Learn the rhythm of combat
Start with the Saber and learn when to block, parry and step away. Leave enough Endurance to defend after a short attack string. A longer combo is only useful if you can survive the answer.
Use Fire to burn the golden vines blocking the early route. Watch for glowing weak points on enemies and shoot them when you have a clear opening. Environmental weak points can also help you deal with a group before closing in.
The opening encounter with General Lothaire is allowed to end in defeat. Lucjan rescues William, and the story continues. You can attempt to win, but losing does not lock you out of the later fight or its trophy.
Spend Catalysts at Lanterns
Lanterns are where you develop William’s skills. Prioritize Maximum Endurance if you keep running out of stamina. Then match your defensive investment to your weapon:
- Saber and blocking: invest in Blocking.
- Rapier and parrying: invest in Parrying Impact.
- Once your defense feels comfortable, add Melee Damage and reduce melee Endurance costs when that skill becomes available.
You can reset skills at a Lantern for Catalysts. Plan weapon upgrades separately: a skill reset is not a reason to assume spent weapon materials will be returned.
Follow the early weapon unlocks
| Progress | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Saber and Fire; use Fire on golden vines |
| Chapter 2 | Pistol in the train car on the left during the bridge platforming section |
| Chapter 3 | Rapier on the route from the church toward Fallen Village; Blunderbuss behind the large-sword Volunteer in Fields |
The Rapier can stab enemy weak points, but it trades the Saber’s blocking option for a parry-focused style. Try that defensive change before committing your rarest upgrade materials.
Make use of the church
When the Abandoned Church becomes available, check Louis for healing upgrades and the merchants for materials. After Chapter 2, Lantern travel makes it easier to revisit places you have already reached.
Choose the upgrades that solve your immediate problem: survivability, Endurance, a weapon you enjoy, or a missing ranged option. Save the final tier of materials until you know which equipment you want to finish.
Leave green poison for later
You do not need to force your way through every green poison area as soon as you find it. Remember the location and keep following the main route. The Shield Transmutation, obtained in the University, lets you cross poison areas later.
Use the next Lantern, a required weapon pickup, an opened shortcut or a new ability as your immediate progress target.