Horizon Forbidden West’s Sky‑Taming Feature: How “Taming the Skies” Transforms Aerial Combat
When Horizon Forbidden West rolled out its second major content update, it didn’t just polish the already expansive world—it opened an entirely new dimension of play. Horizon Forbidden West Taming the Skies is the name players give to the patch that lets Aloy glide over cliffs, chase flying machines, and face a fresh class of enemies in the open sky. The addition feels like a natural evolution of the series’ signature blend of exploration and combat.
What Is “Taming the Skies”?
“Taming the Skies” is a post‑launch update that adds aerial combat to Horizon Forbidden West. It introduces the ability to mount, battle, and even ride certain airborne machines, as well as new sky‑borne enemies that require different tactics than ground foes. The update also expands the arsenal with weapons optimized for high‑altitude encounters and introduces the Skyborne gear set, giving Aloy a new way to traverse the landscape.
New Aerial Enemies and Bosses
- Horizon Talons – Winged, predatory machines that swoop in packs, demanding quick reflexes and burst fire.
- Skyriders – Humanoid riders on mechanical beasts, combining ranged fire and close‑combat attacks.
- Sky‑Borne Boss: The Cloud‑Wyrm – A massive, floating leviathan that uses lightning storms and seismic blasts.
Each of these creatures introduces unique mechanics, such as charging attacks from above or using terrain as cover. They encourage players to think vertically, leveraging the new Glide ability to dodge and reposition mid‑air.
Gear and Weapons for the Skies
Alongside the new enemies, the update added a suite of sky‑specific tools. The Skyborne weapon set features rapid‑fire rifles and explosive grenades that maintain effectiveness when Aloy is airborne. The Glide Pack lets her glide for extended periods, while the Flight Boost temporarily propels her forward, turning a simple glide into a maneuverable dash.
Players also unlock the Sky‑Axe, a melee weapon designed to cleave through aerial enemies, and a series of Aerial Arrows that trigger after‑shock waves when they hit a target in the air.
Mastering Aerial Combat: Tips and Strategies
- Use the environment as a shield. Flying into cliffs or over water can block attacks from ground‑bound enemies.
- Pre‑load your ammo. Aerial enemies often have limited windows of vulnerability; keep a reserve of Aerial Arrows ready.
- Take advantage of the Glide Pack. Glide to line up shots, then use a Flight Boost to close the distance or escape.
- Target the wings first. Many sky creatures can be stunned by disabling their wings, turning the tide of battle.
Adapting your play style to the sky is key. While the update maintains the series’ focus on stealth and tactical sniping, the new mechanics reward aggressive, high‑flight approaches that were previously impossible.
How to Unlock and Access “Taming the Skies”
Unlocking the sky‑combat features is straightforward. First, complete the “Skyfall” questline in the Ruined Coast area. Once finished, a notification will prompt you to install the “Taming the Skies” patch. After the download, the new gear and enemies become available in all previously accessible regions. Players can also trigger the update by visiting the High‑Plateau Outpost and interacting with the new beacon that activates the sky‑combat protocol.
Impact on the Horizon Forbidden West Experience
The addition of aerial combat broadens the game’s exploration dynamics. Where earlier journeys were primarily vertical in a more abstract sense—climbing cliffs, crossing ravines—now players literally fly over the landscape. This shift not only refreshes the sense of scale but also deepens narrative immersion, as many story missions now involve retrieving artifacts or rescuing allies from lofty platforms.
Critically, the update keeps the core feel of Horizon intact. The emphasis on observation, patience, and tactical planning remains, but the sky offers a new playground where those skills can be tested in a different arena. Players report feeling less constrained by the terrain, and the new challenges have injected fresh excitement into late‑game play.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I play “Taming the Skies” without installing the patch? No. The update is required to access sky‑borne enemies, weapons, and the new questlines.
- Do I need a high level to use the Glide Pack? No, but higher levels unlock more efficient glide ranges and better durability for the gear.
- Are there any drawbacks to using sky weapons?
