In the captivating world of Horizon Zero Dawn, exploration is not only key to survival but also to unlocking the secrets of the Old Ones. One of the most sought-after items in the game is the Power Cell, crucial for obtaining the powerful Shield-Weaver armor. Among the various locations where players can discover these hidden items, the Grave-Hoard Power Cell remains one of the most important and elusive. Nestled deep within the ruins of a once-mighty military facility, this Power Cell challenges players to venture into dangerous territory, solve puzzles, and remain alert amidst remnants of ancient technology. For those committed to full exploration and seeking the best armor in the game, understanding how to find the Grave-Hoard Power Cell is essential.
Understanding the Importance of Power Cells
What Are Power Cells?
Power Cells in Horizon Zero Dawn are special items that Aloy can collect to unlock the Shield-Weaver armor an ancient suit of high-tech gear that provides nearly invincible protection. There are five Power Cells scattered across the game world, and each one is hidden within important story-related or side locations. The Grave-Hoard is one of these critical sites and plays a major role in both the narrative and in the player’s journey toward better gear.
Unlocking the Shield-Weaver Armor
Once all five Power Cells are gathered, they can be used to gain access to the Shield-Weaver armor found in a hidden bunker known as the Ancient Armory. This armor provides a regenerating shield that absorbs a great deal of damage before requiring a cooldown period, essentially turning Aloy into a walking tank. The search for these Power Cells is not just rewarding in gameplay but also in the deepening understanding of the world’s lore and its technological past.
Locating the Grave-Hoard Facility
Reaching the Grave-Hoard
The Grave-Hoard is a main quest location in the eastern mountains, situated northeast of the main map. Players can access it during the Grave-Hoard main mission after completing a series of previous story quests. The entrance to this old military facility lies within a snowy and mountainous region that adds an atmospheric depth to the journey, increasing the sense of scale and abandonment associated with the old world.
Inside the Grave-Hoard
Once inside, players will navigate through various levels of crumbling infrastructure, fighting off machines and climbing through collapsed tunnels. The Grave-Hoard is filled with remnants of the Faro Automated Solutions facility, revealing more about the downfall of human civilization. The environment is rich with holographic projections, audio logs, and ancient machinery that breathe life into the ruins and push the player forward through curiosity and danger.
Finding the Grave-Hoard Power Cell
Step-by-Step Location Guide
To find the Grave-Hoard Power Cell, players need to advance through the main story objectives inside the facility until reaching a puzzle room with three holographic locks that control power flow. This puzzle is part of the core mission and cannot be missed. Here’s how to find the Power Cell after reaching the appropriate section:
- Complete the Power Puzzle: After solving the three power lock puzzles, a door will open to continue the mission. Before leaving this room, turn around and look for a locked door on the lower level.
- Search for the Hidden Passage: Near this locked door, there is a broken path leading downward. Use Aloy’s climbing abilities to carefully descend into this area, watching out for any hostile machines.
- Retrieve the Power Cell: After making your way to a smaller side room filled with debris and unused machinery, you’ll find the Power Cell on a shelf or a console. Picking it up adds it to your inventory and brings you one step closer to the Shield-Weaver armor.
Tips for Easier Collection
It’s recommended to collect the Grave-Hoard Power Cell during your first visit, as returning later may involve backtracking through challenging terrain or replaying segments of the mission. Bring plenty of health potions and arrows, as the facility has a number of strong machines and tricky navigation sections that can quickly drain resources.
Challenges and Puzzles in the Grave-Hoard
Understanding the Rotational Lock Puzzles
The Grave-Hoard puzzles are based on rotating dials to align power circuits. Each dial has four or five positions and must be set correctly to redirect electricity through the network. Clues for the correct positions are often nearby either painted on walls, found on data logs, or indicated by lights and audio prompts. Completing these puzzles is necessary not just for story progression but also to access hidden areas that may contain valuable loot or, in this case, the Power Cell.
Combat Challenges Within the Facility
In addition to solving puzzles, players will face combat with hostile machines, including corrupted enemies that are more aggressive and dangerous than standard types. Using stealth, tripwires, and elemental arrows can help even the odds in tight corridors and enclosed chambers. Staying mobile is crucial, especially when fighting in areas with limited cover.
How the Grave-Hoard Power Cell Fits into Lore
A Link to the Past
The Grave-Hoard location is not just a gameplay dungeon it’s rich with narrative context. This site was once part of the military operations that tried to contain the rogue AI and robotic swarms created by Faro Automated Solutions. As players explore deeper, they uncover the panic, last-ditch efforts, and emotional weight carried by the people who once worked there. The Power Cell represents more than just a gameplay item; it’s a piece of ancient technology that survived the apocalypse, hidden in a forgotten corner of a fallen world.
Symbolism and Game Progression
Collecting the Power Cell here also serves as a symbolic moment in Aloy’s journey. By uncovering pieces of the past, she is able to strengthen herself for the challenges ahead. The Shield-Weaver armor, which these Power Cells help unlock, is a direct legacy of the old world’s science and a powerful reminder of humanity’s lost potential.
What to Do After Acquiring the Power Cell
Tracking Remaining Power Cells
If you’ve obtained the Grave-Hoard Power Cell, you’re one step closer to completing the Ancient Armory quest. The remaining Power Cells can be found in the following locations:
- All-Mother Temple: Available early in the game.
- Maker’s End: Located near the top of the skyscraper.
- GAIA Prime: In a hard-to-reach area after major story progress.
- Ruins (Nora Area): The first area Aloy explores as a child, revisited later.
Once all five have been gathered, return to the Ancient Armory location marked on your map. Use the Power Cells to unlock the doors and solve one final puzzle to claim the Shield-Weaver armor.
The Grave-Hoard Power Cell is one of the most important collectibles in Horizon Zero Dawn, both for its role in gameplay and its connection to the game’s lore. Venturing through the Grave-Hoard offers more than just combat and puzzles it offers insight into the world that came before and the cost of technological ambition. For players dedicated to full exploration and maximizing Aloy’s potential, the journey to the Grave-Hoard and its hidden Power Cell is a memorable and rewarding experience. Don’t overlook this critical item, as it may be the key to turning the tide in your toughest battles ahead.