Within the six skill trees that players can invest in as Aloy, there are several skills classified as Weapon Techniques. These are skills specific to certain weapon types that offer a special ability that can be triggered if they have enough ammo, and/or stamina.
Each weapon type has one to three of these techniques that can be unlocked within their skill tree. There are 10 weapons in total that players can choose from, each with its own playstyles that work best with them. We’ll go over each of them: Blastsling, Boltblaster, Hunter Bow, Ropecaster, Sharpshot Bow, Shredder Gauntlet, Spike Thrower, Tripcaster, and Warrior Bow.
Blastsling Weapon Techniques
Blastslings are a weapon that shoots out bombs with large elemental effects. As such, Blastslings work best at a larger distance and/or in stealth. Players can unlock these techniques through the Survivor skill tree.
Boltblaster Weapon Techniques
The Boltblaster is a heavy weapon type that is like a semi-automatic crossbow. Due to it being heavy, players won’t be able to dodge quickly with this weapon, and loading it up can take a long time. Players can unlock this weapon’s techniques in the Hunter skill tree.
Hunter Bow Weapon Techniques
The Hunter Bow is the middle bow between the Warrior Bow and the Sharpshot bow. As such, it offers a medium distance and works great in most combat situations with some small space between Aloy and her attackers. Players can unlock these weapon techniques through the Hunter skill tree.
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The Ropecaster Weapon Technique
The Ropecaster is a weapon based around trapping or slowing down the player’s enemy. However, depending on which version a player is using, such as the Canister option, it will have alternative uses that can deal more damage. That being said, this weapon has a single technique found in the Trapper skill tree.
Sharpshot Bow Weapon Techniques
The Sharpshot Bow is the largest and longest distance bow available within Aloy’s arsenal. This bow works best from a good distance as it is slow and is helped by having a high perch or hiding spot. This bow’s techniques can be unlocked through the Infiltration skill tree.
Shredder Gauntlet Weapon Techniques
This entirely new weapon grants Aloy a type of short-distance boomerang that isn’t always guaranteed to come back. As such, it is a great alternative to the Warrior Bow in a pinch for players who like to fight up close and personal with their enemies. Players can get these weapon techniques from the Survivor skill tree.
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Spike Thrower Weapon Techniques
Spike Throwers are a type of thrown spear that Aloy gains access to initially at Chainscrape. These spikes tend to have a mixture of elemental, tear and impact damage that generally requires the player to be fairly close to their enemy. Players can unlock these techniques from the Machine Master skill tree.
The Tripcaster Weapon Technique
The Tripcaster is a weapon that allows Aloy to lay out tripwires nearby to her current position. These work best in a stealthy playthrough or ambush. Its single technique can be unlocked from the Trapper skill tree.
Warrior Bow Weapon Techniques
The Warrior Bow is the most compact bow that is both the quickest and has the shortest range. Players can find all of the Warrior Bow techniques in the Warrior skill tree.
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