Proving Grounds Challenges & Rewards

The Proving Grounds are special challenge arenas accessible from the Bastion. These trials test your mastery of specific weapons and offer valuable rewards upon completion. Each Proving Ground is tied to a particular weapon and becomes available once you've acquired that weapon in the main story. Successfully completing these challenges is crucial for unlocking powerful upgrades and Secret Skills.

General Strategies for Proving Grounds

Know Your Weapon: Each Proving Ground is designed to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of its associated weapon. Experiment with different weapon skills and upgrades in the Arsenal before attempting the challenge.
Utilize the Environment: Many challenges feature environmental hazards or interactive elements. Learn to use these to your advantage, whether it's luring enemies into traps or using cover.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed on your first try. The Proving Grounds are meant to be challenging. Learn enemy patterns and refine your approach.
God Idols: While not strictly necessary for initial completion, activating God Idols can significantly increase the difficulty and the experience/currency rewards. Consider activating a few once you're comfortable with the challenge.

Detailed Proving Ground Walkthroughs

Breaker's Barracks (Cael Hammer)

Location: Accessible after acquiring the Cael Hammer in the Rippling Walls.

Challenge: This challenge focuses on the Cael Hammer's area-of-effect and knockback capabilities. You'll face waves of enemies in a confined space, requiring precise timing for your swings and the Bull Rush skill.

Wave 1: Squirt and Scritters: Focus on grouping these smaller enemies together and using the Cael Hammer's wide arc to clear them quickly. The Bull Rush is excellent for closing distances and stunning groups.
Wave 2: Stinkeyes: These enemies will try to keep their distance. Use Bull Rush to close the gap and deliver powerful hammer blows. Be mindful of their projectile attacks.
Wave 3: Peckers and Squirts: Prioritize the Peckers as they can be annoying with their dive attacks. Use the Cael Hammer's knockback to interrupt their charges and create space.
Final Wave: Gasfellas and Stinkeyes: This wave requires careful positioning. Try to isolate the Gasfellas and take them down before they explode. Use Bull Rush to reposition and avoid their lingering gas clouds.

Reward: Upon successful completion, you'll receive the Whirlwind Secret Skill for the Cael Hammer, which allows for a devastating spinning attack.

Kid's Hideaway (War Machete)

Location: Accessible after acquiring the War Machete in the Sole Regret.

Challenge: This trial emphasizes the War Machete's rapid attacks and critical hit potential. You'll navigate a series of platforms and deal with fast-moving enemies.

Phase 1: Scritters and Peckers: Use the War Machete's quick strikes to dispatch these agile foes. The Machete's fast attack speed makes it easy to interrupt Pecker charges.
Phase 2: Windbags: These enemies will try to push you off the platforms. Position yourself carefully and use the War Machete's rapid attacks to stun them before they can unleash their gusts. The Machete's Block skill can also be useful here.
Phase 3: Squirts and Stinkeyes on moving platforms: This phase tests your movement and targeting. Use the Machete's quick attacks to hit enemies as they come into range. Don't be afraid to use your Dodge to reposition on the moving platforms.
Final Phase: Multiple Windbags and a Gasfella: Focus on the Windbags first to prevent being knocked off. Once they're dealt with, carefully approach the Gasfella, using the Machete's speed to get in hits and then dodge away from its explosion.

Reward: Completing this challenge grants you the Blade Storm Secret Skill for the War Machete, unleashing a flurry of slashes around the Kid.

Graveslinger's Gorge (Carbine)

Location: Accessible after acquiring the Carbine in the Wharf District.

Challenge: This Proving Ground is all about precision and ranged combat. You'll face enemies at a distance, requiring accurate shots and strategic use of cover.

Wave 1: Squirt and Scritters: Practice headshots on these smaller targets. The Carbine's accuracy makes quick work of them.
Wave 2: Peckers and Stinkeyes: Prioritize the Peckers with well-aimed shots to interrupt their dives. For Stinkeyes, keep your distance and pepper them with bullets.
Wave 3: Wallflowers and Squirts: The Wallflowers are stationary but have high health. Use the environment for cover and aim for critical spots. The Squirts will try to flank you, so keep an eye on your surroundings.
Final Wave: Multiple Wallflowers and a Gasfella: This wave is a test of patience and precision. Take down the Wallflowers one by one, using cover to avoid their projectiles. Once the Wallflowers are down, focus on the Gasfella, maintaining distance and dodging its attacks.

Reward: Successfully completing Graveslinger's Gorge unlocks the Rapid Fire Secret Skill for the Carbine, allowing for a sustained burst of shots.

Mancer's Observatory (Breaker's Bow)

Location: Accessible after acquiring the Breaker's Bow in the Workmen Ward.

Challenge: This challenge emphasizes the Breaker's Bow's versatility, including its charged shots and special arrows. You'll face a mix of enemies that require different arrow types.

Wave 1: Scritters and Squirts: Use uncharged shots for quick eliminations. Practice leading your shots on the moving targets.
Wave 2: Stinkeyes and Peckers: Charged shots are excellent for dealing with Stinkeyes from a distance. For Peckers, a well-timed uncharged shot can interrupt their dive. Consider using the Scatter Shot skill if you have it.
Wave 3: Gasfellas and Wallflowers: This wave is where the bow's special arrows shine. Use the Pyrotechnic Shot for area damage against the Gasfellas to detonate them safely. The Tripwire Shot can be effective against Wallflowers if you can lure them into it.
Final Wave: Multiple Gasfellas and Windbags: This is a chaotic wave. Prioritize the Gasfellas with Pyrotechnic Shots. For the Windbags, use charged shots to stagger them and prevent them from pushing you around. Maintain your distance and use Dodge to avoid incoming attacks.

Reward: Completing Mancer's Observatory grants you the Volley Secret Skill for the Breaker's Bow, firing multiple arrows at once.

Bounder's Foundry (Mortar)

Location: Accessible after acquiring the Mortar in the Melting Pot.

Challenge: This Proving Ground tests your ability to use the Mortar's arcing projectiles and area damage effectively. You'll need to predict enemy movement and utilize its explosive power.

Wave 1: Squirt and Scritters: Aim your Mortar shots to land in the middle of groups of these smaller enemies. The splash damage will clear them quickly.
Wave 2: Stinkeyes and Peckers: Predict their movement paths and lead your shots. A direct hit with the Mortar can be devastating, but the splash damage is your friend if you miss slightly.
Wave 3: Wallflowers and Gasfellas: The Mortar is excellent for dealing with stationary Wallflowers from a safe distance. For Gasfellas, aim to detonate them with a well-placed shot before they get too close.
Final Wave: Multiple Windbags and a Pythog: This wave requires careful aiming. Use the Mortar's splash damage to hit multiple Windbags at once. For the Pythog, aim your shots to land directly on it, and be prepared to dodge its charges. The Mortar's high damage is crucial here.

Reward: Upon completing Bounder's Foundry, you'll earn the Bombardment Secret Skill for the Mortar, launching a barrage of explosive shells.