Horizon Forbidden West: How to destroy Red Crystal growths (Firegleam)

Players in Horizon Forbidden West will come across weird Red Crystals blocking their paths. These fungi-like growths are known as Firegleam and there’s a way to easily get rid of them, so here’s exactly what you need to do. 

Aloy’s newest adventure Horizon Forbidden West has had players enamored by its gorgeous surroundings and frantic gameplay.

While venturing the Forbidden Forest, our plucky warrior princess will encounter a bunch of tricky enemies, some true tests of platforming skill, and other forms of inconvenient obstacles.

One such impediment to look out for is Firegleam. Its inclusion in the game will stop players from being able to do certain things, but thankfully not for too long.

---

Contents

• What is Firegleam in Horizon Forbidden West?
• How to remove red crystals in Horizon Forbidden West

---

What is Firegleam in Horizon Forbidden West?

The Firegleam crystals are ‘Anomalous Growths’ consisting of crystalized fungi that protrude from certain walls, blocking off paths. They won’t be permanent fixtures in the game as you can remove them using a certain device.

Horizon Forbidden West provides an official description of the substance using the game’s scanning tool: “Hybridized crystalline and fungal growth of unknown origin. Invulnerable to impact. Special gear required to clear.”

How to remove red crystals in Horizon Forbidden West

As you naturally progress through the story, you will find a piece of special gear called the ‘Igniter.’ This isn’t a spoiler as you physically cannot progress through the game without it, and you get it relatively early on in the game.

Here’s how you can obtain the item and begin clearing any Firegleam that you come across:

1. Play Horizon Forbidden West until you reach the ‘Death’s Door’ mainline quest.
2. Once you’ve been instructed on how to create the ‘Igniter’, go off in search of the ingredients.
3. You will need 1x Leaplasher Spark Coil and 1x Deepwater Kindle Weed Oil.
4. Once you have these, craft the Igniter.

You should now have the special new spear that Aloy can use to detonate any red crystals she comes across. This will open up access to a lot of new doors and paths, usually guarding treasure and other valuable items.

---

For more Horizon Forbidden West content, check our guides below:

Horizon Forbidden West review | Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition PC requirements: Minimum & recommended specs | Will Horizon Forbidden West run on Steam Deck? | Horizon Forbidden West: How to destroy Firegleam (Red Crystals) | Horizon Forbidden West: How to apply face paint | How to fix Horizon Forbidden West bricking PS5 | Horizon Forbidden West Explorer vs Guided Mode: What’s the difference? | Is there a Horizon Forbidden West difficulty trophy? How to change difficulties