Horizon Forbidden West: All Cauldrons Locations

Override machines, conquer guardians, and unravel the mysteries of cauldrons in Horizon Forbidden West where the wild and machines collide!

In the captivating realm of Horizon Forbidden West, Cauldrons represent a unique type of linear dungeon that provides players with intriguing challenges and rewards. These enigmatic structures allow players to override machines, transforming them into invaluable allies or versatile mounts.

Important: In Horizon Forbidden West, players can conquer a total of seven cauldrons, including two that are part of the main storyline and one introduced in the latest DLC, Burning Shores.
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  • There are seven Cauldrons in Horizon Forbidden West: Repair Bay Tau, MU, IOTA, Gemini, Chi, Kappa, and Theta.
  • Two Cauldrons tied to the main story: Repair Bay Tau and Gemini.
  • Rewards for clearing Cauldrons include XP, skill points, and machine overrides.
  • Players cannot leave a Cauldron until it’s completed.
  • Prepare for challenging combat and puzzles within each Cauldron.
  • Some Cauldrons have hidden entrances that require exploration to find.
  • Recommended player levels vary for each Cauldron, ranging from 15 to 40.
  • Certain Cauldrons are accessible only after completing specific quests.
  • New Cauldron, Theta, was introduced in the “Burning Shores” DLC.

Here is the complete information about the Cauldrons: 

CauldronRecommended LevelLocationRewardsEnemies
Repair Bay Tau15Plainsong- 7500 EXP
- Bristleback
- Skill Points x2
- Grimhorn (Incomplete)
- Plowhorn (Incomplete)
- Apex Scrapper
- Grimhorn
- Leadlasher
- Longleg
MU18No Man's Land- 8000 EXP
- Skill Points x3
- Burrower
- Grazer
- Scrounger
- Fanghorn (Incomplete)
- Scrapper (Incomplete)
- Widemaw (Incomplete)
- Burrower
- Scrounger
- Shell-Walker
- Widemaw
IOTA22Salt Bite- 10000 EXP
- Skill Points x3
- Leaplasher
- Clawstrider
- Glinthawk
- Longleg
- Lancehorn
- Skydrifter (Incomplete)
- Ravager (Incomplete)
- Bellowback (Incomplete)
- Rollerback (Incomplete)
- Snapmaw (Incomplete)
- Apex Burrower
- Apex Canister Burrower
- Apex Scrounger
- Clawstrider
- Leadlasher
- Rollerback
- Scrounger
- Spikesnout
- Shell-Walker
- Tracker Burrower
Gemini30Tenakth Clan Lands- 15000 EXP
- Skill Points x2
- Sunwing Override
- Apex Leaplasher
- Apex Clawstrider
- Apex Redeye Watcher
- Grimhorn
- Behemoth
- Longleg
- Ravager
- Slaughterspine
Chi30The Raintrace- 12500 EXP
- Skill Points x3
- Frostclaw
- Behemoth
- Redeye Watcher
- Clamberjaw
- Shell-Walker
- Spikesnout (Incomplete)
- Scorcher (Incomplete)
- Stalker (Incomplete)
- Fireclaw (Incomplete)
- Shellsnapper (Incomplete)
- Fire Clamberjaw
- Frostclaw
- Redeye Watcher
- Scrounger
- Slitherfang
- Spikesnout
Kappa40The Long Coast- 12500 EXP
- Skill Points x3
- Rockbreaker
- Stormbird
- Tremortusk
- Tideripper
- Slaughterspine (Incomplete)
- Slitherfang (Incomplete)
- Dreadwing (Incomplete)
- Thunderjaw (Incomplete)
- Apex Burrower
- Apex Canister Burrower
- Apex Scrapper
- Apex Scrounger
- Apex Shell-Walker
- Apex Spikesnout
- Apex Tideripper
- Shell-Walker
- Snapmaw
Theta38Burning Shores- 12500 EXP
- Skill Points x3
- Bilgut Override
- Stingspawn
- Leaplasher
- Apex Redeye Watcher
- Bilegut

Repair Bay TAU

Repair bay TAU location
Repair bay TAU location on map – image captured by eXputer

This Cauldron is part of the main quest called ‘The Dying Lands,’ you’ll come across it naturally as you progress. After finishing it, you’ll be able to access other Cauldrons. The recommended level for this cauldron is 15.

After meeting Zo in Plainsong, she’ll guide Aloy to The Sacred Cave, which is actually a Cauldron. We need to override the door to enter and navigate through the chambers. Inside, you’ll face two Leaplashers, which are agile transport machines that can be challenging to hit.

Rewards for completing Tau Cauldron
Rewards for completing Tau Cauldron – image by us

Rewards for completing TAU:

  • 7,500 XP
  • 2 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Bristleback
    • (Partial) Plowhorn
    • (Partial) Grimhorn

MU

Cauldron MU location
Cauldron MU location on map [image credits: eXputer]

As we venture through the vast world of Horizon Forbidden West, we come across the intriguing MU Cauldron, situated in No Man’s Land, to the south of Plainsong and west of Stone’s Echo.

It’s worth noting that if we plan to delve into the depths of the MU Cauldron, it is recommended to be at least level 18. As a word of caution, Leaplashers and Scroungers guard the entrance.

Overriding cauldron MU
Overriding cauldron MU [image by eXputer]
Rewards for completing MU:

  • 8,000 XP
  • 3 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Scrounger
    • Burrower
    • Grazer
    • Fanghorn (partial)
    • Widemaw (partial)
    • Scrapper (partial)

IOTA

cauldron IOTA
Cauldron IOTA location on map [Image captured by eXputer]
Situated in the far northern region of the map within the area known as Salt Bite, the IOTA Cauldron presents a distinctive characteristic that sets it apart from other locations. Contrary to what is indicated on the map, the actual entrance to this Cauldron is concealed, requiring players to locate it themselves.

However, there is no need for concern, as the true entrance can be found just a short distance to the west of the primary gate. Just follow the gorge, west of where the map marked the cauldron, and follow it till an opening is found.

This entrance is a cave, and it is through this hidden cavern that players can gain access to the IOTA Cauldron and begin their exploration. The recommended level for this cauldron is 22.

Cauldron IOTA completed
Peek at the completion of Cauldron IOTA – image by us

Rewards for completing IOTA:

  • 10,000 XP
  • 3 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Leaplasher
    • Glinthawk
    • Lancehorn
    • Longleg
    • Clawstrider
    • Skydrifter (Partial)
    • Bellowback (Partial)
    • Ravager (Partial)
    • Snapmaw (Partial)
    • Rollerback (Partial)

GEMINI

Cauldron Gemini location
Location of Gemini on map [image credits: eXputer]
The Gemini Cauldron is an integral component of the main storyline in Horizon Forbidden West. Situated at the heart of the Tenakth Clan Lands, it is only accessible through the primary questline. As such, we advise players to wait for the corresponding main mission to become available before attempting to explore this particular Cauldron.

  • Accessible via the ‘GEMINI’ mission.
  • The Gemini Cauldron is not associated with the First Core Overridden or All Cores Overridden Trophies, just like Repair Bay: TAU.

This cauldron is home to a Bahemoth and a Ravager; both are deadly machines. So, we recommend players be at least level 30 before diving into this mission.

Overriding cauldron Gemini
Overriding Cauldron Gemini – image credits: eXputer

Rewards for completing GEMINI:

  • 15,000 XP
  • 2 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Sunwing

CHI

location of CHI on map
location of cauldron CHI on map [image by us[

The true entrance to Cauldron CHI is concealed by dense vegetation and vines, making it challenging to access. Like Cauldron IOTA, you’ll need to locate a secondary entrance to explore its depths.

Positioned in the southern region of the Horizon Forbidden West map, Cauldron CHI can be found near the coast, southeast of Thornmarsh. The secret entrance, as mentioned earlier, is protected by elusive machines like the Stalker, which can camouflage itself and become difficult to detect.

To find the alternative entrance, head east of the main sealed door, essentially taking a right turn. Alternatively, you can pinpoint the location on your map once you’ve activated the quest associated with this Cauldron.

defeating the guardian at chi
Peek at the guardian Slitherfang at CHI – image by eXputer

Rewards for completing CHI:

  • 12,500 XP
  • 3 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Frostclaw
    • Redeye Watcher
    • Shell-Walker
    • Clamberjaw
    • Behemoth
    • Stalker (Partial)
    • Shellsnapper (Partial)
    • Spikesnout (Partial)
    • Scorcher (Partial)
    • Fireclaw (Partial)

KAPPA

Kappa on the map
Location of KAPPA on the map [image credits: eXputer]
Cauldron Kappa is widely regarded as the most challenging of the Horizon Forbidden West Cauldrons, given its recommended level of 40. This high level suggests that players should anticipate encountering formidable machines that pose a significant threat to Aloy, like the Shellsnapper. Situated in the northwest region of the map, Cauldron Kappa is nestled near the sea, just north of the Bulwark Settlement.

guardian tideripper Kappa
Fighting the guardian Tideripper [image by us]
It is important to note that Cauldron Kappa can only be explored after completing the ‘Sea of Sands‘ quest.

Rewards for completing KAPPA:

  • 12,500 XP
  • 3 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Rockbreaker
    • Tideripper
    • Tremortusk
    • Stormbird
    • Thunderjaw (Partial)
    • Slitherfang (Partial)
    • Dreadwing (Partial)
    • Slaughterspine (Partial)

THETA

THETA cauldron location on map
Location of Theta on map [image by eXputer]
Cauldron Theta, the most recent addition to the Horizon Forbidden West DLC called “Burning Shores,” can be discovered in the new unlocked area known as “Burning Shore,” which lies on the eastern side of the map in close proximity to Pangea Park.

Similar to the previously encountered Cauldrons Iota and Chi, players must devise an alternative approach to access Cauldron Theta, as the main entrance is securely locked. To find the concealed entry point, players should head east, tracing the path of the flowing molten lava.

finding the core at theta cauldron
Traversing the molten terrain to find the core [image by eXputer]
Rewards for completing Theta:

  • 12,500 XP
  • 3 Skill Points
  • Machine Overrides Unlocked:
    • Bilgut
  1.  

In conclusion, the Horizon Forbidden West cauldrons offer a thrilling and diverse range of challenges for players to overcome. Each cauldron is unique in its design, location, and the machines that guard it. Successfully completing these cauldrons provides valuable XP, skill points, and machine overrides.

Furthermore, with the new Burning Shores expansions, there are new machines and weapons for players to discover. There is a brand new map the game has to offer now, So gear up, venture forth, and prepare to dive deep into the world of Horizon Forbidden West and get started with our How to Start Burning Shores guide.

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Sameer is a Senior Writer & Editor for all sorts of guides on eXputer. He has dove deep into many gaming genres and ended up investing 8,000+ hours on COD titles, Pokemon games, Witcher 3, Minecraft, and Bloodborne. Sameer has a degree in Writing and Editing from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he has several years of writing experience and has worked for Mashable previously. Get familiar with Sameer's gaming library on his PSN and Steam profiles.

Experience: 5+ Years || Previously Worked for Mashable || Education: ACCA

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