A variety of face paints can be unlocked and equipped in Horizon Forbidden West, but being able to apply a new paint isn't immediately available at the start of the game, and figuring out how to use them can be difficult. The only way to equip these cosmetic items is to find a Painter. Face paints can be unlocked through various activities, and it's likely that players will obtain several face paints before coming across a Painter that can apply one to Aloy's face.

There are a few unique cosmetic options for players to experience in Horizon Forbidden West, including dying armor and utilizing face paints. Unfortunately, there are only a few spots in the game where face paints can be changed, but once a Painter is found, players can use the fast travel function in Horizon Forbidden West to quickly change their appearance. There are unlockable fast travel points at each of the three Painter locations.

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From the start of Horizon Forbidden West, face paints can be applied to Aloy in Photo Mode, but any paint that's equipped will immediately disappear after exiting this mode. To keep the cosmetic effect, players will need to pay a Painter to apply a face paint pattern after unlocking it in Horizon Forbidden West. There are only three Painters in the game, and they're located in Scalding Spear, The Bulwark, and Thornmarsh. Each time a face paint effect is applied by a Painter, it will cost 10 Metal Shards.

Earning Face Paint As A Reward In Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West How to Unlock & Equip Face Paint The Bulwark Painter

Face paints can be unlocked for a variety of activities including Horizon Forbidden West's main story missions, side quests, or errand quests. Many of the early-game side activities will reward players with a new type of face paint to apply, likely before Aloy gains access to any of the Painters. It's recommended that players spend some time collecting a variety of face paints to avoid spending 10 Metal Shards each time they obtain a new one.

Aloy can unlock and equip face paints from six different tribes in Horizon Forbidden West. Each tribe has anywhere from three to nine different face paint options to unlock. Aloy can use face paints to represent the Carja Tribe, Tenakth Tribe, Nora Tribe, Banuk Tribe, Oseram Tribe, or Utaru Tribe. By completing various activities around the Forbidden West, players will be able to unlock multiple face paints for all six tribes.

Although face paints are purely cosmetic features, they are part of the few customization options that allow players to express themselves through Aloy's appearance. Face paints will frequently be unlocked throughout Horizon Forbidden West as players complete missions and other activities. There are over 30 different face paints to unlock and equip. Face paints are one of the ways to customize Aloy's appearance in Horizon Forbidden West.

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Horizon Forbidden West is available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.