#flora: freeze rime root

[horizon-series-details]

The potion mechanic is a mechanic that was actually slightly changed between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. While there are some major changes, most notably the amount that can be held at a time, and the variety of potions between both games, what I wanted to talk about was the means of obtaining potions to deal with elemental afflictions.

In Zero Dawn, the player has to use plants to make potions that boost Aloy’s resistance to certain elements. For example, in order we have the Corruption Glaze Root, the Freeze Rime Root, and the Fire Kiln Root. (Not pictured is the Shock Wax Root.)

This is the Corruption Glaze Root. It’s used to make antidotes, which are potions to help resist corruption damage. This plant is commonly found close to the water.

This is the Freeze Rime Root. It’s used to make resist freeze potions. This plant can be found commonly in Carja territories and snowy areas.

This is the Fire Kiln Root. It’s used to make resist fire potions. It’s often found in warmer regions.

What’s interesting is that these plants do not show up in Forbidden West. This particular branch of the potion mechanic seems to have been replaced by the Cleanse potion, which is used to clear all elemental status effects. I can understand the Corruption Glaze Root not being needed, as the west has to deal with the Blight, not Corruption. However I have the feeling that the most likely options are that either the plants just aren’t native to that region, or that the developers knew having this mechanic this fleshed out may be a little too complex alongside other mechanics that use plants in a similar manner.