Exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn offers players countless secrets to uncover, among which Ancient Vessels stand out as fascinating relics of the past. These items are actually everyday coffee mugs from the Old World, preserved under debris and forgotten ruins. Tracking down every vessel allows Aloy to piece together lost history while earning valuable rewards in Meridian.
Understanding Ancient Vessel Sets
Ancient Vessels are divided into three distinct sets, each containing four unique mugs that reflect corporate logos and branding from the Old World. Finding these relics requires careful observation, as they are often buried inside ancient debris piles scattered across the wilderness. Players can purchase a specialty map from merchants to mark their approximate locations on the world map.
Collecting all twelve vessels provides a deeper narrative understanding of the civilization that came before Aloy's time. Each mug features a distinct description in the inventory menu, offering humorous and poignant insights into pre-collapse culture. Completing a set allows you to trade them in for substantial rewards.
Tracking Down Set One Locations
The first set of Ancient Vessels can be gathered relatively early during Aloy's journey through the Sacred Lands and surrounding borders. One vessel lies buried near the ruins in the Embrace, tucked away beneath rusted structures. Another can be uncovered near the Devil's Thirst encampment, hidden among overgrown rubble.
To round out the first collection, head toward the snowy northern paths where another relic rests inside a ruined building. The final mug in this group sits near a corrupted zone, requiring players to clear hostile machines before digging through the nearby debris. Equipping Aloy's Focus makes spotting these scrap piles significantly easier.
Finding Set Two and Set Three Mugs
As Aloy ventures further west toward Meridian and the Carja Sundom, the remaining vessels become accessible. Set Two items are located around key landmarks, including the ruins of Maker's End and the sun-drenched canyons near Meridian. Searching around old highway supports and collapsed towers will yield these historic artifacts.
The final set requires exploring the far reaches of the map, including dense forests and desert outposts. One vessel is submerged near a lakeside ruin, while another rests high on a rocky mesa guarded by flying machines. With patience and careful navigation, collecting the complete set becomes a straightforward task.
Trading Vessels for Meridian Rewards
Once you have collected a full set of Ancient Vessels, bring them to the specialty merchant Studious Palas in the marketplace of Meridian. He values these Old World relics highly and trades them for valuable reward boxes. These boxes contain large amounts of Metal Shards, rare modifications, and useful crafting resources.
Beyond the tangible gameplay rewards, turning in every set fulfills a requirement for total game completion. Collecting these items enriches the overall story experience, transforming ordinary household objects into prized treasures of a lost era.
