Finding every power cell horizon zero dawn offers is the key to unlocking the legendary Shield-Weaver armor, widely considered the best protective gear in the game. This ancient exo-suit uses advanced technology to generate a rechargeable energy barrier that completely absorbs incoming damage. To claim this prize, players must embark on the Ancient Armory side quest, which requires discovering five hidden components scattered across massive ruins.
Early Game Opportunities in the Sacred Lands
The first item can be obtained early in Aloy's journey within the underground ruins she fell into as a child. Navigating back down into this cavern allows you to find a doorway blocked by stalactites that can be shattered with your spear. Breaking these obstructions reveals a hidden room containing the first glowing green cylinder on a desk.
The second piece is located inside All-Mother Mountain, which is accessible during or immediately following the Womb of the Mountain main quest. If you miss this component during the narrative sequence, the gates will temporarily lock, but you can return later in the game. Look for a locked red door inside the facility, turn left into a small ventilation shaft, and crawl through to find the item.
Mid Game Exploration in Old World Ruins
As the narrative moves north, the third component presents itself at the very top of the Maker's End tower. After completing the long climb and finishing the dialogue sequence at the summit, do not immediately fast travel away. Look for a tall metallic platform rising above the primary observation deck, and scale the structural scaffolding to reach the highest ledge where the cell rests.
The fourth ancient object is hidden deep within the icy corridors of The Grave-Hoard ruin. While completing the main quest objectives inside this facility, you will solve a series of ancient ring puzzles to restore power to a heavy door. Once the entryway opens, look straight ahead into a small side pocket room to locate the component before moving deeper into the bunker.
The Final Cell and The Ancient Armory
The fifth and final piece is locked behind the late-game main quest titled The Mountain That Fell, situated inside the GAIA Prime ruins. After meeting the main holographic projection in the shrine, look for a zipline that leads forward out of the chamber. Instead of taking the wire, carefully drop down to the left rocky ledge and follow a hidden path down to a purple-lit room housing the last item.
With all five pieces secured, players can fast travel back to the bunker located east of Mother's Rise to complete the puzzle sequences. Inserting the cells allows you to solve the two distinct holographic lock configurations by matching the correct positional dial angles. Once the restraints release, Aloy can finally equip the Shield-Weaver outfit and enjoy near-invincibility across the dangerous wilderness.
