Tracking down every Power Cell in Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the most rewarding side endeavors for players exploring Aloy's post-apocalyptic world. These special items serve as key components to unlock ancient technology hidden deep within underground ruins. By locating all five Power Cells scattered across key mission areas, players can claim the ultimate defense upgrade available in the game.
Finding Early-Game Power Cells in Sacred Lands
The first Power Cell can be retrieved from the underground ruins that Aloy explored during her childhood. Returning as an adult allows you to pry open a locked door using her upgraded spear to access the item on a table. The second Power Cell is situated inside the All-Mother Temple. You can collect this item during or after the Womb of the Mountain quest by searching the side rooms near the entrance area.
Locating Mid-Game Story Mission Power Cells
As you progress through main story quests, three remaining Power Cells become accessible within ancient facilities. The third cell is found at the very top of the tower during the Maker's End mission, located past Faro's office on a high ledge. The fourth cell is hidden inside The Grave-Hoard ruin, located in a side chamber right after completing the second door puzzle. Collecting these during their respective main quests saves significant backtracking time later in the game.
Unlocking GAIA Prime and Completing the Quest
The final Power Cell is located inside the ruins of GAIA Prime, accessible during the late-game mission titled The Mountain That Fell. Before descending into the main facility, players must explore a side cavern to find the cell resting on a shelf. Once all five items are gathered, fast travel to the Ancient Armory bunker situated in the Sacred Lands. Solving two distinct dial lock puzzles using the collected cells will grant full access to the armor chamber.
Rewards for Collecting All Power Cells
Unlocking the containment chamber grants Aloy the Shield-Weaver armor, which is widely considered the best outfit in the game. This legendary gear project projects a forcefield around Aloy that absorbs incoming damage before taking health. When damaged, the shield recharges automatically after a short period without taking additional hits. Equipping this powerful outfit provides a massive advantage during challenging combat encounters and late-game boss fights.
