage if threatened.

Ravagers

• Combat Class
• Variations: Ravager, Apex Ravager
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage (Ravager), Acid Damage (Ravager)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Ravager), Shock Damage (Ravager)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Returning from Horizon Zero Dawn, Ravagers are heavily armed and surprisingly agile, leaping around while pinning down their targets with rapid cannon fire.

Redeye Watchers

• Recon Class
• Variations: Redeye Watcher, Apex Redeye Watcher
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Redeye Watcher)
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Redeye Watcher), Plasma Damage (Redeye Watcher)
• Cauldron: CHI

Returning from Horizon Zero Dawn, Redeye Watchers are the enhanced form of Watchers. They alert nearby machines to any danger, attacking at range with a Plasma blast.

Rockbreakers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Rockbreaker, Apex Rockbreaker
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage, Shock Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Rockbreakers make their way from Zero Dawn into the Forbidden West, though they are much rarer than before. These massive, mole-like machines drill through the ground, digging up to ambush enemies and only surfacing temporarily to spew hot magma.

Rollerbacks

• Transport Class
• Variations: Rollerback, Apex Rollerback
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage (Rollerbacks), Frost Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Rollerbacks), Shock Damage (Rollerbacks, Apex), Acid Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Another fresh machine, Rollerbacks are vaguely armadillo-esque machines that gather armor to themselves and, appropriately enough, roll over their enemies, crushing them under heavy metal. After being damaged in battle, they can use magnets to draw back their armor plating.

Scorchers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Scorcher, Apex Scorcher
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage, Shock Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage
• Cauldron: CHI

A wolf-like machine that debuted in The Frozen Wilds, Scorchers live up to their name, leaping across large distances at their targets and lashing out with flame attacks. They can also deploy deadly mines.

Scrappers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Scrapper, Apex Scrapper
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Scrapper, Apex)
• Strengths: Plasma Damage (Scrapper, Apex), Fire Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: MU

Scrappers return from Horizon Zero Dawn. Like their newfound cousins the Scroungers, Scrappers work in packs to bite at targets, breaking down machines. They are often found near salvage piles.

Scroungers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Scrounger, Sentry Scrounger, Apex Scrounger
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage (Scounger, Sentry), Acid Damage (Scrounger, Sentry), Shock Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Frost Damage
• Cauldron: MU

Scroungers are a new kind of machine in Horizon Forbidden West. In function, they are extremely similar to the Scrappers of Horizon Zero Dawn, working in packs to attack while biting and hurling Shock attacks.

Shellsnappers

• Combat Class
• Variations: Shellsnapper, Apex Shellsnapper
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Shellsnapper), Acid Damage (Shellsnapper, Apex), Frost Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Shellsnapper), Plasma Damage (Shellsnapper, Apex), Fire Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: CHI

Shellsnappers are turtle-like creatures that guard shores and swamps and are the second-ever amphibious machine we've seen. They appear to rest dormant for large amounts of time, allowing vegetation to grow in the mud that collects on their backs. Packed to the brim with weapons, Shellsnappers use devastating Cryo attacks, while their heavy armor protects them from most threats.

Shell-Walkers

• Transport Class
• Variations: Shell-Walker, Apex Shell-Walker
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Shock Damage
• Cauldron: CHI

Crab-like machines that return in Horizon Forbidden West, Shell-Walkers are often seen as part of convoys, transporting resources to new locations. They are very well defended in battle, using an energy shield to block incoming attacks while firing back with a Lightning Gun.

Skydrifters

• Recon Class
• Variations: Skydrifter, Apex Skydrifter
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage (Skydrifter, Apex)
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Skydrifter, Apex)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Strong new flying machines, the Skydrifters watch for any threats below, scanning the ground while gliding. If they do land, they're capable of dishing out surprising damage with super-sharp wingblades and a fierce tail.

Slaughterspines

• Combat Class
• Variations: Slaughterspine, Apex Slaughterspine
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage, Purgewater Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Shock Damage, Acid Damage, Plasma Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Another completely new machine, the Slaughterspine is based on the Spinosaurus. Using its energizers, the Slaughterspine charges up a five-pronged Plasma beam attack, in addition to a Plasma mouth cannon. Coupled with its Plasma spine launchers, this is one of the most dangerous machines you can face.

Slitherfangs

• Combat Class
• Variations: Slitherfang, Apex Slitherfang
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage, Frost Damage, Plasma Damage
• Strengths: Shock Damage, Purgewater Damage, Acid Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Slitherfangs are machines that resemble gigantic cobras. Slitherfangs appear to exist only for combat and can spit acid, similar to how some snakes spit venom. They can also use their hood to fire a sonic stunning blast, or unleash a shock attack from their tails. These machines were first spotted during a trailer at The Game Awards 2021.

Snapmaws

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Snapmaw, Apex Snapmaw
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Snapmaw, Apex), Shock Damage (Snapmaw)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Snapmaw), Purgewater Damage (Snapmaw, Apex), Acid Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: IOTA

Returning in force, the crocodile-esque Snapmaws are aquatic machines. Truly in their element along the coasts and waterways of the Pacific, the Snapmaw is one of the only known amphibious machines, beside the Shellsnapper and Tideripper. Some Snapmaws even guard hidden underwater locations.

Specters

• Combat Class
• Variations: Specter
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage, Plasma Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Shock Damage, Purgewater Damage
• Cauldron: N/A

Combat machines used by Far Zenith, Specters are heavily advanced, rapidly changing forms with tentacles and various cannons to adjust to any threat.

Specter Prime

• Combat Class
• Variations: Specter Prime
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage, Plasma Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Shock Damage, Purgewater Damage
• Cauldron: N/A

A seemingly one-of-a-kind specialty Specter exosuit, Specter Prime is capable of numerous attacks, as well as regenerating from damage.

Spikesnouts

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Spikesnout, Apex Spikesnout
• Weaknesses: Fire Damage (Spikesnout), Purgewater Damage (Spikesnout), Plasma Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Shock Damage (Spikesnout, Apex), Purgewater Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: CHI

Another of the machines introduced in this game, Spikesnouts are based on anteaters. While capable of defending themselves, their real danger is in how they buff nearby foes. Spikesnouts are capable of enraging other machines and vastly increasing their damage output.

Stalkers

• Combat Class
• Variations: Stalker, Apex Stalker
• Weaknesses: Shock Damage (Stalker), Plasma Damage (Apex)
• Strengths: Fire Damage (Stalker, Apex), Acid Damage (Stalker, Apex), Purgewater Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: CHI

Panther-like machines that return from Horizon Zero Dawn, Stalkers operate in a small squad. They track a target for some time, using a stealth generator to stay cloaked. In combat, they use their cloak to remain hard to hit while firing powerful, accurate darts and littering the area nearby with mines.

Stormbirds

• Combat Class
• Variations: Stormbird, Apex Stormbird
• Weaknesses: Acid Damage, Plasma Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Shock Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Returning from Horizon Zero Dawn, the Stormbird is based on descriptions of the mythical Roc. With a massive wingspan, the Stormbird can glide above threats before showering them with blasts of crackling lightning from its storm cannon.

Sunwings

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Sunwing
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage
• Strengths: Plasma Damage
• Cauldron: GEMINI
• Mountable

The Sunwings are a new flying type that patrol the skies of the Forbidden West, traveling alone or in small groups. They bear a strong resemblance to pterosaurs. They use the solar panels in their wings to gather and store energy, enabling them to undergo long flights. The Sunwing is the first and only flying machine that Aloy can mount.

Tallnecks

Another machine returning from the first game, Tallnecks are rather special, being the lone machine that you don't fight. As such, there are no variations or weaknesses. Striding on a loop through their particular area, Tallnecks enable communication between other machines. Whenever Aloy overrides a Tallneck, she gets a map of the area surrounding the machine.

Thunderjaws

• Combat Class
• Variations: Thunderjaw, Apex Thunderjaw
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage (Thunderjaw), Acid Damage (Thunderjaw, Apex)
• Strengths: Frost Damage (Thunderjaw, Apex), Shock Damage (Thunderjaw, Apex), Fire Damage (Apex), Purgewater Damage (Apex), Plasma Damage (Apex)
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Returning from Zero Dawn, Thunderjaws are something of a poster boy for the franchise, appearing predominantly in the marketing. Based on the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Thunderjaws are equipped with heavy weapons like explosive disc launchers, rapid-firing energy blasters, and threat-detecting radar, making them extremely dangerous.

Tiderippers

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Tideripper, Apex Tideripper
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage, Shock Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Purgewater Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

The Tideripper is a massive Plesiosaur-esque machine that inhabits the underwater portions of the Forbidden West. It's an aquatic machine that uses filters to sort through sediment for resources. Guerrilla notes that it can deliver powerful attacks on land or underwater. It's also the third type of aquatic machine to be introduced. The Tideripper uses a spinning disc to send Purgewater attacks everywhere.

Previously, before the May 2021 State of Play officially started, we caught glimpses of a new machine swimming in the ocean on the left side of the screen. It was too far away to get a lot of details, but it seemed to have a long neck in an almost Nessie-like shape. Now, it appears this machine was the Tideripper.

Tremortusks

• Combat Class
• Variations: Tremortusk, Apex Tremortusk
• Weaknesses: Frost Damage
• Strengths: Fire Damage
• Cauldron: KAPPA

Another new machine, the Tremortusk, is a massive, mammoth-like creature that is as dangerous if discovered in the wild. However, when decked out for warfare by a human tribe like the Tenakth, it becomes a huge threat. Tremortusks were explicitly designed as combat machines to keep humans from overrunning the ecosystem. This fearsome machine is packed to the brim with various weaponry, including a flamethrower in its trunk.

Widemaws

• Acquisition Class
• Variations: Widemaw, Apex Widemaw
• Weaknesses: Purgewater Damage (Widemaws)
• Strengths: Fire Damage, Frost Damage, Shock Damage, Acid Damage, Plasma Damage
• Cauldron: MU

New to Horizon Forbidden West are the Widemaws, machines that take after the Hippopotamus. Normally spreading seed canisters behind them, Widemaws are dangerous in combat, using a vacuum in their jaws to draw in and crush a threat.

A growing list

According to Guerrilla Games game director Mathijs de Jonge, there are "dozens of new machines" in addition to different returning types. Each machine needs to be overridden to study and analyze its weaknesses, so there will be plenty to find.

All of the machines in Horizon Forbidden West are designed to have extended options and are, in general, a bigger threat than in the previous game. Aloy also has more options for dealing with these threats though, with new audio cues that relay particular attacks or danger to the player, per Guerrilla Games via PlayStation Blog. These come through especially strong for players using 3D audio with the best PS5 headsets.

Horizon Forbidden West launched on PS5 and PS4 on Feb. 18, 2022, to critical praise. You can purchase Horizon Forbidden West right now, if you haven't yet.

In our review, Android Central Games Editor wrote that "Anybody who was a fan of Horizon Zero Dawn owes it to themselves to play Forbidden West. And for those that haven't played its predecessor yet, Forbidden West stands on its own as an outstanding action RPG that players will be talking about for years to come."

The world of Horizon is continuing to grow, with an upcoming PlayStation VR2 game titled Horizon Call of the Mountain that could even further expand the list of known machines.