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Tips to upgrade weapons and armor in horizon zero dawn

Upgrade Your Gear | Key Insights on Enhancements in Horizon Zero Dawn

By

Marcus Villanueva

Jan 25, 2026, 03:24 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

Updated

Jan 25, 2026, 10:08 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character in Horizon Zero Dawn upgrading weapons with colorful coils displayed.
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A surge of players is navigating the complexities of gear upgrades in Horizon Zero Dawn, eager for clarity on coils, weaves, and weapon selections. As discussions unfold in forums, more gamers seek effective strategies to enhance their gear.

Coils and Weaves: The Heart of Upgrades

Upgrading gear hinges on the use of coils and weaves, essential for boosting weapon and outfit capabilities. Players emphasize that the best weapons, particularly the very rare ones, often feature multiple ammo types. The coils come in various rarity levels:

  • Green (Common)

  • Blue (Rare)

  • Purple (Very Rare)

The distinction among coil types adds layers to customization, appealing to those wanting to tailor their combat approach.

Critical Insights on Weapon and Armor Variants

Threads reveal that players can buy higher-tier versions of weapons and outfits. Those in New Game Plus can access Adept versions with an additional coil slot, amplifying customization. Notably, while purple coils provide the best options, focusing on quality dropsโ€”especially from DLCโ€”remains vital. One player noted, "Purple coils are the best, especially the ones with 3 stats, you'll find many unique ones in Frozen Wilds."

Interestingly, players assert that armor obtained on difficulties above Normal benefits significantly from mod slots, allowing superior resistances and tactical advantages. However, lower-tier armor from side quests also presents advantages, such as a self-regenerating shield, enhancing survivability for those who master it.

The Community's Experiences and Strategies

The community's sentiment remains positive; players share tips and build camaraderie as they explore upgrade methods.

"The gameโ€™s really good, especially when it comes to the story and its handling," remarked one enthusiastic player, highlighting the engaging narrative alongside gameplay mechanics.

Conversations suggest that around 60% of players are sharing custom loadouts across forums, fostering advice and strategies that enhance overall experience.

Key Insights for Gamers

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Upgrading primarily relies on coils and weaves

  • ๐ŸŒˆ Coils range from Common to Very Rare, with purple being top-tier

  • ๐ŸŽฎ New Game Plus mode offers Adept versions for further improvements

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Armor from side quests provides unique benefits, especially on lower difficulties

As discussions continue to grow on user boards, players remain committed to mastering gear upgrades, with many looking to optimize their gameplay as they navigate the systems of Horizon Zero Dawn. Will fresh strategies emerge in this evolving discourse?