Horizon Forbidden West: All Face Paints and How to Use Them 1
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How do you use face paints in Horizon Forbidden West? What are all the face paints, and where do you get them? As part of our Horizon Forbidden West guide, we will be going through the game's selection of face paints that Aloy can wear during her journey. This includes all face paints in the main game as well as the DLC, Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores.

Horizon Forbidden West: What Are Face Paints?

Face paints in Horizon Forbidden West are unlockable cosmetics that can be applied to Aloy's face in order to change her look. They serve no function other than as alternative aesthetics for the protagonist. Throughout the game, you'll meet many characters wearing some sort of face paint. Using those you've unlocked, you can join them and represent your favourite tribe.

Horizon Forbidden West: How Do You Use Face Paints?

You will start unlocking face paints in Horizon Forbidden West fairly early on, but it is not made immediately clear how to wear them. This is because you won't find out how to do so until later on in the game.

To use face paints, you will need to find a Painter merchant in a settlement. Speak to a Painter and they will apply your choice of face paint for 10 Metal Shards. If you want to remove face paint, you can also do this at a Painter for 1 Metal Shard.

It's worth noting that you can also apply face paints while using Photo Mode, but they won't stay on Aloy once you resume play. If you want to have Aloy wear face paint during gameplay, you will need to visit a Painter, as outlined above.

Where to Find Painters

Painters are the merchants you need to speak to if you want to wear face paints. Above pictured is the icon you're looking for on the map. You can find a Painter in each of the three major Tenakth settlements. They are:

  • Scalding Spear
  • The Bulwark
  • Thornmarsh

In Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, you can also find a Painter in Fleet's End.

Horizon Forbidden West: How Do You Get More Face Paints?

Face paints are a fairly common reward for completing Quests in Horizon Forbidden West. All the face paints we have unlocked have been rewards for completing various Main and Side Quests, or other activities. Some even unlock when you level up.

Horizon Forbidden West: All Face Paints

Below, we have outlined all the face paints Aloy can wear in Horizon Forbidden West, listed by tribe in the order they appear in the game.

Firstly, here's Aloy's 'No Face Paint' default look:

No Face Paint

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Description: A fresh face with no paint.

Nora Tribe Face Paints

The following face paints hail from the Nora tribe.

Nora Warrior

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Description: This bold color signifies the status of a skilled Nora hunter.

Nora Scout

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Description: These stripes are worn by Nora scouts as they patrol the borders of the Sacred Land.

Nora Seeker

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Description: The rare mark of Nora hunters that leave the Sacred Land in order to protect it.

Nora Death-Seeker

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Description: The mark of a Death-Seeker. Only the tribe's High Matriarchs know the true meaning behind these blue stripes.

Oseram Tribe Face Paints

The following face paints are from the Oseram tribe.

Oseram Artificer

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Description: Oseram Tinkers in the Claim wear this paint as a declaration of their skill. Disagreements over its use often lead to all-out brawls.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, Deep Trouble.

Oseram Striker

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Description: Worn by Oseram freebooters, these marks are usually painted just before undertaking a dangerous mission.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, Lofty Ambitions.

Oseram Wayfarer

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Description: Before setting out from the Claim, many Oseram celebrate with a farewell feast, wearing this paint to signify a long journey ahead.

How to Unlock: Complete the Errand, Broken Locks.

Oseram Explorer

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Description: From delvers to traders, the Oseram explore the vast wilds in search of opportunity and fortune. These marks celebrate their adventurous spirit.

Banuk Tribe Face Paints

The below face paints originate from the Banuk tribe.

Banuk Aspirant

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Description: Apprentice Banuk shamans wear this paint as they attempt the Shaman's Path, a long, arduous trail through the Icerasps that serves as the final test in their training.

Banuk Shaman

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Description: Shamans seek to unify themselves with the blue light of the machines, and so their face paint takes inspiration from triangular Cauldron doors.

Banuk Survivor

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Description: Survive. Prevail. What else matters?

Utaru Tribe Face Paints

These face paints hail from the Utaru tribe.

Utaru Whisperer

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Description: When an undertaking requires stealth, Utaru hunters adorn themselves with the delicate patterns of this paint.

How to Unlock: Complete the Main Quest, The Dying Lands.

Utaru Protector

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Description: Worn by Utaru defenders, this paint takes inspiration from the shape of Plainsong's dishes.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, The Promontory.

Utaru Birthsinger

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Description: The Utaru wear this paint to celebrate a new beginning, often accompanied by the soothing hum of one of the tribe's Birthsingers.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, The Second Verse.

Utaru Harvester

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Description: During the harvest season, the Utaru wear this paint as a symbol of gratitude to the land-gods for a bountiful crop.

How to Unlock: Complete the Errand, The Oldgrowth.

Utaru Thresher

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Description: These markings are often worn by Utaru machine hunters as they attempt the trials at Plainsong's Hunting Grounds.

Utaru Ritesinger

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Description: Utaru Ritesingers help celebrate life's joys and offer comfort in times of grief. This paint is worn as a sign of respect for their contributions to the tribe.

Carja Tribe Face Paints

The following face paints belong to the Carja tribe.

Carja Watcher

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Description: Watchful Carja hunters often wear this paint as they stalk prey through the jungles of The Jewel.

Carja Champion

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Description: The title of champion is the highest honor a Sun-King can bestow, given only to the greatest warriors in the Sundom. This paint signifies their special rank.

Carja Noble

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Description: Carja nobles enjoy flaunting their highborn heritage, and makeup is no exception. This one takes inspiration from brightly colored birds.

Carja Hawk

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Description: Often worn by senior members of the Hunters Lodge, this showy makeup is reminiscent of the markings on a hawk's feathers.

Carja Blazon

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Description: An accentuating mark favored by Carja nobles and Hunters Lodge elites.

How to Unlock: Complete the Main Quest, The Embassy.

Carja Trader

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Description: Carja traders often employ Oseram delvers to procure expensive trinkets from Old World ruins to sell in Meridian's marketplace. The wealthiest among them wear this paint as a symbol of their success.

Carja Shadow

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Description: This dusky red paint is worn by Shadow Carja loyalists in Sunfall who still openly support Prince Itamen as the rightful Sun-King.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, The Burning Blooms.

Carja Scholar

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Description: Often hailing from low-ranking nobility, Carja scholars pride themselves on their pursuit of knowledge, wearing this paint to distinguish themselves from more frivolous nobles.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, The Twilight Path.

Tenakth Tribe Face Paints

The below face paints come from the Tenakth tribe.

Tenakth Reaver

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Description: First worn by Nekivva, a Lowland commander who turned pain into unrelenting battle rage, this paint has been adopted by soldiers who follow her example.

How to Unlock: Complete the Main Quest, The Wings of the Ten.

Tenakth Recon

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Description: Taking inspiration from the Visions of the Memorial Grove, this paint is often worn by Lowland Tenakth scouts as they quietly survey the vast jungle of the Raintrace.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, Blood for Blood.

Tenakth Dragoon

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Description: Machine hunters in the Lowland Clan rely on carefully set traps and advanced combat training for a successful hunt. This distinctive mark signifies their expertise.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, In the Fog.

Tenakth Vindicator

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Description: A distinctive Desert Tenakth paint influenced by the Visions at the Memorial Grove. It is often worn by young soldiers who have proven their mettle in battle.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, A Tribe Apart.

Tenakth Vanquisher

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Description: This Desert Clan paint takes inspiration from the harsh landscape of The Shining Wastes. Those who wear it are skilled survivors and deadly fighters.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, Thirst for the Hunt.

Tenakth Skirmisher

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Description: Where others fear a desert storm, Desert Tenakth soldiers have learned to use it to their advantage. These fiery markings honor their unique strategy.

How to Unlock: Complete the Errand, Burden of Command.

Tenakth Conqueror

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Description: Whether against machines, the Carja, or the other Tenakth clans, many Sky Clan Tenakth have donned this paint to celebrate a decisive victory.

How to Unlock: Complete the Main Quest, The Broken Sky.

Tenakth Tactician

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Description: Worn by Sky Clan strategists, these defining stripes designate a warrior with a keen mind for battle.

How to Unlock: Complete the Side Quest, A Soldier's March.

Tenakth Marauder

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Description: Reminiscent of sunrise on a snowy mountaintop, this bold marking is often worn by Sky Clan hunters as they track prey across the breadth of Bonewhite Tear.

How to Unlock: Complete the Errand, Call and Response.

Tenakth Sky Climber

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Description: These colorful markings honor a Sky Clan soldier who took to the skies like the Ten and battled a Stormbird in mid-air.

How to Unlock: Complete the Errand, A Hunt to Remember.

Special Face Paints

The following face paints are unique designs that don't necessarily come from a particular tribe.

Mark of War

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Description: The markings of a mythical warrior from a forgotten time. Its ashen-white and red are raw reminders that although the past is inescapable, it is not insurmountable.

How to Unlock: Collect all the War Totems. For more information, see our guide: Horizon Forbidden West: All War Totems Locations.

Mark of Pride

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Description: Together, the many colors of these markings celebrate resilience, hope, and progress towards a better future.

How to Unlock: Unlocked by default. Horizon Forbidden West version 1.18 or later required.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores: All Face Paints

Burning Shores, the DLC expansion for Horizon Forbidden West, contains a few new face paints for you to use. If you purchase Burning Shores, you will be able to access these at any Painter.

Quen Face Paints

The below face paints come from the Quen tribe. These face paints are accessible with Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores.

Quen Stargazer

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Description: Stargazers seek the visages of Ancestors in the night sky. This paint exalts their work, finding order among the stars.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Unlocked by default.

Quen Wavewatcher

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Description: The safety of any ship relies on Wavewatchers. This paint celebrates their role as the eyes of a fleet.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Unlocked by default.

Quen Freediver

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Description: Freedivers delve into sunken ruins in search of ancient relics. This paint marks their time spent beneath the waves.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Unlocked by default.

Zenith Face Paints

The below face paints come from the Zeniths. These face paints are accessible with Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores.

Specter Mandible

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Description: Rumors have spread of a machine with blade-like fangs that emerge as if from nowhere. These whispers are depicted in this paint.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Rewarded for collecting all Aerial Captures.

Specter Stripe

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Description: Shifting at its seams, this strange machine is hard as steel yet fluid like water. Those who have seen its golden tendrils paint them with dread.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Complete the Main Quest, For His Amusement.

Specter Vision

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Description: The eyes of a Specter hide beneath bone-white metal, gilded with gold. This paint is worn by the few who have survived its gaze.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Complete the Main Quest, His Final Act.

Special Face Paints

The following face paints are unique designs that don't necessarily come from a particular tribe.

Pangea Forever

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Description: This blood-red paint honors a heroic huntress who faced colossal beasts from long before the time of the Old Ones.

How to Unlock: Only available in Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Rewarded for collecting all Pangea Figurines and solving the Dino Digits Quiz.


That's our guide on all face paints in Horizon Forbidden West. Have you been using face paint to change Aloy's look? Tell us your favourite in the comments section below, and read our Horizon Forbidden West guide for loads more info on the game.