Horizon Zero Dawn Long Neck Locations And Override Guide
Tallnecks in Horizon Zero Dawn serve as living observation towers that reveal vast sections of the map upon being overridden. Unlike other machines in the game, these gentle giants are completely peaceful and will not attack Aloy on sight. Finding and climbing every Tallneck is essential for players looking to fully uncover points of interest, settlements, and machine sites across the post-apocalyptic wilderness.
Understanding the Role of Tallnecks in Map Exploration
Overriding a Tallneck removes the fog of war from the surrounding region, making navigation far more efficient. Each override grants valuable experience points and unlocks details about nearby terrain features, camp locations, and resource zones. Taking the time to locate these roaming machines early in your journey significantly aids in planning quest routes and resource gathering trips.
Key Locations of Tallnecks Across the World
There are five distinct Tallnecks patrolling different regions in the base game, each presenting a unique environmental puzzle. Players will encounter them in areas such as Devil's Thirst, Copper Deeps, Sun-Steps, Spear Shafts, and Rustweeds. Reaching each machine requires careful traversal through varied landscapes ranging from overgrown urban ruins to arid desert canyons.
How to Reach and Scale a Tallneck Successfully
Because Tallnecks are too tall to climb directly from the ground, Aloy must find an elevated platform along the machine's path. Nearby cliffside ledges, ruined structures, or tall scaffolding usually provide the perfect vantage point to leap onto the giant's neck dish. Timing your jump carefully is crucial to catch the protruding yellow handholds as the machine walks past.
Dealing with Threats Around Tallneck Patrol Paths
While the Tallneck itself poses no direct threat, the areas surrounding its patrol route are often guarded by hostile machines or bandits. Players should clear out aggressive enemies like Watchers, Scrappers, or Cultists before attempting to climb to avoid being knocked off elevated platforms. Stealth tactics, silent takedowns, and well-placed traps work exceptionally well for securing the area quietly.
Executing the Override and Claiming Map Data
Once Aloy successfully climbs up to the head platform, interact with the central node to initiate the override sequence. The discharge of energy stuns nearby hostile machines and triggers a cinematic scan of the region. Afterward, Aloy can safely rappelling down from the head dish to continue exploring the newly revealed terrain with complete map clarity.