Horizon Forbidden West: Metal Flowers and Fire Glimmer

The metal flowers that you find in Horizon Forbidden West are not collectibles this time, but they block the way to some secrets. The same applies to the fire mica, which grows everywhere like a boil on the walls. In this guide you will learn:

  • Where to find metal flowers and fire mica
  • What tools you can use to get rid of the objects
  • What you get out of removing metal flowers and fire mica

By the way, did you know that you can change Aloy's face paint? We'll explain how to do that and where you can even find Kratos' face paint in our guide on the subject.

What are metal flowers in Horizon Forbidden West?

If you played the first Horizon installment, Horizon Zero Dawn, you're no stranger to metal flowers. However, in the predecessor title, they are part of the collectibles that are spread all over the map. You'll even get a bronze trophy for finding the first one.

In Horizon Forbidden West, the metal flowers have a different "use": they usually block your way to hidden collectibles, such as the flight recorders. Especially at the beginning of the game, it can happen that you discover the metal flowers, but at first you have to move on without having achieved anything.

You can find such metal flowers all over the world of Horizon Forbidden West.

How do I destroy metal flowers?

To be able to destroy metal flowers in Horizon Zero Dawn, you need to complete the "Seeds of the Past" part during the main quest. At the end of the mission, you'll receive the instructions for a vine cutter, which you'll craft right after. At the end, you should also use it directly and apply it to a metal flower: Hit the object three times with the special equipment (with the R1 shoulder button) and then give it the final blow.

The flower is now completely open and the tendrils that are in the immediate vicinity disappear, revealing new paths.

With this tendril cutter you can destroy every metal flower on the map.

What is Fire Glimmer?

The red shimmering growths on walls are so-called fire mica. This substance is completely new in Horizon Forbidden West, so at first you might have no idea what to do with it. If you hit it with your spear or throw bombs, nothing will happen.

Like the metal flowers, you'll also find the symbols for fire mica on the map, so you can return to the locations later.

With the right tools, this fire mica can be easily removed.

How do I remove the Fire Mica?

To get rid of the Fire Mica in Horizon Forbidden West, you will need to complete the "Gate of Death" part of the main story. At the end, you'll get the instructions for a lighter, which you can directly make and use.

However, be careful when you remove the fire mica. After Aloy pokes the wall with the lighter, you should quickly move a few steps away, because the Fire Mica disappears with a small explosion. The damage to you is limited, but can be avoided altogether by taking a few steps.

Afterwards, you can easily solve the puzzles of the Solve relic ruins or enter secret caves that contain valuable supply chests.

You can use the lighter to blast fire mica off the wall.

More guides to Horizon Forbidden West on GameZ:

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