How Many Cauldrons Are In Horizon Forbidden West?

There are a total of six cauldrons in Horizon Forbidden West, dungeons that Aloy will need to complete to unlock machine overrides. The cauldrons in the game require you to solve various puzzles and face numerous machines – which you can read about here – on your way to reach the core, which will need to be overridden by Aloy before any machine overrides are unlocked. When you reach each cauldron’s core, you’ll have to face a large battle either against one large machine or several smaller ones.

Cauldron Locations

Repair Bay: TAU (Level 15)

Repair Bay: TAU in Plainsong is likely the first cauldron you’ll encounter as it’s part of The Dying Lands main mission. Completing the cauldron will require you to defeat a Grimhorn to unlock Bristleback, Grimhorn, and Plowhorn overrides. 

MU (Level 18)

Cauldron MU is found in No Man’s Land. Completing the cauldron will require you to defeat a Widemaw to earn Burrower, Grazer, and Scrounger overrides with corrupted Widemaw, Fanghorn, and Scrapper overrides. 

IOTA (Level 22)

Cauldron IOTA is found in Salt Bite. A cauldron that was damaged in an earthquake, IOTA is filled with several machines, numerous hazards, and a Rollerback boss fight. Completing the cauldron unlocks the Salt Bite Tallneck, which, when overrode, unlocks that portion of Forbidden West’s map.

It also unlocks machine overrides for Leaplashers, Glinthawks, Lancehorns, Longlegs, and Clawstriders, as well as corrupted overrides for Skydrifters, Ravagers, Snapmaws, Bellowbacks, and Rollerbacks.

CHI (Level 30)

The CHI cauldron includes a Slitherfang boss fight and it can be found in The Raintrace. The cauldron’s entrance is encased in Firegleam, and it unlocks complete overrides for Red-eye Watchers, Behemoths, Frostclaws, Clamberjaws, and Shell-Walkers. Corrupted overrides for Fireclaws, Stalkers, Scorchers, Shellsnappers, and Spikesnouts will also unlock. 

GEMINI (Level 30)

Cauldron Gemini is a cauldron found in the Tenakth desert, which you’ll visit as part of the GEMINI main mission and must face a Slaughterspine to unlock Sunwing overrides.

KAPPA (Level 40)

The KAPPA cauldron is an underwater cauldron located to the west of the game map. It’s filled with numerous underwater puzzles requiring you to drain and pump the cauldron. In the end, you’ll need to face a Tideripper to unlock overrides for Rockbreakers, Stormbirds, Tiderippers, and Tremortusks. Corrupted overrides for Thunderjaws, Slitherfangs, Slaughterspines, and Dreadwings will also unlock.