Facing a Trampler in Horizon Zero Dawn or Horizon Forbidden West can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re not prepared for its aggressive charge attacks and large area-of-effect stomps. These machines are heavy, fast, and destructive, making them difficult to deal with head-on. Fortunately, tying down a Trampler is possible with the right strategy and gear, giving players a major tactical advantage. Mastering the ability to tie down a Trampler allows you to control the flow of combat, safely target its weak points, and come out of the encounter with minimal damage. Whether you’re trying to override, loot, or simply survive, this guide will help you understand how to tie down a Trampler in Horizon efficiently.
Understanding the Trampler
What is a Trampler?
The Trampler is a mid-to-large tier machine resembling a mechanized bull or bison. Known for its fiery elemental attacks and aggressive melee behavior, the Trampler is designed for destruction. Its primary abilities include:
- Flame-based shockwaves generated from its front horns
- High-speed charges that can knock players over
- Wide stomping attacks capable of area control
Because of its size and mobility, the Trampler is best handled with tools that can restrict its movement. One of the most effective tools in your arsenal for this task is the Ropecaster.
Essential Tools and Preparation
The Ropecaster
To tie down a Trampler, you will need a Ropecaster a weapon specifically designed to immobilize machines by firing tethered cables that pin them to the ground. You can acquire various versions of the Ropecaster as you progress, including the Carja, Shadow, or upgraded variants in Forbidden West.
Recommended Upgrades and Mods
Before heading into combat, make sure your Ropecaster has the following:
- Rope Element: Choose standard or shock ropes if available
- Handling Mods: Increase your draw and reload speed
- Ammo Pouch Upgrades: Carry enough ropes for prolonged fights
Higher-tier Tramplers may require more ropes to pin down, so preparation is essential. Also, carry additional elemental ammo to exploit its weaknesses once it’s restrained.
Additional Items to Carry
- Tripcaster: Set traps in case the tie-down fails
- Shock Bombs: Stun the machine temporarily
- Health Potions: Keep your health up during extended encounters
Finding and Approaching a Trampler
Where to Find Them
Tramplers often spawn in specific zones, usually in forested or open areas. Common locations include:
- Southwest plains in Horizon Zero Dawn
- Mountain slopes and coastal hills in Forbidden West
Before engaging, use your Focus to scan the area. Look for weak points and patrol patterns. Tramplers are often in herds, so engaging a lone machine is ideal. If you must fight multiple, be strategic and divide them using terrain or stealth tactics.
How to Tie Down a Trampler
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’re equipped and have located a Trampler, follow this method to tie it down effectively:
- Stay Hidden: Approach from a crouched position and hide behind rocks or grass. Use your Focus to highlight weak points like the power cells near the rear or underbelly.
- Equip the Ropecaster: Ensure it’s selected and your ammo is loaded.
- Aim at the Legs and Body: Fire the ropes at different parts of the Trampler’s body. Hitting multiple points increases the chance of it being restrained.
- Use the Environment: If you’re near trees or cliffs, fire the rope toward a surface where the cable can anchor securely. Open spaces make tying down harder.
- Keep Your Distance: If the Trampler hasn’t noticed you, continue tying from a safe range. If it becomes aggressive, dodge and reposition before firing more ropes.
- Look for Immobilization: Once the Trampler is tied down, it will struggle and be unable to charge. This is your chance to strike its weak points for maximum damage.
How Many Ropes Does It Take?
The number of ropes needed depends on the Trampler’s level and your Ropecaster’s upgrade tier. As a general guideline:
- Basic Ropecaster: 68 ropes minimum
- Advanced Ropecaster: 35 ropes
- Elite Ropecaster with handling mods: 24 ropes
Missing shots or aiming poorly will reduce rope efficiency, so precision matters. Also, ropes have a duration, so act quickly while the machine is restrained.
Dealing Damage While It’s Tied Down
Targeting Weak Spots
Once the Trampler is tied down, switch to high-damage or elemental weapons. Use your Focus to highlight vulnerable parts like:
- Blaze Canister (located on the underbelly or sides)
- Cooling Units (glow blue and control fire output)
- Horn Base (connected to flamethrower attacks)
Hitting these parts with elemental arrows like Freeze or Tearblast can disable abilities and deal bonus damage.
Using Critical Strikes
If you can approach the Trampler while it’s fully restrained, you may be able to trigger a critical strike prompt. This allows Aloy to deal massive melee damage in a single hit. Be cautious, as failing to execute in time may give the machine a chance to break free.
Advanced Tactics and Combos
Elemental Chains
Combining rope tie-downs with elemental status effects increases your advantage. For example:
- Use Ropecaster to restrain â Shoot Freeze Arrow â Target Blaze Canister â Cause explosion
- Tie down â Apply Shock Bombs â Use Tearblast Arrow for armor removal
Trap Setup Before Combat
If you anticipate a battle with a Trampler, lay Shock or Fire traps in its patrol path. Once it’s stunned, you can tie it down with fewer ropes. This strategy reduces danger and saves ammo.
What to Do After the Fight
Looting Safely
Once defeated, approach the Trampler and loot carefully. Be on alert in case other machines are nearby. Trampler loot often includes:
- Blaze Canisters
- Machine Cores
- Metal Shards
- Rare crafting materials
Craft More Ropes
After battle, restock your ammo. Craft more ropes, arrows, and potions to be ready for the next encounter. Ropecaster ammo can be expensive to maintain, so gather resources regularly.
Tying down a Trampler in Horizon isn’t just about brute force it’s about preparation, precision, and timing. By using the Ropecaster effectively, targeting the right weak points, and combining elemental strategies, you can turn a dangerous opponent into a vulnerable target. Whether you’re exploring new zones, completing contracts, or farming for resources, learning how to tie down Trampler machines will give you an edge in combat. With enough practice, you’ll be able to bring down even the fiercest herd without breaking a sweat.