Walkthrough: Chapter 8: Tairon Under Alert
Chapter 8 throws you back into the heart of Tairon, but this time, the city is on high alert. Expect tougher enemies and more aggressive patrols. Resource management and strategic combat will be key to your survival.
The Plaza and Moat Road
You'll begin in the Plaza, which is now swarming with military forces. Your primary objective is to reach the drawbridge leading to Moat Road.
- Initial Encounter: As soon as you gain control, you'll be ambushed by several Rocket Launcher Soldiers and standard Military Soldiers. Prioritize the Rocket Launchers to avoid being staggered and taking heavy damage. The Wind Path Ninpo or Incendiary Shurikens can be very effective here.
- Item Collection:
- Check the various alcoves and corners of the Plaza. You can often find Spirit of the Devils or Great Devil Elixirs hidden behind crates or debris.
- A Life of the Gods fragment is often found near the entrance to the alleyway leading towards the drawbridge.
- Drawbridge Activation: To lower the drawbridge, you'll need to defeat all enemies in the immediate vicinity. Once clear, interact with the lever on the control panel near the bridge.
Moat Road and the Military Base Entrance
Moat Road is a narrow, winding path that will test your ability to fight in confined spaces.
- Enemy Types: Expect a mix of Military Soldiers, Rocket Launcher Soldiers, and the agile, sword-wielding Black Spider Ninjas. The Black Spider Ninjas are particularly dangerous in close quarters due to their speed and combo potential.
- Combat Strategy:
- Utilize wall attacks and Flying Swallow to quickly close distances and deal with groups.
- The Dragon Sword's Izuna Drop or the Vigoorian Flail's combos are excellent for crowd control.
- Don't be afraid to use Ninpo like Art of the Inferno to clear out clustered enemies, especially if you're surrounded by Black Spider Ninjas.
- Hidden Path: About halfway down Moat Road, look for a breakable wall or a small opening on the left side (facing away from the drawbridge). This often leads to a small area with a chest containing a Talisman of Rebirth or a Jewel of the Demon Seal.
- Military Base Entrance: At the end of Moat Road, you'll reach a heavily guarded gate. Clear out all the soldiers here. Once the area is secure, the gate will open, granting you access to the Military Base.
Inside the Military Base
The Military Base is a labyrinth of corridors and open areas, teeming with elite military personnel and even some mechanical threats.
- First Courtyard: Upon entering, you'll face a new enemy type: the Armored Soldiers. These enemies are heavily protected and can withstand many attacks.
- Strategy: Their armor is weakest at the back. Use quick dodges and counter-attacks to get behind them. The Lunar Staff's strong attacks or the War Hammer's crushing blows can also break their guard effectively.
- Item: In the center of this courtyard, often near a destroyed vehicle, you can find a Great Spirit Elixir.
- Control Room Access: Your next goal is to find the control room to disable the base's security. Navigate through the various hallways. Expect frequent ambushes from Armored Soldiers and Rocket Launcher Soldiers.
- Key Item: In one of the smaller offices or storage rooms within the base, you'll find the Security Card. This is crucial for accessing the main control room. The room is usually indicated by a blinking red light on the map or a slightly different architectural style.
- Control Room Encounter: The control room itself will likely be guarded by a challenging group of enemies, possibly including a combination of Armored Soldiers and Black Spider Ninjas. Clear them out.
- Disabling Security: Once the room is clear, interact with the main console. This will disable some of the base's defenses and open new pathways.
The Hangar and Beyond
With security down, new areas become accessible, leading you towards the chapter's climax.
- Hangar Battle: The main hangar is a large, open area that will likely feature a significant battle. Expect multiple waves of enemies, including Armored Soldiers, Rocket Launcher Soldiers, and potentially even a few attack helicopters or turrets.
- Strategy: Use the environment to your advantage. Hide behind crates for cover from rockets, and use wall runs to quickly traverse the area. The Art of the Fire Wheels Ninpo can be excellent for dealing with multiple ground targets, while the Art of the Ice Storm can damage airborne enemies.
- Item: Look for a Talisman of Rebirth or a Devil Elixir in one of the corners of the hangar, often near a parked aircraft.
- Exit Route: After clearing the hangar, a new exit will open, leading you further into the base or to an underground passage. This path will typically be linear, but still guarded.
- Save Point and Merchant: Before the chapter's final encounter, you will usually find a Save Point and a Muramasa Statue. This is your cue to stock up on healing items like Great Devil Elixirs and Great Spirit Elixirs, upgrade your weapons, and save your progress. Consider upgrading your favorite weapon to its maximum level if you have the Karma.