Hunting down the remnants of the Old Ones is one of the most immersive journeys you can take in the post-apocalyptic wilds of Horizon Zero Dawn. Among these fascinating relics are the ancient vessels, which appear to be ordinary coffee mugs from the distant past but hold immense historical interest for the local tribes. Locating all twelve of these unique items scattered across the map rewards you with substantial early-game resources and unlocks a dedicated achievement for completionists.
Understanding Ancient Vessels and Trading Mechanics
Ancient vessels are valuable collectibles hidden inside distinct debris piles that are frequently surrounded by overgrown flora. Players can easily identify these historical caches by using their focus scanner, which highlights the precise dig locations with a vibrant purple glow. Once you manage to gather a full set of four unique vessels, you can carry them directly to Meridian to trade with a specialty merchant named Studious Palas.
Trading these complete sets yields valuable reward boxes containing modification coils, rare metal shards, and high-tier crafting ingredients. This barter system makes collecting the relics highly practical for upgrading Aloy's protective gear and advanced hunting weapons early on. Additionally, listening to the merchant's amusing interpretations of how the Old Ones utilized these mugs adds a lighthearted layer of narrative depth to your exploration.
Locations in the Sacred Lands
The first set of relics is entirely located within the eastern territories, allowing you to start your collection before crossing the mountains. You can find the initial vessel buried near the ruins of Devil's Thirst, situated safely inside an old building overrun by nature. Another relic sits waiting on a cliffside path near the Mother's Crown settlement, tucked behind a cluster of defensive rocks.
Moving further north towards the snowy edges of the Nora territory reveals two more hidden caches. One is positioned near a dangerous scrapper site where you must navigate metallic debris and active machines to retrieve the artifact. The final vessel of this regional group rests comfortably near an abandoned campfire, allowing players to secure a quick fast-travel option immediately after digging it up.
Exploring the Carja Border and Meridian Regions
As you venture westward into the grand canyons and desert environments, the search locations become slightly more vertical. A particularly elusive ancient vessel is located near the treacherous paths of Daytower, resting safely on a high rocky ledge overlooking the main valley road. Reaching this spot requires careful jumping along marked climbing holds, but the stunning panoramic views make the brief trek completely worthwhile.
Closer to the bustling capital city of Meridian, the remaining vessels are hidden along heavily traveled riverbeds and lush forested valleys. One cache is situated directly underneath a large stone bridge structure where snapmaws frequently patrol the muddy waters. Another historical artifact can be discovered near an ancient ruin site dominated by tall grass, offering perfect cover to slip past aggressive machines undetected.
Completing Your Collection and Securing the Rewards
Tracking the absolute final vessels requires exploring the dangerous northern wilderness, specifically around the isolated ruins of Maker's End. These areas are heavily guarded by corrupted machines, meaning you must prepare your weapons and traps thoroughly before investigating the debris piles. Successfully acquiring the final mug completes your inventory list and opens the path to claim the bronze trophy.
Returning to the central markets of Meridian allows you to exchange your hard-earned findings for the remaining reward boxes. These ultimate rewards provide a massive boost to your overall resource pool, ensuring Aloy is fully prepared for the challenging endgame story missions. Uncovering these everyday relics bridges the gap between the past and present, enriching your journey through this beautifully crafted world.
