If you’ve spent any time in the wilds of Horizon Zero Dawn, you already know Aloy isn’t just a hunter—she’s a scavenger, a survivor, and an archaeologist of the far future. Among the many relics of the Old Ones scattered across the world, Power Cells stand out as one of the game’s most elusive and sought-after items. Why? Because collecting all five unlocks the Shield-Weaver armor—an overpowered, late-game reward that turns Aloy into a walking tank.

This guide will walk you through exactly where to find each Power Cell in Horizon Zero Dawn, how to access them, and what to expect along the way. Spoiler-free, efficient, and crafted for completionists who want to squeeze every ounce of glory from the game.

Power Cells are ancient battery-like components hidden throughout key locations. You’ll need five to unlock the Shield-Weaver armor set, located in a secret bunker beneath the Ancient Armory. While some cells are accessible early on, others require specific story progression or gear unlocks.

Each one is tucked away in a main quest zone—and usually behind a puzzle, climb, or locked door. Miss one, and you'll be backtracking through corrupted zones and metal ruins later. Better to plan ahead.

When to Get It: After the Proving (Main Quest: The Womb of the Mountain)

Once you wake up inside the All-Mother after the Proving, look for a side room to the left before exiting. The door is slightly open and can be pried open by interacting with it. Inside, on a table near a bunk, you’ll find the first Power Cell.

Pro Tip: This is the only chance to grab this one until much later, so don’t miss it.

When to Get It: During or after the Maker’s End mission.

Climb the massive tower during the mission and fight your way past Eclipse cultists. When you reach Faro’s office at the top, don’t leave right away. Keep climbing the ruined scaffolding behind the office—you’ll find the Power Cell on a ledge in a small metal structure.

Pro Tip: Use Focus mode to highlight climbable handholds.

When to Get It: During the main quest of the same name.

As you explore the ruined facility filled with old-world tech, you’ll solve a series of ring-turning puzzles. After completing the second puzzle, head down the stairway. Before progressing the quest, take a left into a side room with a locked door.

The Power Cell is in a small chamber beyond, tucked near some rubble.

Pro Tip: Scan the environment for purple highlights to spot the cell easier.

When to Get It: During the mission "The Mountain That Fell."

Possibly the most dramatic location of the bunch. After climbing across a broken bridge and past a vertical rock face, you’ll reach the ruins of GAIA Prime. Inside, after a cinematic-heavy segment, you can find a side passage that leads to a platform.

Climb across a handhold-studded cliff wall and through a narrow gap to reach the Power Cell.

Pro Tip: This area is only accessible later in the story, so don’t stress if it’s locked off earlier.

When to Get It: After acquiring the spear upgrade or post-story.

Remember the tutorial sequence when young Aloy fell into a cave? That ruin can be revisited. It’s in the Sacred Lands, southwest of Mother’s Watch. You’ll need to return with the spear upgrade to pry open a locked door near the old hologram room.

The Power Cell is inside, resting on a table next to rusted tech.

Pro Tip: The room isn’t marked, but it’s close to the large locked door you couldn’t access during the tutorial

Once you’ve collected all five Power Cells, head to the Ancient Armory , located in a bunker near the center of the map between the Sacred Lands and the Nora territory.

Insert two Power Cells to unlock the first door. Inside, you’ll find a terminal that needs the final three Power Cells. Once all five are slotted, you can access the containment chamber.

The Reward: The Shield-Weaver armor absorbs damage completely for a period of time. It recharges when you avoid getting hit. It’s arguably the most broken (and fun) armor set in the game.

• Grab what you can early. Even if you can't access all Power Cells immediately, collecting the first few saves time later.

• Use the Focus scanner. Most Power Cells give off a faint purple glow.

• Mark the Armory as a quest. That way, you can track your progress and return fast when you're ready.

• Revisit Ruins post-game. If you missed anything, the world remains open after the main story.

Few things in Horizon Zero Dawn feel as satisfying as unlocking the Shield-Weaver. It’s not just a flex piece—it changes how you play, letting you absorb attacks while going full offense. Tracking down the Power Cells is a bit of a treasure hunt, but it’s worth every step.

Just remember: Aloy’s world rewards the curious. And the ones who pry open locked doors.