Horizon Zero Dawn offers players a rich blend of exploration, story, and strategic combat. Among its many secrets, the Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Armory Power Cells quest stands out as one of the most rewarding. By collecting all the required Power Cells hidden across the world, players can unlock the Shield-Weaver Armor—an advanced piece of technology from the old world that provides Aloy with an incredible defensive advantage.
However, gathering the Power Cells isn’t as simple as following a map. These items are carefully hidden across different locations and often require backtracking. Some cells are behind locked doors or inside story missions, while others demand environmental puzzle solving. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding all the Power Cells, solving the Armory puzzle, and equipping the most powerful armor in the game.
What Makes the Ancient Armory Quest Worth Your Time
In Horizon Zero Dawn, most gear provides moderate benefits like improved stealth, damage resistance, or special mod slots. The Shield-Weaver armor, however, completely breaks this mold. It grants Aloy a protective energy field that absorbs all damage until it temporarily shuts down and recharges.
This suit turns difficult late-game fights into manageable challenges and makes combat with Thunderjaws, Deathbringers, and Stormbirds much easier. That’s why so many players go out of their way to collect all the Power Cells—even though some of them are quite well-hidden.
Before diving into the locations, it’s important to note that there are only five Power Cells in the game, and you need all five to unlock the armor. If you miss one during a mission, you’ll need to return later, but every cell remains available throughout the game.
Understanding the Ancient Armory Puzzle Requirements
To gain access to the Shield-Weaver armor, players must find and insert all five Power Cells into a terminal inside the Ancient Armory bunker. This triggers a pair of puzzles, both of which must be solved using the rotational nodes on the door panel.
The first puzzle opens the central chamber where the armor rests. Once the second set of Power Cells is inserted, the second puzzle disengages the armor from its locks. At this point, the armor becomes wearable.
These puzzles are simple once the Power Cells are collected, but reaching each location can take time. To avoid revisiting areas, it helps to plan your route while completing story missions.
First Power Cell Location: All-Mother Mountain
The very first Power Cell is located in the All-Mother temple. This area becomes accessible during the main quest titled “The Womb of the Mountain.”
Inside the mountain, look for a locked door next to a small corridor near the bunk area. On your left, a tunnel leads to a small vent you can crawl through. This narrow passage opens into a side room where the first Power Cell rests on the floor.
Players often miss this Power Cell because it’s only accessible during a specific story beat. Thankfully, the game lets you return to this location later in the game, so don’t worry if you forgot to pick it up during the mission.
Second Power Cell Location: Maker’s End
The next Power Cell can be found during the main mission “Maker’s End.” This long mission takes you through a towering ancient skyscraper full of climbing sequences and combat.
After reaching the top floor and viewing a holographic transmission of Ted Faro, continue climbing up one more level using a ledge on the right side. At the top, you’ll discover an office with desks and old-world computers. The second Power Cell lies next to a fallen desk near a terminal.
Since this Power Cell is located near the end of a major story mission, many players forget to look around before leaving. If you’re returning later, the structure remains open for exploration.
Third Power Cell Location: The Grave-Hoard
The third cell is located in The Grave-Hoard during the quest of the same name. This location serves as a dungeon-like military base filled with old tech and Shadow Carja enemies.
Once inside, you’ll encounter a room with a spinning disk puzzle that controls a large door. Just past this puzzle, there’s a secondary door locked by a code. Before progressing the main quest, search the area behind the broken panels and climb through a small gap.
Inside a side room past this tunnel, you’ll find the Power Cell resting next to a supply box. This cell is easy to overlook if you focus only on mission objectives, so make a mental note to search carefully after the first puzzle room.
Fourth Power Cell Location: GAIA Prime
GAIA Prime is accessible much later in the game during the quest “The Mountain That Fell.” This area is unreachable until the late-game, so if you’re looking for the Shield-Weaver early, prepare to wait.
During the mission, Aloy climbs the remains of GAIA Prime. Near the top, she activates a holographic projector to learn more about Project Zero Dawn. After this scene, instead of exiting the mission area, turn around and climb further up to a narrow ledge near a broken metal beam.
This high platform leads to a dark corner where the fourth Power Cell is waiting on the ground. Use your Focus to help locate it. Climbing here is slightly tricky, but absolutely worth the effort.
Fifth Power Cell Location: The Ruins (Nora Region)
The final Power Cell is actually located in the first area you explore as a child. These ruins become accessible again once you’ve advanced far enough in the story.
Return to the map location known simply as “The Ruins.” As an adult, Aloy can now break open a locked door using her spear. Inside the previously inaccessible room is a dark corridor that opens into a chamber with the last Power Cell.
Many players forget about this area since it seems like an early-game tutorial zone. But if you skipped this Power Cell early, you’ll need to revisit it to complete the Ancient Armory quest.
Solving the Ancient Armory Puzzles
With all five Power Cells collected, return to the Ancient Armory location marked on your map. This bunker is found in the mountains between the Devil’s Grief and Mother’s Rise.
Enter the structure and place the first set of Power Cells into the terminal. A puzzle with five rotating dials will appear. Each dial has symbols representing degrees: up (0°), right (90°), down (180°), and left (270°).
Use the following code to unlock the first door:
Up, Right, Down, Left, Up
Once inside the main chamber, insert the final two Power Cells. This triggers a second five-dial puzzle. Use the code below:
Right, Left, Up, Right, Down
When the second puzzle is complete, the armor unlocks from its stasis and becomes accessible. Equip the Shield-Weaver armor immediately and watch how drastically your combat experience improves.
Benefits of the Shield-Weaver Armor in Combat
The Shield-Weaver armor is considered the best armor in Horizon Zero Dawn. It absorbs all damage with an energy barrier and recharges over time. Unlike other armors that provide resistance bonuses, this one prevents Aloy from taking damage entirely for short durations.
This makes it incredibly useful for fighting large machines like Stormbirds, Thunderjaws, and Deathbringers. During Cauldron boss fights or Corrupted Zones, the armor can save you from near-instant death multiple times.
You won’t need to spam healing herbs, and your tactics can focus more on offense than evasion. This shift in gameplay also makes stealth-free builds more viable.
Known Bugs and Glitches with Power Cells
Some players have reported issues during their playthroughs related to the Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Armory Power Cells bug. This includes missing Power Cells not appearing, terminals not activating, or puzzles resetting after completion.
Here are a few workarounds:
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Reload a manual save before collecting a Power Cell
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Clear the cache if you’re on PlayStation by restarting the system completely
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Avoid triggering the armory quest too early before reaching level 15
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Check your inventory carefully; sometimes a cell may be picked up but not registered
The developers have patched many of these issues, but occasional bugs may still appear depending on your version. Always keep a manual save before entering puzzle rooms just in case.
Tips for Early Access and Planning
Although the armor isn’t accessible until mid-to-late game, three of the five Power Cells are located in early missions or open areas. It’s possible to plan ahead and collect the first three before reaching GAIA Prime.
Doing so means you can unlock the first puzzle door early and prepare for the final step once the story brings you to the last location. If you’re a completionist or aiming for 100% achievements, this planning method saves time.
Some players even attempt to unlock the full armor before level 25, giving them a huge advantage in upcoming boss fights.
For players who love storyline depth, worldbuilding, and secret items, don’t forget to explore narrative-rich games like Alan Wake. If you’re wondering whether to start with the first installment, this detailed guide can help: Do You Need to Play Alan Wake 1 Before 2?
The Legacy of the Shield-Weaver and Its Role in Forbidden West
Although Horizon Forbidden West introduces new gear and enemies, the Shield-Weaver armor left a lasting impression on fans. Its futuristic design, glowing energy shield, and background lore tied it deeply to Project Zero Dawn.
In the sequel, there isn’t an exact Shield-Weaver equivalent, but players will find similarly advanced tech through quests and Cauldron explorations. The sense of discovery that came with unlocking the Ancient Armory remains a core part of the Horizon experience.
Longtime fans often refer to this armor as a turning point in the first game—where Aloy transitions from survivor to unstoppable warrior.
Can You Miss Power Cells in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Yes, but only temporarily. Horizon Zero Dawn allows players to return to all Power Cell locations at any time during the game. While some Power Cells are in story-specific areas like All-Mother Mountain or GAIA Prime, you can revisit them later once those zones reopen or become freely accessible.
For example, after completing “The Womb of the Mountain,” you can go back to the All-Mother ruins by fast traveling to Mother’s Watch and retracing your steps. GAIA Prime, being part of a late-game mission, can also be returned to once its story segment is finished. Nothing in this quest is permanently missable.
Still, keeping track of which Power Cells you’ve collected helps avoid backtracking. Using the in-game notebook or setting custom map markers is a smart way to stay organized.
How the Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Armory Quest Enhances Exploration
Horizon Zero Dawn rewards curiosity. The Ancient Armory quest is proof of that. Instead of handing players the best armor through the main storyline, the developers crafted an engaging optional adventure that takes players across biomes, missions, and hidden areas.
By searching for these Power Cells, you’ll stumble upon logs, datapoints, and hidden world-building details that add depth to the lore. You may find entries related to Project Zero Dawn, recordings of the Old Ones, or notes left by the surviving humans. This kind of environmental storytelling makes the quest more than just a gear hunt.
Moreover, the structure of this side quest encourages replay value. On New Game+, many players choose to collect the Shield-Weaver armor as early as possible for a more empowered experience from the start.
Does Anything Carry Over from Horizon Zero Dawn?
If you start a New Game+, many items, including your Shield-Weaver armor, carry over. However, you will still need to re-collect the Power Cells to unlock the armor again, as quest progress resets. This provides another opportunity to relive the Ancient Armory journey while playing with different builds or strategies.
Some players use this mode to challenge themselves—finishing the Power Cell collection under level 20 or attempting to defeat Stormbirds with minimal health upgrades. The flexibility makes this quest endlessly replayable.
Final Notes on Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Armory Power Cells Bug Reports
The community has documented rare but frustrating bugs associated with the Ancient Armory quest. Here’s a brief list of the most common and how to handle them:
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Power Cell not registering in inventory: Save and reload from the last checkpoint.
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Puzzle panel not appearing: Fast travel away and return. Restarting the game can also help.
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Stuck behind closed doors: Try climbing to a higher level and re-entering the area from a different angle.
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Armor won’t unlock after puzzle: Double-check puzzle input. If already correct, reset puzzle by leaving and re-entering the room.
Always ensure your game is updated to the latest version to minimize bugs. Most recent patches have resolved these issues, especially on PC and PS5 via backward compatibility.
Why the Ancient Armory Quest Represents the Best of Horizon Design
Few side quests in modern games offer the depth, reward, and cross-world impact that Ancient Armory provides. It’s not just about the armor—it’s about what it represents: exploration, understanding the past, and earning your edge through cleverness and perseverance.
The moment you first equip the Shield-Weaver armor feels earned. Unlike basic upgrades found in vendor shops, this suit demands effort, memory, and skill. It showcases the best qualities of Aloy as a character: her resourcefulness, determination, and hunger for knowledge.
Moreover, unlocking the armor strengthens the emotional connection players have to the world. When you use that armor in battle, it’s not just a gameplay upgrade—it’s a narrative payoff.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Player Should Complete Ancient Armory
While optional, completing the Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Armory Power Cells quest rewards you with not only the best armor in the game but also an unforgettable sense of achievement. It combines exploration, puzzle-solving, storytelling, and combat payoff in one well-crafted side quest.
Players who skip it miss out on one of the most satisfying experiences in Horizon Zero Dawn. Whether you’re playing on PS4, PS5, or PC, don’t leave this quest unfinished.
Equip the Shield-Weaver. Take on the biggest machines. And give Aloy the edge she deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to get all mother Power Cell?
To get the All-Mother Power Cell, complete the quest “The Womb of the Mountain.” After waking inside the mountain, return to the earlier locked room. Inside, you’ll find the Power Cell behind some supply crates.
Q: What drains a cyclops battery?
Modules, lighting, engine activity, and sonar drain the Cyclops battery in Subnautica. Silent running mode consumes the most energy.
Q: How to get dragon Power Cells?
In modded games like Terraria Calamity, Dragon Power Cells drop from mechanical bosses or can be crafted with essences from late-game materials.
Q: What is the rule 4 in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Rule 4 is one of Project Zero Dawn’s core policies: “No one gets a death they choose.” It reflects the unavoidable sacrifices of humanity’s extinction plan.
Q: How to become invincible in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Equip the Shield-Weaver armor, which absorbs all damage for a short time before recharging. This offers temporary near-invulnerability.
Q: Are there missables in Horizon Zero Dawn?
While nothing is permanently missable, some items like Power Cells become harder to retrieve if skipped. Luckily, you can backtrack post-story.
Q: Are there any secrets in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Yes, hidden audio logs, visual clues, and areas like the Ancient Armory offer deep lore and upgrades many players overlook.
Q: Can you keep playing Horizon Zero Dawn after you beat it?
Yes. The game resumes after the main storyline, letting players complete quests, explore, and collect remaining Power Cells or gear.
Q: Do Horizon Zero Dawn choices matter?
Conversation choices influence Aloy’s tone and some responses, but they don’t alter the storyline or ending in a significant way.
Q: Are errands worth it in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Definitely. They offer rewards like XP, resources, and character development that can be valuable for upgrading your arsenal.
Q: Is there a third horizon game?
A third entry is reportedly in development following the success of Horizon Forbidden West, though no official release date exists yet.
Q: Are there any flying mounts in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Flying mounts aren’t available in the original game. They were introduced in Horizon Forbidden West for expanded exploration.
Q: Where is Ted Faro’s office?
Ted Faro’s office appears in Horizon Forbidden West inside Thebes. It isn’t accessible in the original Horizon Zero Dawn.
Q: How to obtain Draedon Power Cell?
In Terraria’s Calamity mod, defeat mech bosses or explore labs to gather Draedon Power Cells, often crafted from dropped components.
Q: How to get Power Cells in Terraria?
Craft power cells using mechanical parts or find them by looting chests and defeating certain late-game enemies.
Q: Where is Maker’s End Power Cell?
This Power Cell is at the very top of the Maker’s End tower. After reaching Faro’s office, look for a locked room on the final level.
Q: How to get the grave hoard power cell?
In the Grave-Hoard, it’s in a room past the main puzzle locks. It’s hidden behind broken machinery and can be easy to miss.
Q: How to unlock Ion Powercell?
Scan data terminals inside alien bases in Subnautica to unlock Ion Power Cells for crafting long-lasting power solutions.
Q: How do you summon Draedon?
In the Calamity mod, use the Codebreaker with Draedon’s remote device to trigger the boss fight and acquire rare drops.
Q: How to get power cells for ancient armory?
Collect Power Cells from five specific locations: All-Mother, Maker’s End, Grave-Hoard, GAIA Prime, and the childhood ruins.
Q: How do I craft power cells?
Use two batteries and one silicone rubber to craft Power Cells in Subnautica. Different games have their own crafting recipes.
Q: Why can’t I use the Lihzahrd power cell?
In Terraria, Lihzahrd Power Cells only function at the Lihzahrd Altar after defeating Plantera and unlocking the Jungle Temple.
Q: What is the best armor in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Shield-Weaver armor stands out as the best, offering temporary invincibility and absorbing all incoming damage.
Q: Is the Shield Weaver armor worth getting?
Yes. It makes late-game battles much easier by negating damage completely for several seconds before needing a recharge.
Q: What are the best weapons in Horizon Zero Dawn?
The Tearblaster, Lodge War Bow, and Blast Sling are excellent for stripping armor, applying elemental damage, and causing big explosions.
Q: How to get the Horus energy cell?
Horus energy cells don’t appear as collectible items in Horizon Zero Dawn but are referenced in lore surrounding the giant robots.
Q: How to get Guardian Power Cells?
In games like Zelda BOTW, defeat Guardian Scouts in shrines or labs. They often drop power cores, screws, and specialized loot.
Q: Do ion power cells degrade over time?
Ion Power Cells hold their charge longer than standard ones in Subnautica, but they still drain with heavy equipment use.
Q: How to unlock rad power battery?
In survival mods, you must explore radioactive zones, gather rare components, and research electrical systems to unlock Rad Batteries.
