How to use face paint in Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West face paint
(Image credit: PlayStation)

Knowing how to use face paint in Horizon Forbidden West means you can apply your combat makeup, and give Aloy a completely fresh look. As you complete various missions you'll see face paint rewards unlocking, but you're never actually told what they are or how you use them. In fact, you can't even do anything with them until you get to a certain location in Horizon Forbidden West location, which can make things very confusing up to that point. It's also frustrating when you keep seeing them unlock but can't even view what they look like, which is why we're here to explain everything. If you're ready to daub yourself, then here's how to use face paint in Horizon Forbidden West and where you can do it.

How to use face paint in Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West face paint

(Image credit: PlayStation)

Here's the thing with Horizon Forbidden West face paint - you can't use it until you reach Scalding Spear on the Horizon Forbidden West map. Depending on how much you're exploring or following the story, that could actually be a while as it's the third main area you'll encounter. So it's possible to be rattling around with pockets full of face paint for a while without knowing where or how to use it. However, when you do reach Scalding Spear you'll be able to meet a man called Zokkah: 

Horizon Forbidden West face paint

(Image credit: PlayStation)

You'll find him on an upper level, indicated on the map by a symbol that looks like a small pickaxe (it's a tattoo needle). He'll be standing next to a man face down on a table getting back tattoos, which isn't an option here unfortunately. Once you've found him, you'll be able to 'trade' with him. What that means practically is that you can pay 10 shards to apply any face paints you've unlocked so far. It'll also cost you a single shard if you want to take a face paint off and go bare faced for a while. 

So there you go, that's how to use face paint in Horizon Forbidden West. As we mentioned earlier you'll unlock a range of styles from various missions - just check the rewards section of any given quest to see if a face paint is on offer for doing it. 

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Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.