So you're playing Horizon Zero Dawn and keep hearing about these mysterious Horizon Zero Dawn power cells. Maybe you found one by accident early in the game and wondered what it was for. Or perhaps you reached the late game and realized you missed some. Either way, tracking down all five Horizon Zero Dawn power cells is absolutely worth it - they unlock the Shield Weaver armor, arguably the best outfit in the entire game.

I remember my first playthrough. Found two power cells early on, completely forgot about them for 20 hours, then kicked myself when I realized I'd missed one in an unreachable story location. Had to replay a huge chunk! Don't be like me. This guide covers every single Horizon Zero Dawn power cell location with step-by-step directions, warnings about missable cells, and solutions to common frustrations.

What Exactly Are Power Cells in Horizon Zero Dawn?

These glowing blue cylinders are ancient technology scattered across the map. Unlike other collectibles, Horizon Zero Dawn power cells aren't just for show or XP. Collecting all five lets you unlock the Shield Weaver armor at a hidden bunker. This armor generates an energy shield around Aloy that absorbs damage. On normal difficulty, it feels downright overpowered - letting you tank hits that would normally kill you.

But here's the catch: some power cells are hidden in story missions you can't revisit later. Miss one and you'll be locked out until New Game+. That's why knowing the Horizon Zero Dawn power cells locations ahead of time saves major headaches.

Complete Power Cells Location Guide (With Step-by-Step Navigation)

Below is the complete list of all Horizon Zero Dawn power cells in chronological order. Pay special attention to the first two - they're the most commonly missed since you get them before realizing their importance.

Power Cell 1: All-Mother Mountain (The One Everyone Misses)

During "The Womb of the Mountain" quest, after the naming ceremony finishes, you'll be directed to leave through a tunnel. DON'T follow the objective marker immediately. Instead:

1. Turn right just before the exit tunnel
2. Jump over the railing into the lower area
3. The power cell is on a crate in the corner

If you miss this? You can't return until you complete "The Looming Shadow" late in the game. Annoying backtracking required.

Power Cell 2: Proving Lab Ruins (Permanently Missable!)

During "The Proving" mission, after the attack when Aloy falls into the ruins:

1. After waking up, crawl through the tunnel
2. In the first large room, ignore Rost's voice urging you forward
3. Go left behind the collapsed shelves
4. The cell is behind metal shelves in a corner alcove

This is the only permanently missable Horizon Zero Dawn power cell. If you don't grab it during this mission, you can never return. I've seen players rage quit over this.

Power Cell 3: Maker's End Building

During "Maker's End" mission:

1. Reach the top of the skyscraper
2. After climbing the final yellow grip, face north
3. Instead of entering Sylens' room, go left along the ledge
4. Jump across to the adjacent building section
5. Enter the broken window to find the cell on a desk

Watch out for Glinthawks here. Those frost-spitting jerks knocked me off twice before I got the timing right.

Power Cell 4: Grave-Hoard Bunker

During "Grave-Hoard" mission:

1. After descending via rope into the icy cavern
2. Turn left immediately after landing
3. See the metal door with power conduit above it? Shoot the power cell above the door
4. Enter now-accessible room to find Horizon Zero Dawn power cell on shelves

This one's guarded by a Frostclaw in The Frozen Wilds DLC area. Bring frost resistance if you have it.

Power Cell 5: GAIA Prime Ruins

During "The Mountain That Fell" mission:

1. After defeating the Deathbringer outside
2. Enter the main facility and take the first left
3. Go through the holographic projection room
4. In the following corridor, before the control room, look right
5. It's on a cart behind some debris

A note about Horizon Zero Dawn power cells placement here: This one's easy to overlook because you're distracted by the story climax. Slow down!

Unlocking the Shield Weaver Armor (What to Do With All Power Cells)

Got all five Horizon Zero Dawn power cells? Head to the secret bunker northeast of Mother's Watch (where your journey began). Coordinates: roughly X354, Y860 on your map.

How to get inside:

1. Climb the mountain behind Mother's Watch
2. Look for metal ruins near two tall pine trees
3. Enter through the broken roof section
4. Drop down and use your Focus to locate power sockets
5> Insert all five power cells into the receptacles

The armor chamber will open revealing the Shield Weaver outfit. It'll appear purple/blue when active. Honestly? Seeing that energy shield flare up never gets old. Makes you feel like a total badass.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horizon Zero Dawn Power Cells

Advanced Tips for Power Cell Hunters

• Use Golden Fast Travel Pack - You'll backtrack constantly
• Tag machines with Focus - Avoid unnecessary fights near locations
• Save before each attempt - Some areas have annoying instant-death drops
• Bring Tearblast arrows - Helps clear debris blocking paths
• Ignore guides telling you to "sequence break" - Most patched out years ago

Honestly? The Grave-Hoard power cell gave me the most trouble. That frozen cave system is confusing, and the Frostclaw kept respawning. Died three times before realizing I could sneak past it.

Is the Shield Weaver Armor Worth the Effort?

Absolutely, especially for NG+ or Ultra Hard runs. But temper expectations:

Pros:
• Makes early NG+ trivial
• Great safety net against unexpected attacks
• Looks incredibly cool visually

Cons:
• Less effective on higher difficulties
• No customization/mod slots
• Makes you develop bad combat habits

That last point? Real talk: I became lazy with dodging after getting it. Then got wrecked in Frozen Wilds when the shield dropped. Balance is key.

Final Thoughts on Horizon Zero Dawn Power Cells

Finding all Horizon Zero Dawn power cells changes how you play. That electric-blue shield turns tense battles into power fantasies. But the journey matters too - discovering these artifacts while exploring ruins feels uniquely rewarding in this game.

Just remember to grab that Proving lab cell during the tutorial mission. Trust me, searching "can I go back to proving lab Horizon" at 2AM when you realize you missed it? Not fun. Save yourself the frustration.

Oh, and one last thing Guerrilla should've fixed: let us track power cells in the notebook! Having to check online guides breaks immersion. Hopefully they improve that in the sequel.