Horizon Forbidden West: How To Complete Shining Wastes Tallneck

TL;DR

  • The Shining Wastes tallneck requires completing the ‘Wings of the Ten’ main story mission first
  • You must acquire the Sunwing flying mount ability to access this particular tallneck
  • This encounter integrates directly into main story progression around 18-20 hours for focused players
  • Unlike other tallnecks, this one cannot be completed during initial exploration
  • Success reveals extensive map areas and unlocks numerous side activities and settlements

While most mechanical giants in Horizon Forbidden West present straightforward climbing puzzles, the Shining Wastes variant introduces a completely different level of complexity that demands advanced capabilities. These towering machines function similarly to traditional open-world towers, with Aloy ascending their massive frames to clear territorial fog and expose hidden map regions. However, this specific tallneck stands apart with its unique aerial access requirement that gates progression behind significant story advancement.

The distinctive challenge of the Shining Wastes tallneck centers around vertical accessibility issues that conventional climbing methods cannot overcome. Players must understand that attempting this challenge prematurely will result in frustration, as the solution involves mechanics unavailable during early gameplay phases. Strategic planning and proper sequencing become essential for successful completion.

Progression to the Shining Wastes tallneck is fundamentally locked behind narrative milestones, specifically requiring completion of the pivotal Wings of the Ten mission. This critical story segment introduces revolutionary mobility options that transform how players navigate the game world. During this unmissable campaign chapter, Aloy gains permanent access to Sunwing mounts, flying creatures that provide aerial transportation capabilities.

Once acquired, the Sunwing ability remains available throughout your journey, allowing summoning whenever desired provided your most recent tamed mount remains functional. This acquisition typically occurs approximately 18-20 hours into the main narrative for players focusing on primary objectives, though extensive exploration and side content engagement can extend this timeline significantly.

The game deliberately integrates this tallneck encounter into core storyline progression, with Aloy automatically navigating to and repairing the machine as part of mandatory quest objectives. This integration ensures players don’t miss this critical map-revealing activity while maintaining narrative cohesion.

Success with the Shining Wastes tallneck hinges on understanding three-dimensional navigation mechanics introduced late in the game. Unlike ground-based approaches for other tallnecks, this requires mastering aerial descent patterns and precision landing techniques. The Sunwing’s flight controls demand practice to execute the precise maneuvers needed for successful tallneck interaction.

Optimal strategy involves approaching from higher altitudes to facilitate controlled descents, while avoiding common mistakes like premature dismounting or misjudging approach angles. Advanced players should practice Sunwing navigation in safer regions before attempting the tallneck approach to build muscle memory for the complex aerial maneuvers required.

The Shining Wastes tallneck requires patience above all else.

Mastering the Shining Wastes tallneck demands strategic patience and precise execution of late-game mechanics.

Timing considerations are crucial—attempt this challenge during daylight hours for optimal visibility, and ensure you have adequate healing resources since failed attempts may involve fall damage. The patience required extends beyond simple waiting to encompass methodical practice of the specialized skills needed for this unique encounter.

Horizon Forbidden West’s tallneck collection presents diverse mechanical puzzles beyond the Shining Wastes challenge. Other variants include aquatic giants requiring swimming and timing coordination, forest-dwelling machines needing stealth and environmental awareness, and even one that must be temporarily disabled with focused firepower before reactivation. Each presents unique environmental and mechanical challenges that test different aspects of Aloy’s capabilities.

Completing all tallnecks provides substantial gameplay benefits, eliminating most map obscurement and revealing numerous hidden settlements, side quests, and activities. This comprehensive world unveiling significantly enhances your ability to tackle the game’s diverse content systematically. For players seeking to optimize their overall experience, our Complete Guide offers additional strategic frameworks for approaching complex game systems.

The strategic advantage gained from tallneck completion cannot be overstated—it transforms exploration from random discovery to targeted objective completion. The revealed map data persists throughout your playthrough, making subsequent navigation and mission planning substantially more efficient.

Action Checklist

  • Progress through main story until completing ‘Wings of the Ten’ mission
  • Acquire and practice Sunwing flight mechanics in safe zones
  • Navigate to Shining Wastes region and identify tallneck location
  • Execute controlled aerial approach from optimal altitude
  • Complete tallneck interaction and utilize revealed map data

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Horizon Forbidden West: How To Complete Shining Wastes Tallneck Master the challenging Shining Wastes tallneck with late-game flying mechanics and strategic patience