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There isn’t much story to go on. Instead, Tunic favors gameplay above all else. It’s a tricky experience to master, since the game can be obtuse in some areas. Hopefully, the following tips can make the start of this adventure a bit easier for new players.
8 There Are Assist Features In The Options
Tunic borrows a lot from some of the toughest games of all time. There is also no starting difficulty level, which may make players think there is no way to help them out. Fortunately for those struggling, there are two assist features to be aware of in the Options menu.
Players can become completely invincible as far as health goes, and can also turn on unlimited stamina. It’s great that these options are available, but it’s a good idea to play Tunic on its own terms before trying these two features out.
7 Enemies Can Affect The World
Tunic is not going to hold the player’s hand on almost any level, save for the aforementioned assist features. Even if those are turned on, they aren’t going to help players navigate Tunic’s massive open-world.
It can be easy to get stuck a few minutes into the game when the little fox hero is armed only with a stick. Players cannot cut through bushes with that — however, some enemies can. Try to lure out those knights with swords toward bushes. That “ah-ha” moment will trigger.
6 There Is A Map
One type of collectible in Tunic comes in the form of torn pages from a manual. They are out of order, but they are essentially the instructional booklet for the game. It is a very meta moment, and certainly not the last in the game.
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These torn pages can help players figure out some of the game’s mechanics. There is one page that players may not know is interactive. It’s the map. Players can get to it around the starting area once they unlock the sword. This map will show where players are. It might be hard to see the fox icon, but it is always there.
5 Lock On To Change Angles
The lock-on mechanic is a godsend in battle. This may look like a cute game thanks to the fox hero and the overall design, but Tunic is a tough action game.
There is another use for this lock-on ability as well. The top-down nature of Tunic can hide some very blatant pathways. There is no way to tilt the camera while exploring except for when players activate the lock-on screen. If players are having trouble navigating the map, switch this mode on and start looking around for cracks or paths.
4 Take Manual Notes
The Legend of Zelda and other games from this period were seemingly impossible to figure out naturally, which was why there was a hotline dedicated to answering questions. For those who couldn’t call this line, though, one of the best ways to solve puzzles in those games was to take manual notes.
Since Tunic doesn’t have a navigation system and the map doesn’t mark down much, players are encouraged to go old school with this game. If something looks out of reach, like a chest, write a note. Better yet, print the map out and mark it up in real life. Taking screenshots is a good strategy too.
3 Where To Spend Money
What are those yellow icons that pop out of enemies? They aren’t experience points. This is not an RPG, although Tunic does incorporate some elements from the genre.
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These yellow cubes are money, which shouldn’t be that hard to figure out. It takes a little while to find a place to buy goods, but one of the first vendors will become available once the player gets the sword. Find the Windmill on the map, and go inside for a haunting surprise. Also, buy that extra potion.
2 Learn To Dodge Into Attacks
Tunic is not going to hold its punches when it comes to battle. Those hopping enemies are easy, but the difficulty will ramp up quickly, especially once players find those aforementioned guards with swords.
Players have to be aggressive about their combat style. Don’t dodge away from enemies unless it is necessary. Dodge toward them instead. Players will have an invincibility window during a dodge, so they should be safe. This is a good strategy even after players find the shield. Sometimes aggression is necessary for an action game.
1 Don’t Equip Items Right Away
The stick will be the first usable item players will find, located in a chest in a cave. Eventually, players will uncover other usable items, like bombs. It might be tempting to place those onto button prompts. However, the resources for most items are extremely low in the beginning.
Stick with the sword and shield until these other items are necessary, or when players come into an abundance of them. Nothing is worse than accidentally using an item and wasting its potential.
Tunic was released on March 16, 2022, and is available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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