How to Beat Unstable Automat Locations

Overcome challenging Unstable Automat mini-bosses in Steelrising. Learn their locations and effective strategies to defeat foes like the Unstable Lancer.

Unstable Automats are formidable foes in Steelrising, often acting as mini-bosses that guard valuable resources or unlock new pathways. Defeating them is crucial for progression and acquiring powerful upgrades. This section details the locations and strategies for overcoming these challenging automatons.

Unstable Lancer

The Unstable Lancer is one of the first truly challenging Unstable Automats you'll encounter. Its aggressive, spear-wielding attacks demand precise dodges and well-timed counter-attacks.

Location: Les Invalides - Esplanade des Invalides

You'll find the Unstable Lancer patrolling the main courtyard of the Esplanade des Invalides, shortly after activating the Vestal in this area. It's hard to miss, often engaging other smaller automatons in its patrol route.

Strategy:

• Weapon Choice: Weapons with good mobility and quick attacks, like the Charleville 1789 Shield Musket (for its ranged option) or the Body of Work (for its rapid strikes), are excellent choices. If you prefer heavy hitting, ensure you have enough stamina for evasive maneuvers.
• Attack Patterns: The Lancer has a devastating lunge attack that covers a significant distance. It also performs a sweeping attack with its spear. Both are telegraphed, so watch for its wind-up animations.
• Evasion is Key: Dodge into its attacks rather than away to get behind it. This positions you for a quick combo. Its lunge can be particularly punishing if you try to dodge backward.
• Counter-Attack Window: After its lunge or sweep, the Lancer will have a brief recovery period. This is your chance to land 2-3 quick hits before retreating.
• Frost Grenades: If you have any Frost Grenades, they can be incredibly effective at freezing the Lancer, giving you a large window for sustained damage. Aim for its core.
• Environmental Awareness: The courtyard offers some cover. Use pillars or debris to break line of sight if you need to heal or recharge your stamina.
• Reward: Defeating the Unstable Lancer typically yields a significant amount of Anima Essence and often a unique upgrade material like an Orichalcum Ingot or a powerful Module.

Unstable Acolyte

These swift, dual-wielding automatons are known for their relentless assault and ability to close distances quickly. They often appear in tighter spaces, making evasion more challenging.

Location: Luxembourg - University Gardens

An Unstable Acolyte can be found guarding a secluded path within the University Gardens in Luxembourg, often near a collapsed wall or a small fountain. It's usually positioned to ambush players exploring off the main route.

Strategy:

• Agility Over Power: Due to the Acolyte's speed, heavy, slow weapons can be a liability. Opt for faster weapons that allow you to get in and out quickly, such as the Falchion and Sabre or the Armoured Fans.
• Parry or Dodge: The Acolyte's flurry of attacks can be difficult to fully dodge. Consider practicing your parry timing if you're confident, as a successful parry will stagger it, opening it up for a critical hit. Otherwise, focus on dodging through its combos.
• Watch for the Spin: One of its signature moves is a rapid spinning attack that hits multiple times. This is best avoided by creating distance or dodging directly through it.
• Elemental Afflictions: The Acolyte is somewhat susceptible to elemental damage. Applying Ignition Coils or using weapons with innate elemental damage can chip away at its health even while you're evading.
• Stamina Management: This fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Conserve your stamina for dodging and quick attacks. Don't overcommit to long combos unless the Acolyte is staggered.
• Reward: Expect a good amount of Anima Essence and potentially a rare crafting material like Bismuth or a powerful Weapon Module.

Unstable Butcher

The Unstable Butcher is a hulking automaton, slow but incredibly powerful. Its heavy cleavers can inflict massive damage and apply status effects if you're not careful.

Location: The Tuileries - Grand Promenade

One notable Unstable Butcher is located on the Grand Promenade in The Tuileries, often blocking a shortcut or a path leading to a valuable item. It's usually found near a large, ornate gate or a destroyed carriage.

Strategy:

• Heavy Hitter's Dream: This is where powerful, slower weapons like the Gribeauval Gribeauval Halberd or the Wheel of Vengeance can shine, provided you manage your openings.
• Patience and Spacing: The Butcher's attacks are slow but have a wide arc. Maintain a medium distance, baiting its attacks, then dash in for 1-2 hits.
• Critical Attacks: Look for opportunities to perform critical attacks after dodging its heavy overhead slams. These attacks leave it vulnerable for a longer period.
• Frost and Fulmination: The Butcher is a prime target for status effects. Frost Grenades will freeze it, allowing you to unleash a full combo. Fulmination Grenades can stun it, interrupting its attacks and creating openings.
• Armour Break: Some of its attacks can inflict the "Armour Break" status, significantly reducing your defense. Be prepared to use an Armour Repair Kit if this happens, or simply avoid getting hit.
• Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of your surroundings. The Butcher can destroy parts of the environment, which can sometimes create new obstacles or, conversely, open up new avenues for evasion.
• Reward: Defeating an Unstable Butcher is often rewarded with a substantial amount of Anima Essence, rare crafting materials like Titan Ore, and sometimes a unique Amulet.