This is everything you need to know about The Wound in the Sand side quest in Horizon Forbidden West.

How to Unlock The Wound in the Sand¶

The Wound in the Sand is the second part of a three-part story and can be unlocked by talking to Chaplain Jetakka of the Desert Clan in Arrhowhead. The first part is The Thirst for the Hunt.

The Desert Clan is having issues with their water supply and employs Aloy’s help to find out exactly what’s wrong.

How to Complete The Wound in the Sand¶

This is how to complete each step of the quest.

Talk to Commander Yarra¶

The first thing you’ll do is find Commander Yarra. She’s currently having some issues with Tenakth soldiers complaining about the water. Once they disperse, she’ll talk to Aloy.

Yarra is not pleased to see Aloy, but you’ll still have to help by going to the well to investigate the issue.

Follow the Pipes¶

Use your Focus to examine the wound. You’ll then have to follow the underground pipes by highlighting them with your Focus to get to the root of the issue.

When you reach the end, you’ll climb up a wall to exit.

Kill the Machines¶

Immediately, you’ll come across some Machines. There are Widemaws and Spikesnouts.

Spikesnouts are weak against Purgewater/Fire Damage and Widemaws are weak against Purgewater Damage only. Use these types of attacks to kill them the fastest before you can move on. Yarra will help you while fighting.

You’ll then have to examine a corpse. Yarra will determine that Drakka is responsible for the water issue.

Follow the Pipes¶

Again, we’re back to follow the pipes. You’ll have to climb another wall which is fairly simple and then enter a water tower at the end of the path. There’s a weapon lodged in the water supply, leading Yarra to be convinced that Drakka is the one responsible.

Fix the Water Supply¶

You’ll have to bring down the metal beam above you with the Pullcaster (easily forgotten about, since it might have been some time since you used it, but remember how useful it is!). You can then climb up to the vent using the yellow handlebars.

There’s a valve in here you can turn that will stop the water. Head to the right and drop down to find another metal bar you can pull down. After that, pull the lever.

To the right and left, you’ll find more yellow bars. The right ones will break but you can head to the left. Back at the metal beam you originally pulled down, jump to it by doing a backwards wall jump, then jump to the second floor. Turn the valve to make the water start flowing again.

Head Back to The Wound in the Sand¶

Talk to Yarra then head back. There, you’ll find Yarra and Drakka arguing. Drakka challenges her, and the quest comes to an end, though now you will be asked to go to The Gate of the Vanquished to continue this part of the story.