Exploring the expansive landscapes of Horizon Forbidden West reveals numerous secrets that reward players who venture off the beaten path. Among the most elusive collectibles are the War Totems, which serve as a special crossover tribute to the acclaimed God of War franchise. Tracking down these unique wooden carvings requires a keen eye for environmental clues, as they do not naturally appear on your standard in-game map layout.
Discovering the Totem of War
The journey to uncover these hidden relics typically starts in the snow-covered mountainous northern reaches of the map. Players must look for a small, secluded wooden cabin built near the cliffside that closely resembles Kratos’ home from the Nordic realm. Investigating the immediate exterior of this structures triggers Aloy to comment on the unique architecture of the building.
Once you reach this specific location, you must activate your Focus to scan the immediate surroundings for operational tracks. Following these glowing digital footprints leads you directly up a steep snowy incline toward a nearby clearing. Resting under a small rock overhang, you will locate the first carving depicting a formidable warrior holding a familiar axe weapon.
Tracking Down the Totem of Youth
The second carving is hidden away in the tropical and treacherous southwestern region known as the Isle of Spires. Players need to navigate through the dense overgrown ruins of the ancient old-world city to locate a collapsed bridge structure. This area is heavily guarded by powerful machines, so preparing your weapons for a potential battle beforehand is highly recommended.
Look closely around the structural rust and mossy columns until you spot a unique markings etched into the stonework. Using your grapple point to ascend the nearby platform reveals the tiny carving sitting quietly on a rusted metal beam. Collecting this piece adds the iconic likeness of a young archer boy to your growing inventory of hidden relics.
Finding the Totems of Brotherhood
The final set of carvings takes players to a scenic coastal marshland located in the southeastern quadrant of the wilderness. You need to explore a small island outcropping that features a distinct dynamic landscape surrounded by shallow waters. Upon arriving at the beachhead, look for a large robotic machine carcass that has been pierced by a massive metal hammer weapon.
Scanning the immediate proximity reveals a clear set of tracks heading toward a small alcove hidden by natural island foliage. Inside this rocky recess, you will discover a pair of small twin carvings representing two master dwarven blacksmith brothers. Finding these final figures completes the tracking quest and provides immediate confirmation that all secret figures have been successfully acquired.
Unlocking the Ultimate Cosmetic Reward
Securing all three hidden locations triggers an immediate update to your inventory system, completing this silent scavenger hunt across the frontier. Players do not need to visit an external merchant or turn the items in to a specific quest giver to receive their hard-earned payout. The game automatically updates your cosmetic options once the final brotherly figures are tucked safely away.
Your primary reward for completing this challenging environmental puzzle is the exclusive Mark of War face paint customization option. This visual style allows Aloy to wear the iconic red warrior tattoo proudly across her face during her future combat trials. You can easily apply this striking cosmetic appearance by visiting any major settlement tattoo artist scattered throughout the settlement hubs.
