The recently released sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn has introduced a whole host of new machine animals that players must battle and get past while exploring the Forbidden West. A menacing machine that Aloy must contend with in Horizon Forbidden West is Slitherfang, and knowing how to beat the venomous creature will come in handy as it shows up more than once throughout the game.
(Updated on August 7, 2024 – Fact-checked and clarified the guide’s steps).
How To Beat Slitherfang in Horizon Forbidden West
The Slitherfang species of mechanical animal is the first big boss that players will go up against in Horizon Forbidden West. The large serpentine machine is a recurring foe in the game and constantly changes its attack style the more damage it receives.
The serpent-like machines have several formidable abilities. These creatures can coil themselves around ruins, spit streams of acid, and fire bolts of lightning from their rattle that produce waves of electricity, which Aloy must avoid. Additionally, the mechanical creature has the power to release deafening sound waves, incapacitating Aloy for a short time and making her vulnerable to attack. The Sliterfang is also one of the few machines that can burrow itself into the ground and spring from the earth to attempt to slam into Aloy. Fighting this robotic snake means constantly dodging and staying on the move.
In order to beat a Slitherfang in Horizon Forbidden West, players must expose its vulnerable areas. These weaknesses are predominantly located along its neck and underbelly. As the metallic snake gets ready to spit acid at Aloy, players can shoot arrows at the base of its throat. This will inflict some significant damage on the creature and prevent it from spitting acid. Slitherfang machines are especially susceptible to Freeze elemental damage, meaning that the use of Aloy’s Blast Sling weapon and firing Frost Bombs from it will be extremely effective against the venomous machine.
Inflicting a large amount of damage on a Slitherang in Horizon Forbidden West will knock the machine to the ground for a short time, allowing players to attack its exposed neck directly. Using the Sharpshooter Bow will cause significant damage at this time. Players should also attempt to remove the snake’s rattle from its tail, as this can be picked up by Aloy and used as a gun of sorts. Another tip to beat a Slitherfang in Horizon Forbidden West is by firing an Emplaced Shot from a Sharpshooter Bow directly inside its mouth as it attempts to attack Aloy; players can significantly lower its HP.
