Navigating the Provisional Government Outskirts
The Provisional Government Outskirts serve as your initial foray into the desolate world beyond Home Base. This area introduces several fundamental enemy types and crucial early-game resources. A thorough exploration here will set you up for success in the challenges ahead.
Outskirts Walkthrough: Ruined Streets and Initial Encounters
Upon exiting Home Base, you'll find yourself on a ruined street. This first section is relatively linear but demands caution.
- Initial Path: Follow the crumbling street straight ahead.
- Enemy Alert: Your first encounters will be with the common Lost, easily dispatched. More dangerous are the Spiked Lost, who can perform a surprisingly fast rolling attack that covers significant distance. Dodge sideways to avoid this. Also, be wary of the slower but hard-hitting Hammer Lost; their overhead swings can stagger you.
- First Landmark: After defeating the first group of Spiked Lost (typically two of them), you'll see a derelict bus on your left. Just past this bus, on the right, is a small alcove.
- Hidden Item (1): In the alcove mentioned above, you'll find a Pure Blood item.
- Crafting Materials: Throughout this initial street section, keep an eye out for glowing pickups. You'll commonly find Queen Iron, essential for early weapon and Blood Veil upgrades, and Old World Materials, which are general-purpose crafting components.
- Directional Cue: Continue following the street as it curves slightly to the right. You'll pass under a collapsed overpass.
- Enemy Alert: Expect another group of Lost, including a Hammer Lost, guarding the path just after the overpass.
Descent into the Sewers: Darkness and Discovery
After navigating the initial street, the path will lead you downwards into a darker, sewer-like environment.
- Ladder Descent: You'll encounter a prominent ladder leading down. Descend carefully.
- Lighting: This area is significantly darker. While not strictly mandatory, activating your Blood Veils' built-in light source (if available) or using an item like a Flashlight (if you've found one) can improve visibility and help spot hidden items.
- Sewer Path: The sewer path is winding. Stick to the main channel.
- Enemy Alert: The primary threats here are more Lost and occasionally a Spiked Lost in cramped quarters. Be mindful of ambushes from side passages.
- Mistle Location: After a short walk through the sewer, you'll spot a collapsed bus partially submerged in murky water. A Mistle (Provisional Government Outskirts - Depths) is conveniently located right next to it. Activate this Mistle immediately for a new spawn point and to restock.
- Shortcut (1): From the Mistle near the collapsed bus, look to your immediate left (facing away from the bus). There's a small, partially hidden passage that leads to a ladder. This ladder ascends to a higher platform, bypassing a small section of the sewer and providing a quicker route back to the initial street if needed.
- Crafting Materials: In the sewer, you'll continue to find Queen Iron and Old World Materials. Additionally, keep an eye out for Awake MJ212, a crucial material for upgrading your Blood Codes.
Ascent to the Plaza: Open Combat and Objectives
From the Mistle in the sewer depths, your next goal is to find a way upwards to a more open area.
- Path from Mistle: From the Mistle, continue past the collapsed bus, following the main sewer path. It will soon open up into a larger chamber.
- Enemy Alert: This chamber often contains multiple Lost and at least one Hammer Lost. Prioritize the Hammer Lost due to their high damage output.
- Ascending Path: Look for a set of stairs or a ramp leading upwards out of the sewer chamber. This path will lead you to a more open, ruined plaza.
- Plaza Encounters: The plaza is patrolled by several Lost and often features a more formidable enemy like a Blade Bearer (a faster, dual-wielding Lost variant) or another Hammer Lost. Use the environment for cover and try to lure enemies one by one.
- Objective: Activating the Lift: Your primary objective in this plaza is to find a way to activate a lift or open a gate that leads deeper into the Provisional Government complex.
- Hidden Item (2): In the far corner of the plaza, often near a broken barricade, you might find a Regen Inducer or a small cache of Ichor Concentrate.
- Lift Mechanism: The lift mechanism is usually located on a slightly elevated platform or at the far end of the plaza, often guarded by a stronger Lost. Interact with the console to activate it.
- Final Shortcut (2): Once the lift is activated, it will often create a direct path back to an earlier section of the Outskirts or even Home Base, allowing for quick travel. Ensure you activate any nearby Mistle before proceeding through the newly opened path.
Recommended Loadout & Strategy Tips
- Weapons: For early encounters, a one-handed sword like the Broadsword or a bayonet like the Libertador (if you prefer ranged attacks) are excellent choices.
- Blood Veils: The Brocade Ginnungagap (starting veil for Fighter) offers good physical defense, while the Ivory Grace (starting veil for Caster) provides better elemental defense. Choose based on your playstyle.
- Blood Codes: The starting Fighter code is robust for melee. Consider the Caster for ranged combat or the Ranger for a balanced approach.
- Gifts: Early-game Gifts like Adrenaline (Fighter) for increased damage, Iron Will (Fighter) for defense, or Fireball (Caster) for ranged damage are highly effective.
- Exploration: Always hug walls and check every corner. Many valuable items, including crafting materials and even rare consumables, are tucked away in seemingly insignificant nooks.
- Stamina Management: Keep a close eye on your stamina bar. Over-committing to attacks or dodges can leave you vulnerable.
- Healing: Don't be afraid to use your Regen charges. They replenish at Mistles.
