Finding every hidden power cell in Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the most rewarding challenges for players seeking completion. These ancient items are essential for unlocking the legendary Shield-Weaver armor, which grants Aloy near-invulnerability by absorbing significant amounts of incoming damage. Tracking them down requires a mix of story progression and careful exploration across the game's expansive map.
Early Game Locations in the Sacred Lands
The first opportunity to gather a power cell occurs during Aloy's childhood exploration in the underground ruins. Players can revisit this cave system later as an adult to claim the glowing green canister hidden behind a wall of breakable stalactites. Finding this early item sets the stage for the broader scavenger hunt across the ancient world.
Shortly after completing the Proving ritual, players will awaken inside the heart of the All-Mother Mountain temple. A second cell rests inside this secure area, tucked away near a ventilation shaft located adjacent to a large locked door. If you miss this item during the main quest line, the area becomes accessible again later in the narrative.
Mid Game Progress Through Ancient Facilities
As the story carries Aloy beyond the borders of the Sacred Lands, the hunt shifts toward massive corporate ruins from the Old World. The third item waits at the peak of Maker's End during the critical investigations into the ancient Faro automated plague. To reach it, players must climb to the absolute highest point of the tower structural remains well above the main objective room.
Continuing the journey north leads players to the rusted remains of the Grave-Hoard fortress. The fourth piece is hidden near a series of electronic lock puzzles that must be bypassed to proceed. It rests safely on a supply ledge on the middle level, easily spotted if players take a moment to scan the environment.
The Final Pieces and the Bunker Lock
The fifth and final power cell is located deep within the ruins of Gaia Prime during the late-game mission titled The Mountain That Fell. Before descending into the main facility via the zipline, players must carefully drop down a hidden cliffside path to find the secret chamber. Collecting this final component completes the set required to open the ultimate armory mechanisms.
With all five items in your inventory, you can fast travel back to the bunker ruins located in the initial starting region. Inserting the cells into the broken ancient generators triggers two separate puzzle sequences that test your observation skills. Solving these power terminal riddles opens the final clamps, allowing Aloy to equip the powerful combat outfit for the endgame fights.
