TL;DR
- Dyes become available at Plainsong settlement after the prologue
- Each armor set has unique dye unlocks requiring specific bloom combinations
- Blooms spawn randomly across all climbable rock surfaces worldwide
- Metal Shards are required alongside blooms for dye purchases
- Strategic bloom farming saves significant time compared to random collection
Transform Aloy’s appearance with Horizon Forbidden West’s comprehensive dye system, offering extensive color customization for every armor set in her collection. This cosmetic feature allows players to personalize their gameplay experience while maintaining the functional benefits of each armor piece.
Beyond the main storyline adventures, Horizon Forbidden West presents numerous side activities that enhance immersion. Among these customization options, the dye mechanic stands out as both accessible and surprisingly deep. While armor sets provide combat advantages through inherent perks and additional weaves (modification slots for passive stat boosts), the visual customization through dyes adds another layer of personal expression. Understanding how to effectively utilize this system significantly improves your overall gaming satisfaction.
The dye functionality unlocks during early narrative progression, becoming accessible upon reaching Plainsong. This settlement serves as your first major hub after completing the extensive opening sequence. Within Plainsong, locate the specialized dyer merchant who offers various aesthetic options for Aloy’s outfits.
Every armor collection features exclusive dye variations, with some color schemes sharing names across different sets. Crucially, unlocking a specific dye for one armor type doesn’t automatically grant access to identical colors for other sets. This design encourages continued exploration and engagement with the customization system throughout your journey across the expansive game world.
Save the world in style with dyes.
Common mistake: Many players assume dye unlocks are universal across armor sets, leading to frustration when previously collected colors don’t appear for new acquisitions. Always check each armor’s available dyes individually at the dyer.
To acquire your preferred dye variations, you’ll need specific botanical resources called blooms. These forageable plants grow exclusively on rocky cliff faces throughout the game world. You’ll frequently encounter them during climbing sequences, making it essential to periodically scan your surroundings while ascending or descending rock formations.
The complete bloom inventory includes various species, each corresponding to different dye requirements. Through extensive field research, we’ve confirmed that all bloom types spawn universally across the entire map. Any climbable rock surface potentially hosts these plants, with no geographical restrictions limiting specific varieties to particular regions.
This distribution system presents both advantages and challenges. While you’re never in the wrong area technically for finding any bloom type, the random spawn mechanics can make targeted collection feel unpredictable. Advanced players recommend focusing on areas with dense climbing opportunities rather than searching specific locations for particular blooms.
Optimization tip: Create efficient farming routes connecting multiple climbing zones. Areas like The Stillsands and The Stand of the Sentinels offer concentrated rock faces that yield higher bloom densities. Allocate 15-20 minute sessions specifically for bloom harvesting rather than collecting sporadically during main quests.
Time investment analysis: Completing all dye unlocks requires approximately 8-12 hours of dedicated bloom farming, though most players will achieve their preferred customization within 2-3 hours of targeted collection.
Many players overlook the vertical nature of bloom spawns. Don’t just focus on eye-level ledges; scan both above and below your current position while climbing. Using focus mode highlights collectible resources, making blooms easier to spot against rock textures.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary botanical resources, return to Plainsong’s dyer to exchange your blooms and Metal Shards (the game’s primary currency) for your selected styles. The extensive cosmetic options, while purely visual rather than functional like armor upgrades, allow for impressive personal expression throughout your world-saving endeavors.
Strategic approach: Prioritize dyes for armor sets you use frequently rather than attempting complete collection immediately. This conserves both blooms and Metal Shards for more essential upgrades and purchases. Consider coordinating color schemes across your favorite outfits for a cohesive visual identity.
For completionists aiming to unlock every available dye, develop a systematic farming approach. Track which blooms you need for specific armor sets and focus collection sessions on those varieties. The Complete Guide offers additional resource management strategies that apply well to bloom collection.
Armor coordination insight: Some dye colors complement specific environments better than others. Consider selecting camouflage-appropriate hues for stealth missions or brighter schemes for urban areas.
Economic consideration: While individual dye costs are relatively low, the cumulative expense of complete collection can exceed 2000 Metal Shards. Balance your dye purchases with other essential expenses like weapon upgrades and ammunition.
For deeper gameplay mechanics understanding, explore our Weapons Unlock guide for parallel progression systems. The satisfaction of perfectly customizing Aloy’s appearance adds meaningful personal investment to your adventure, enhancing both immersion and attachment to your personalized protagonist.
Action Checklist
- Reach Plainsong settlement after prologue to unlock dye access
- Scan climbable surfaces constantly while traveling for bloom collection
- Create efficient farming routes in high-density climbing zones
- Use focus mode to highlight blooms against rock textures
- Balance dye purchases with other resource needs like weapon upgrades
- Coordinate color schemes across frequently used armor sets
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Horizon Forbidden West Dyes: Where To Find Blooms And How To Customize Aloy’s Armor Master Horizon Forbidden West's dye system with expert strategies for collecting blooms and customizing Aloy's appearance
