All Machine Strike Challengers in Horizon Forbidden West

Machine Strike, the board minigame found across the world of Horizon Forbidden West, provides players with a relaxing strategy game on the edge between chess and Risk. While pieces can be bought in several places, challengers will only exist in the larger cities. We'll go over where to find all of the challengers and what challenge level they will be at.

Chainscrape Challenger

The first of the challengers players run into is the tutorial runner in Chainscrape. She'll be in a separate part of the bar that is closed off from the rest. As such, she'll offer players a full tutorial run as well as a beginner range of challenges for the player to complete. Beating all of her challenges grants players a Bristleback Strike piece.

Barren Light Challenger

On the outskirts of Barren Light where there is a grouping of tents, players should be able to find the second challenger calling out to passersby. He'll be sitting alone at a small table, only large enough for the game. He is still technically a beginner-level Machine Strike player, but players may want to buy some new pieces in order to fight him. For beating all of his challenges, players will receive a Charger Strike piece.

Plainsong Challenger

In the upper left section of Plainsong, players can find this challenger hidden between the top and third level of the structure. She will be sitting among other Utaru lounging in this small section. She is another beginner-level challenger. Beating all three of her challenges will gift players a Plowhorn Strike piece.

The Base Challenger

After Erend joins the rest of Aloy's group at the Base, players can challenge him to a game of Machine Strike. He'll be out in the main living area of the Base where the majority of the companions hang out. His difficulty varies depending on which challenges players try against him.

Arrowhead Challenger

When players first enter Arrowhead, they should see a couple of people hanging around a ramp. Players can find the first intermediate-level challenger just up that ramp. Make sure to check out some different Machine Strike pieces before heading here. Beating all of the three challenges here will reward players with a Skydrifter Strike piece.

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Scalding Spear Challenger

This challenger will be easy to find in Scalding Spear. Head up the ramp to the right of the entrance into town. This intermediate Machine Strike player will be close to the Herbalist. Beating all of these challenges will grant the player a Bellowback Strike piece.

Salt Bite Challenger

Just outside of the entrance into Salt Bite, players can find this challenger near the campfire. This is the last of the intermediate challengers. Make sure to pick up some new pieces here before heading to the next challenger. For beating all of the challenges, players will receive the Longleg Strike piece.

Hidden Ember Challenger

Near the center of Hidden Ember, players can find the stairs by the workbench. Head up them to reach the challenger here. They'll be the first skilled challenger, giving players more of a challenge. Beating all three challenges here will grant the player a Rollerback Strike piece.

Fall's Edge Challenger

This challenger is a bit harder to find. Inside the settlement, players should head further in until they reach the small body of water. The skilled challenger will be on top of the platform above. For beating all three of the challenges, players will receive a Sunwing Strike piece.

Thornmarsh Challenger

Much like the last challenger, players will find this challenger on a platform above red water near the center of the settlement. This character is the last skilled player that Aloy will need to defeat. Players should switch up their pieces once they've beat this challenger. Completing all of the challenges here will grant players a Shellsnapper Strike piece.

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The Bulwark Challenger

The first experienced player can be found in The Bulwark. Head into the first area with a campfire inside the wall. There should be a path that leads up to the Stitcher. They will be up here to the left. Once players beat all three of the challenges, they will receive a Ravager Strike piece.

Stone Crest Challenger

This is another easy one to find. Head up the stairs to the right of the campfire near the front of the settlement. The path will lead players straight to another experienced challenger. Players will receive a Widemaw Strike piece for beating all three challenges here.

Tide's Reach Challenger

Aloy can find the first expert challenger in Tide's Reach. He'll be at the top of the stairs, off to the left of the Melee Pit. Players will receive a Scorcher Strike piece for beating the challenges here.

Cliffwatch Challenger

To find this challenger, players will need to head down the stairs near the campfire. Here players can find one of the Expert-level challengers in the game. Remember that after this, every following challenger will be a level higher than the last. Beating all of their challenges will grant players a Clawstrider Strike piece.

Legacy's Landfall

When players enter Legacy's Landfall settlement, they can quickly find the Machine Strike challenger. They will be in the first tent off to the right. After this expert player, only the Master will be left to defeat. Players will be rewarded a Rockbreaker Strike piece for beating all three of these challenges.

The Memorial Grove Challenger

Inside the Memorial Grove, players can find The Maw, a place where all kinds of challenges can be made. Players will know they have reached the Maw once they see the large painted wall. Turn right from here and follow the path to reach the final two Master Machine Strike players. Beating these two players on their challenges will grant players an Elemental Clawstrider Strike piece.

For more Horizon Forbidden West content, be sure to check out How to complete a Salvage Contractor’s contracts in Horizon Forbidden West on Pro Game Guides.