Part 1: The Village
Welcome, Ethan, to the desolate heart of Romania. After the harrowing events of the prologue, you'll awaken in a snow-laden forest, disoriented and alone. This initial segment of your journey thrusts you directly into the terrifying reality of the village itself. Your immediate objective is survival and understanding the grim situation you've stumbled into. This section will guide you through the initial exploration, your first encounters with the Lycans, and the crucial steps to reaching the safety (or rather, the next nightmare) of Castle Dimitrescu.
The village is a labyrinth of abandoned homes, hidden pathways, and lurking dangers. You'll need to scavenge for every bullet and healing item, learn to manage your limited inventory, and master the art of evasion. Pay close attention to environmental clues and listen for the tell-tale growls of your pursuers. This part of the guide will ensure you navigate the initial chaos, gather essential resources, and prepare for the trials ahead, culminating in your first major confrontation and the path to the formidable castle.
Initial Exploration and Survival
Upon regaining control, you'll find yourself on a snowy path. Follow the linear route until you reach the outskirts of the village. Your first priority is to locate the main settlement and find any ss of life – or at least, a way to defend yourself.
- Follow the Path: Continue down the snowy trail. You'll pass a small, abandoned shack on your left. Inside, you can find some Handgun Ammo on a shelf.
- First Encounter: As you approach the village entrance, you'll witness a disturbing scene. Shortly after, you'll be attacked by your first Lycan. This is a scripted event desed to introduce you to combat. Aim for the head for critical damage.
- The First House: After the initial Lycan encounter, proceed into the first accessible house on your right. Inside, you'll find Chem Fluid and Gunpowder – essential crafting components. Check under the bed for a hidden Lei (currency).
- The Main Road: Continue along the main road. You'll see several houses. Most are locked, but some offer valuable resources.
The Lycan Attack and Retreat
As you delve deeper into the village, a major Lycan assault will commence. This is a chaotic sequence where you are largely outnumbered. Your goal here is not to defeat every enemy, but to survive and reach a specific objective.
- Barricade the Door: After entering the larger house with the old man, a cutscene will trigger. Immediately after, barricade the door using the prompt.
- Defend the House: Lycans will attempt to breach the house from multiple points. Use your handgun to fend them off. Prioritize headshots.
- Resource Management: During this sequence, you'll find additional Handgun Ammo and First Aid Med scattered around the house. Use them wisely.
- The Escape: Eventually, the sheer number of Lycans will overwhelm your position. A scripted event will force you to retreat through a specific exit. Follow the prompts and the path of least resistance.
Finding the Maiden of War Statue
After the intense Lycan attack, you'll find yourself in a slightly calmer, though still dangerous, part of the village. Your next objective is to locate the Maiden of War statue, which serves as a key landmark and a path forward.
- Explore the Western Side: Head towards the western side of the village. You'll pass through a small graveyard. Be wary of stray Lycans.
- The Church: You'll eventually come across a dilapidated church. Inside, you'll find a typewriter (for saving your game) and a chest containing a Shotgun. This is a crucial weapon for dealing with multiple enemies or heavily armored foes.
- Maiden of War: Just beyond the church, you'll find the imposing Maiden of War statue. Interacting with it will trigger a cutscene and open the path towards Castle Dimitrescu.