The Vertigo Brand — Salt and Sanctuary Walkthrough

The Vertigo Brand

The Vertigo Brand is an essential brand for traversing the verticality of Salt and Sanctuary. It allows you to perform a powerful vertical wall jump, reaching ledges and areas previously inaccessible. Mastering this brand is crucial for uncovering secrets, finding shortcuts, and progressing through later stages of the game.

Acquiring the Vertigo Brand

You will obtain the Vertigo Brand in the Dome of the Forgotten, a challenging area located after the Mire of Stench. The brand is found after defeating the area's boss.

• Location: Dome of the Forgotten
• Prerequisite: Defeat the boss of the Dome of the Forgotten.
• Specific Steps:
  1. From the Sanctuary in the Mire of Stench, head left and descend into the Dome of the Forgotten.
  2. Navigate through the Dome, dealing with the numerous Whispermen and Bound Monsters. Be wary of the environmental hazards, particularly the falling platforms.
  3. You will eventually reach the boss arena for the Untouched Inquisitor. This boss is fast and uses both melee and ranged attacks. Focus on dodging its swift slashes and projectiles.
  4. After successfully defeating the Untouched Inquisitor, proceed through the door that opens.
  5. In the next chamber, you will find a statue. Interact with it to receive the Vertigo Brand.

Utilizing the Vertigo Brand

Once acquired, the Vertigo Brand allows you to perform a special wall jump. This isn't just a simple jump; it's a powerful upward thrust that propels you significantly higher than a standard jump.

• How to Use: While clinging to a wall (by pressing against it), press the jump button. Your character will launch upwards, allowing you to reach higher ledges or even chain multiple wall jumps between opposing walls.
• Key Applications:
  • Reaching High Ledges: Many areas have seemingly unreachable platforms that become accessible with the Vertigo Brand. Look for walls near these platforms.
  • Traversing Vertical Shafts: In areas with tall, narrow shafts, you can often alternate wall jumps between the two sides to ascend quickly.
  • Finding Hidden Paths: Keep an eye out for suspicious wall textures or ledges that seem just out of reach. The Vertigo Brand is often the key to discovering secret areas and valuable items.
  • Evading Enemies: In combat, a well-timed Vertigo Brand jump can help you escape dangerous situations or gain a positional advantage against certain foes.

Notable Areas Requiring Vertigo Brand

The Vertigo Brand opens up many new pathways and secrets. Here are a few crucial locations where you'll need it:

• Hager's Cavern: Several high ledges and hidden passages within Hager's Cavern become accessible, leading to valuable loot and alternative routes.
• The Ruined Temple: The upper sections of the Ruined Temple, particularly those leading to optional bosses or rare crafting materials, often require precise Vertigo Brand jumps.
• The Crypt of Dead Gods: This late-game area is heavily designed around vertical traversal, and the Vertigo Brand is indispensable for navigating its treacherous depths and reaching its secrets.
• Cran's Pass: While not immediately obvious, some shortcuts and item locations in Cran's Pass can only be reached with the enhanced vertical mobility provided by the Vertigo Brand.

Practice using the Vertigo Brand regularly. Its unique movement mechanic can feel a bit different from standard platforming, but mastering it will significantly enhance your exploration and combat capabilities throughout your journey on the forsaken island.