Your next destination is the Hanging Gardens, a lush but dangerous area where you'll seek another vital component: a Core. This level serves as a primary introduction to the Ura environmental influence and more complex, multi-layered combat encounters.
New Threats and Hazards
- Squirts (Gas & Frost): You will encounter specialized Squirts that emit damaging gas clouds or frost trails. Avoid standing in the lingering vapor after they are defeated.
- Vine Walls: These natural barriers block your path. Use the Cael Hammer or War Pike to clear them quickly, but stay alert—hidden enemies often strike the moment a wall falls.
- Falling Ledges: Like previous levels, the floor will form as you walk, but in the Gardens, certain edge pieces will crumble if you stand on them too long. Keep moving to avoid falling into the abyss.
Navigation and Combat Strategy
The Hanging Gardens features a winding, linear path punctuated by circular "arenas." To navigate effectively:
- Maintain Distance: Because the paths are narrow, use the Fang Repeater or Breaker's Bow to thin out groups of Squirts before they swarm you.
- Counter-Blocking: Scumbags in this area have high health. Practice your Shield Counter (timing the block just as they projectile attack) to reflect damage back and conserve your health.
- Environmental Awareness: Look for colorful bulbs on the ground; striking these can often cause area-of-effect damage that clears clusters of enemies for you.
Acquiring the Core
The Core is located at the furthest eastern point of the level. To claim it, you must cross a series of bridge sections that trigger "ambush waves."
- The Final Stand: As you approach the Core pedestal, a large group of Frost Squirts and a massive Scumbag will spawn. Clear the Squirts first to maintain your mobility, then focus on the Scumbag.
- Seizing the Core: Approach the glowing pedestal and interact with it. Once the Kid picks up the Core, the screen will tint, and the level will begin to destabilize.
- The Escape: Don't linger. The path back to the Skyway will begin to collapse immediately. Use your Evasive Roll constantly to cross gaps before the ground falls away, then enter the Skyway to return to the Bastion.