This is your first major combat encounter and a true test of your survival skills. As you enter the Village Square, a cutscene will trigger, introducing you to the enraged villagers. Your primary objective is to survive until the church bell rings. There are numerous Ganados, including some with pitchforks and axes. Do not try to kill them all; it's a waste of precious ammo. Instead, focus on crowd control and evasion.
- Strategy: Head for the two-story house on the left side of the square. Barricade the door with the cabinet. Collect the Shotgun from the wall upstairs. Use the windows to shoot at approaching enemies, then drop down to the lower floor if they breach. Utilize the explosive barrels scattered around the square. Shoot them when a group of Ganados is nearby for massive damage.
- Key Items: Inside the two-story house, you'll find the Shotgun. There's also a Hand Grenade in a barrel near the well.
- Survival Tip: Keep moving! Don't get cornered. Use your knife to parry incoming attacks and create openings for melee. If you're overwhelmed, run to a different part of the square. The encounter ends when the church bell rings, signaling the Ganados to disperse.