TL;DR
- Cauldrons grant permanent machine override abilities that transform combat and traversal
- Complete TAU during main story progression for essential early mount options
- MU offers crucial early-game overrides and should be tackled immediately after TAU
- Corrupted overrides require additional component collection beyond initial completion
- Proper preparation and timing significantly impact cauldron completion efficiency
Horizon Forbidden West’s Cauldron facilities represent some of the most rewarding optional content, providing permanent machine override capabilities that fundamentally alter gameplay dynamics. These high-tech manufacturing centers serve as production hubs for the robotic creatures roaming the lands, offering players who successfully navigate their challenges the ability to temporarily command these mechanical beasts.
Mastering the override system transforms your approach to encounters, allowing you to turn deadly adversaries into temporary allies during combat situations. Beyond battlefield advantages, certain overrides unlock mountable machines that dramatically improve traversal efficiency across Forbidden West’s expansive landscapes.
Each completed Cauldron grants access to multiple machine types, though some require additional effort to fully unlock. The strategic value extends beyond immediate combat benefits, influencing exploration patterns and resource gathering throughout your journey.
Before attempting any Cauldron exploration, understand that progression gates limit early access. You must complete the initial Daunt region and participate in the Carja-Tanakth Embassy to unlock the western territories where most facilities reside.
Proper equipment preparation significantly impacts success rates. Ensure you have adequate healing items, upgraded weapons with diverse damage types, and appropriate armor for the machine types you’ll encounter. Many players underestimate the endurance requirements – bring plenty of potions and resistance boosts.
Common mistakes include attempting Cauldrons under-leveled or without the necessary tools. The Pullcaster and Shieldwing become essential for navigation, while stealth gear helps bypass unnecessary confrontations. Plan for 30-60 minute completion windows depending on puzzle-solving speed and combat proficiency.
Entry into any Cauldron creates a containment scenario – you cannot exit until completing the entire facility. This commitment factor makes preparation absolutely critical to avoid frustrating setbacks and resource depletion.
Your inaugural Cauldron experience occurs naturally through main story advancement in the Plainsong region. Positioned west of the Utaru settlement within mountainous terrain, TAU introduces the core mechanics and reward structure that define these facilities.
TAU becomes accessible during the No Man’s Land storyline segment when engaging with Utaru factions. The strategic timing aligns perfectly with Repair Bay access, creating natural progression synergy.
Completing TAU provides immediate override capabilities for several early-game machine types, including potential mount options that significantly enhance mobility. The facility serves as both tutorial and substantial power spike, making immediate completion highly recommended rather than postponement.
South of Plainsong near Sylens’ location awaits Cauldron MU, typically the first discoverable optional facility. Its southern positioning makes it naturally encounterable during early exploration phases, offering substantial combat advantages for the investment.
Early completion of MU provides override capabilities for numerous common machine types encountered throughout the central regions. The facility presents moderate challenge appropriate for players who’ve mastered TAU’s mechanics.
Strategic prioritization of MU immediately following TAU creates powerful synergy, dramatically expanding your tactical options against the robotic wildlife. The overrides obtained here remain relevant throughout much of the mid-game content.
Navigation through MU introduces new environmental puzzle elements while maintaining familiar combat sequences. Expect to encounter both vertical traversal challenges and confined-space encounters that test your evolving combat skills.
The override system features two unlock tiers: immediate capabilities granted upon Cauldron completion, and corrupted overrides requiring additional component collection. These enhanced overrides demand hunting specific machine types in the wild to gather necessary components for full activation.
Your Base serves as the hub for completing corrupted overrides once unlocked early in the narrative. This dual-phase system encourages continued engagement with machine hunting beyond initial facility completion.
IOTA represents the next logical progression, offering additional mount options that further expand traversal capabilities.
CHI’s positioning aligns with main quest advancement toward the Quen vessel, creating efficient routing opportunities.
KAPPA presents the ultimate Cauldron challenge, requiring substantial main story progression and advanced combat proficiency. This endgame facility tests all accumulated skills and knowledge.
Advanced strategies include sequencing Cauldron attempts based on desired overrides, preparing specific weapon loadouts for anticipated machine types, and utilizing environmental advantages during facility navigation.
Action Checklist
- Complete main story through The Daunt and Embassy to unlock western access
- Progress main quest to access Cauldron TAU in Plainsong region
- Immediately seek and complete Cauldron MU south of Plainsong
- Collect components from wild machines to complete corrupted overrides at your Base
- Sequence remaining Cauldrons based on desired machine overrides
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Horizon Forbidden West Cauldrons Guide: Locations And Machine Overrides Master Horizon Forbidden West's Cauldron locations and machine overrides with expert strategies and essential tips
