The Blood Choke is a Side Quest in Horizon Forbidden West issued by Atekka in Thornmarsh. You can access it after completing The Second Verse. As part of our Horizon Forbidden West guide, we're going to explain everything you need to know about The Blood Choke.

The Blood Choke: Overview

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You can start The Blood Choke by speaking with Atekka in Thornmarsh.
Type Description Recommended Level
Side Quest

A river that feeds into the waters around Thornmarsh remains polluted by red algae, sickening the Lowland Tenakth. Why hasn't it cleared up?

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The Blood Choke: Walkthrough

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In Thornmarsh, find and speak to Atekka. She will explain to Aloy that, despite the red blight vanishing from other water sources, the river near their settlement remains infected. She sent a group to investigate, but they haven't returned. Either follow Atteka, or meet her by following the river away from Thornmarsh.

As you follow the river upstream, you'll find some downed machines and patches of blood. Examine them, and continue following the river. Eventually you will encounter Atteka's squad fighting some Clamberjaws. Take them down. After the fight, talk to Atekka and her squad.

Your next task is to climb up the waterfall and investigate the pile of machines at the top. As you climb up, a handhold will break and you'll need to make your way around to the right to reach the top.

At the top is a group of Regalla's rebels and a Fireclaw. Defeat this machine and all the rebels. Next, Atekka will find a device — approach her and examine the device. You'll then use your Focus to investigate the area, scanning highlighted spots.

You'll then need to destroy the mass of machines acting like a dam atop the waterfall. Scan the dam and find the Sturdy Beam. Use your Pullcaster on this to pull it to one side, exposing an explosive sac. You'll need to do this a second time so that Atekka can use the ballista to shoot the sac while you hold the Sturdy Beam.

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A cutscene will then play, showing the pair blowing up the dam and allowing clean water to run, flushing out the red blight. Atekka tells you to meet her back in Thornmarsh for a reward. Return to the town and speak with her to claim your reward and complete the Side Quest.

Objective Log

  • Talk to Atekka at Thornmarsh
  • Follow Atekka / Follow the Red River
  • Kill the Machines
  • Talk to Atekka
  • Climb up the Waterfall
  • Kill the Rebels and Their Machine
  • Investigate the Rebel Camp
  • Destroy the Dam
  • Talk to Atekka at Thornmarsh

The Blood Choke: Outfits Obtained

Horizon Forbidden West The Blood Choke Guide PS5 PS4 Tenakth Reaver
  • Tenakth Reaver: The garb of a reaver, who thrives when injured, channeling their pain into battle rage and bloodlust.

The Blood Choke: Rewards

  • 11,700 XP
  • 2 Skill Points
  • 1 Tenakth Reaver

Did you follow this walkthrough for The Blood Choke? For more information on Horizon Forbidden West, including All Quests, refer to our Horizon Forbidden West guide through the link.