The Deluge is a captivating side quest in Horizon Forbidden West that tests both your environmental traversal skills and combat capabilities. Players must navigate a flooded settlement, rescue stranded Tenakth villagers, and clear dangerous machine threats. Understanding how to locate and complete this quest ensures you do not miss out on valuable rewards and rich narrative lore.
How to Find and Start The Deluge Quest
To begin The Deluge side quest, head toward the settlement of Bleeding Mark located in the central region of the Forbidden West map. Upon arrival, Aloy will discover the area devastated by a severe mudslide and rising water levels. Speaking with the desperate villagers near the entrance initiates the quest line immediately.
The location is easily identifiable by the red mud and submerged structures scattered across the ravine. Ensuring you have unlocked the Pullcaster and Igniter tools beforehand will make navigating this hazardous environment significantly easier.
Rescuing Stranded Villagers in Bleeding Mark
Your primary objective involves locating trapped survivors spread across three distinct sections of the flooded village. Aloy must use her Focus to track human footprints and hear calls for assistance amidst the rushing waters. Each rescue scenario presents a unique puzzle requiring environmental interaction.
You will need to collapse unstable cranes, clear blocked drainage routes, and pry open heavy debris to free the villagers. Careful timing and observation are essential, as falling structural elements can temporarily impede your progress.
Clearing Machine Threats and Navigating Puzzles
While rescuing survivors, powerful aquatic and land machines will attack, complicating your rescue efforts. Preparing elemental ammo, particularly frost and shock weapons, helps manage these skirmishes quickly. Utilizing high ground during combat prevents Aloy from getting trapped in deep water during fight encounters.
Climbing flooded ruins requires precise jumps and strategic use of your grapple point. Solving these environmental puzzles quickly ensures all Tenakth clan members are safely evacuated to higher ground.
Quest Rewards and Final Recommendations
Completing The Deluge grants Aloy a substantial amount of experience points and valuable skill points to upgrade her abilities. Furthermore, helping the Tenakth strengthens regional alliances and unlocks unique dialogue options with community elders later in the story.
It is recommended to tackle this quest around level 15 to 20 for an optimal balance of challenge and reward. Equipping defense-boosting armor will help mitigate damage from both environmental hazards and aggressive machine encounters.