Navigating the sunken landscapes of Horizon Forbidden West often requires a mix of clever environmental scanning and precise mechanics. The Deluge side quest presents players with one of these memorable challenges, tasking Aloy with rescuing trapped survivors from a flooded settlement. Central to this mission is a massive, malfunctioning crane puzzle that blocks the path to safety, requiring a series of careful interactions to resolve.
Reaching the Flooded Settlement Crane
To begin solving the puzzle, you must first navigate to the northern section of the flooded canyon area where the survivors are holding out. Aloy needs to use her Focus to scan the structural layout of the rusted crane tower looming over the water. Climbing the nearby rock formations and utilizing temporary handholds will allow you to position yourself directly opposite the crane's main platform.
Once you are in position, look closely at the base of the crane structure to find a blocked metal ladder that can be released with a well-aimed arrow. Dropping down into the water and swimming over to this newly dropped ladder provides your primary entry point into the mechanical puzzle area. This initial setup is crucial for gaining the elevation needed to manipulate the heavier components of the crane.
Manipulating the Crane Power Cell
After ascending the first ladder, players will notice that the crane lacks the necessary power to rotate its massive arm away from the cliffside. You must locate an empty power receptacle on the upper platform and then scan the surrounding debris to find a discarded energy cell. Swimming to a nearby half-submerged container will reveal the active power source waiting to be retrieved.
Aloy must carry this heavy object carefully back across the floating debris without dropping it into the deep open current. Insert the functioning cell into the main console slot to successfully restore partial functionality to the ancient machine's hydraulic gear system. This action activates a nearby control switch that allows the primary crane arm to rotate a few degrees into a new configuration.
Releasing the Heavy Counterweight
With power restored, move quickly to the main console deck and activate the primary steering lever to swing the long metal boom toward the adjacent cliff. The movement will suddenly jam halfway through due to a large metal cable caught tightly in the rusty gears. Aloy must use her Pullcaster tool to yank open a protective vent cover located on the rear side of the crane assembly.
Once the internal gears are exposed, use a precise ranged weapon strike to sever the tangled cable link and free up the mechanical restriction. This release causes the massive metal counterweight to plummet downwards, clearing the final obstruction and swinging the main beam into its proper alignment. The path is now fully open to construct a secure zipline walkway for the stranded villagers below.
Securing the Area and Completing the Quest
The final step involves firing a ropecaster line from the tip of the extended crane arm directly into the wooden supports of the survivor platform. This creates a stable exit path, allowing the trapped individuals to slide down safely to dry ground away from the rising tide. Speaking with the settlement leader after the rescue completes the side quest and awards Aloy with valuable skill points and rare crafting materials.
