horizon zero dawn ancient armory power cells All Power Cell Locations and Armor Guide
Unlocking the ultimate defensive gear in Horizon Zero Dawn requires players to solve a multi-stage puzzle involving rare, hidden tech items scattered across post-apocalyptic Utah. The Ancient Armory side quest tasks Aloy with retrieving five forgotten power cells to bypass the electronic locks safeguarding the legendary Shield-Weaver armor. Finding these objects requires meticulous exploration of the game's main story dungeons, many of which can only be fully accessed during specific campaign operations.
Locating the Early Game Power Cells
The first power cell can be discovered early in Aloy's journey within the underground ruins she fell into as a child. Navigating back into this cavernous bunker reveals a doorway sealed by stalactites that can be smashed with a spear to claim the glowing fuel canister inside. Missing this opportunity early on is not permanent, as players can return to this open-world structure at any point during their playthrough.
A second crucial component resides within the sacred mountain of Mother's Watch, which becomes fully accessible immediately following the Proving trial. While exploring the dark corridors of the mountain facility, search the rooms adjacent to the main medical chamber to spot an air vent pathway. Crawling through this narrow metallic vent leads directly to a locked room housing the second valuable battery cell.
Tracking Down Late Campaign Artifacts
The remaining three items are deeply embedded within corporate facilities discovered during advanced story operations. While climbing the massive skyscraper during the Maker's End quest, you must ascend to the absolute highest exterior platform well above the main objective marker. A hidden handhold pathway allows Aloy to scale the building's peak where the third power cell sits exposed on a scenic ledge.
The fourth battery is tucked away inside the high-tech ruins of The Grave-Hoard, specifically near the localized control rooms. After solving the initial multi-layered ring puzzle to restore power to the primary doors, look across the floor near the central pipeline network to claim your prize. Taking time to systematically clear out the mechanical defenders ensures you can retrieve this artifact without taking unexpected damage.
The Final Cell and Armor Assembly
Securing the final piece requires advancing into the frozen laboratories of GAIA Prime during the endgame questline. Before ziplining down into the main canyon depths, look closely for a hidden side path that leads along a dangerous rocky cliffside toward a glowing doorway. Following this alternative corridor guides you to a small, hidden room containing the final necessary power block.
With all five objects safely in your inventory, return to the bunker to claim your ultimate reward. You will need to solve two distinct holographic dial puzzles to completely lift the clamps holding the futuristic outfit. Equipping the completed outfit provides Aloy with a rechargeable energy shield that completely absorbs incoming projectile damage until it is fully depleted.