Exploring the beautifully reclaimed landscapes of Horizon Zero Dawn offers players countless secrets to uncover across the vast territories of the Nora tribe. Among these hidden challenges is the task of locating and toppling the specialized training targets designed to look like the iconic machine wildlife. Tracking down every single one of these structures requires a keen eye for detail as they are scattered near prominent settlements and remote outposts. Successfully interacting with all of them unlocks a rare achievement that serves as a badge of honor for dedicated completionists.
The Purpose of Nora Training Dummies
Before venture hunters set out into the wild, understanding the mechanical value of these targets can drastically improve early game survival tactics. These wooden structures are meticulously crafted by the Nora people to mimic the physical profile of real Grazers, allowing young brave candidates to practice their close-range melee techniques safely. Striking them with a heavy physical attack will knock them flat onto the ground, confirming a successful training strike. Players often use these interactive assets to test their timing and weapon positioning before engaging aggressive moving machines in nearby valleys.
Finding the Targets at Rost House
The journey to find every dummy begins right at the birthplace of Aloy story inside the rustic boundary of Rost's homestead. This initial training ground holds the largest concentration of dummies available in a single location across the entire game map. Aspiring hunters can discover seven distinct targets scattered throughout the immediate residential area and along the perimeter paths. Taking the time to systematically knock down each asset here establishes an excellent baseline for tracking your progress toward completion.
Exploring the Sacred Land Settlements
Once you venture past the starting canyon, your search will lead directly into major tribal hubs like Mother's Heart and Mother's Watch. Two training targets are positioned near the campfire areas inside Mother's Heart, requiring careful exploration around the traditional wooden lodges. Moving further along the main paths will reveal additional pairs of dummies at Mother's Watch and the critical checkpoint known as the Mother's Cradle. Finding these targets provides an insightful look into how the Nora integrate martial training into their everyday civilian settlements.
Securing Outpost and Hunting Ground Targets
The final sets of Grazer dummies are strategically placed near tactical locations such as the Nora Hunting Grounds and remote northern valleys. Two targets are located right beside the hunting lodge where keepers test your bow proficiency through specialized trials. Players can naturally find the remaining assets by visiting the Devils Thirst Camp and the isolated structures near the Mother's Rise mountain settlement. Checking these areas thoroughly ensures that no hidden dummy is left standing in the wild frontier.
Perfecting Your Heavy Attack Technique
To successfully collapse these targets, you must use a heavy spear strike rather than standard light physical swings. Approaching the wooden machines from behind or using stealth tactics can serve as great practice for real combat situations. Mastering this physical movement pattern allows players to transition smoothly into tackling live machines across the open world. Keeping a detailed mental checklist of every visited zone will prevent any unnecessary backtracking during your ultimate completion run.