Each time Guerrilla Games has let fans peek behind the curtain to get a brief glimpse of Horizon Forbidden West, it's become clearer how much the Dutch studio is determined to expand upon the solid foundation it established with the series' first entry. Between elements like increased visual fidelity, improved melee combat, and new Zelda-inspired traversal mechanics, Aloy's follow-up adventure looks to be shaping up well ahead of its expected February release on PS4 and PS5.

Beyond other factors like an expanded world and the development of Aloy as a character herself, the hunter's arsenal of weapons and gadgets within Horizon Forbidden West has been developed and tweaked for good measure as well. One of the tools that the studio has already shone a particular spotlight on is the brand new Spike Thrower, which should add some exciting diversity to the gameplay loop of the title thanks to the unique tactical options it offers.

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What is the Spike Thrower?

Aloy stalks enemy faction in Horizon Forbidden West

Within Aloy's Horizon Forbidden West arsenal, players will not only find an array of returning weapons like the Hunter Bow and Blast Sling, but there will also be plenty of shiny new toys like the Spike Thrower. Beyond a simplistic-sounding name that's perhaps fitting for an apocalyptic setting where modern society has collapsed, this particular projectile-based weapon is notable for having javelin shaped ammo. Inspired by the atlatl, a tool used by ancient humans to fling spears, the robot-devastated future gave Guerrilla Games' version of the weapon a glow up that comes complete with more devastating explosive potential.

Fans got a tantalizing first glimpse of the Spike Thrower in action back during the game's State of Play presentation all the way back in May. Aloy used the tool to launch both traditional javelins, in addition to more explosive ones as well. While the comparison might not fit perfectly thanks to the different ammo types that will seemingly be craftable, it appears that the weapon will function in a similar archetypal fashion to an RPG. In a recent PlayStation Blog post, Guerrilla Games' Community Lead Bo de Vries outlined how the Spike Thrower will offer players high damage output, which seems to corroborate this even further.

Using The Spike Thrower

Horizon-Spike-Thrower

During Horizon Forbidden West's State of Play presentation, Aloy was seen using the Spike Thrower and its explosive potential against the giant Mammoth-like Tremortusk robot. Based on this footage and the aforementioned blog post, it appears as though the weapon will be particularly effective against this new threat, and some of the game's other large enemies.

If the recent Fall Guys x Horizon crossover leak that featured a robotic rhino is any indication, it appears as though Aloy will be facing off against bigger robots in the sequel, many of which come complete with thicker than ever hide-like armor. With this in mind, it's easy to envision the Spike Thrower's javelins being one of the best ways for players to alleviate these robots of their protection quickly, before attacking the subsequently exposed weak spot with another tool.

On several occasions Guerrilla Games has collectively spoken about its desire to create opportunities that facilitate dynamic gameplay, where the player feels encouraged to switch weapons and styles on the fly mid-battle. The Ratchet and Clank-esque weapon wheel from the original game returns to help this in part, while weapons that fit specific niches, like the Spike Thrower, have clearly been thrown into the mix to push the idea and pace of combat even further.

In the recent gameplay snippet which premiered on PlayStation Twitter account, that focused on the new Pullcaster, Aloy was seen switching between the gadget, her traditional bows, and the Shieldwing glider. It's possible that the Spike Thrower could be thrown into this mix, with the powerful launcher theoretically even being able to create damaged points on an enemy's body where the player can grapple onto, and then attack before gliding semi-serenely away.

Horizon Forbidden West releases on February 18, 2022 for PS4 and PS5.

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