Tunic: How to defeat the Garden Knight

The ferocious Garden Knight guards the entrance to Tunic's Western Belltower. Despite the fact that the game's first boss fight is officially against the Guard Captain, many players will find the Garden Knight to be their first significant test. This rock-hard golem is no laughing matter, but with a little effort, you'll be able to break it down in no time.

To begin, follow the instructions on page 19 of the manual and increase your Attack and Defense numbers to 3. While you're at it, increase your HP to 3 as well; every little bit helps. Don't worry if you're having difficulties locating stat-boosting goods, or even if you're not sure how to level them up in the first place: we've got you covered.

By this point, you may have accumulated enough money to open a second accessory slot, so equip Louder Echo (which will deal more damage to the boss when you pick up your ghost) and the Orange Peril Ring (which boosts your attack when your health is critical).

Take a beat and analyze the Knight's assault patterns once you're in the arena. It has a variety of maneuvers at its disposal, many of which are powerful. One of its favorite moves is a three-slash combo with its massive sword — but be careful if you're dodge-rolling because the final stroke comes fractionally earlier than you might expect.

With its sword, the Knight can pierce the earth before whirling in a massive fiery arc and finishing with a tremendous uppercut. Finally, it'll turn its sword into a shotgun (I know, it's unjust), take a fast aim, and fire three quick bullets.

Because it will fire all three shots in the same direction once it takes to aim, this last move is a fantastic opportunity to close the space between you and the Knight and get some hits in. You can cut away at it while it shoots aimlessly into the abyss if you roll or dash in close enough. Keep a safe distance for the other strikes, though if you have the timing perfect, you can use the roll's invincibility frames to close in for a few hits towards the end of the three-hit combination.

If you have the West Garden's Magic Dagger, you can use it to momentarily freeze the Knight in place so you can get a few hits in or get out of harm's way. You'll only have three shots with it at this point in the game, so make them count.

Although the Garden Knight is a formidable foe, your modest little fox is more than up to the task. Once you've gotten beyond it, the Western Bell is yours to ring.