Bastion

Bastion

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15-20h

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About the Author

About the Author

Complete the Stranger's Dream with all ten Shrine Idols invoked.

7.3%

How to unlock the About the Author achievement in Bastion - Definitive Guide

TLDR: Mortar, Fire Bellows. Roll, use fire, roll, use mortar, rinse & repeat! ;)

Access this particular dream by selecting the History Books in the Bastion. This particular dream only appears in New Game Plus (or Score Attack Mode) and sits just southwest of the Monument, to the left of the Stockpot. It was added as free DLC in the XB360 game.
It consists of 30 waves of all types of enemies.

Glitch? (personally untested): It is apparently possible to use the Battering Ram to complete this dream. If you go through the last level and get to the end [Turn on all 10 idols before starting the last level], choose to pick up Zulf and carry him back. Then when you get to the Bastion, select the History Books and you will enter the Stranger's Dream with only the Battering Ram active. Since there are a number of ranged enemies here I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not but it may be worth a try considering how powerful the Ram is. If you find it too hard with the Ram and you're playing in Score Attack Mode, just finish the game, then click Continue and you'll be back at the Bastion with your regular equipment and you can try it normally.

First off, do this on your 2nd playthrough in Score Attack Mode since that's when you should be worrying about maxing out your level and weapons anyways.
You should be at least lvl 7 before you try this. It's possible earlier, but why torture yourself.

Before I begin, let me preface with this: I've had some questions asked about why I haven't incorporated tips for every single wave (Reflection) or why I have similar solutions for each dream. The reason for this is that you use the same exact method to deal with almost every enemy in the game when using the loadout below (exclusions will be listed in Tips section). Slow them with fire and shoot a mortar at them. toast
I will provide a few specific tips below for particularly harmful enemies/rounds if deemed necessary or if people comment with questions about specific waves.


Weapons
Galleon Mortar
- Rapid Bombs
- Target System
- High-Explosive Charges
- Dampened Tubing
- Immunity to Bomb Damage (The most important)

Fire Bellows
- Sustainable Fuel
- Napalm Reservoir
- Modified Intake (THE most important tool you'll have. This slows down foes dramatically which makes fast moving enemies much easier to deal with using the Galleon Mortar)
- Contoured Grip OR Shielded Grip (Whichever you prefer)
- Industrial Furnace (Important for range purposes. And since you have the Napalm Resevoir and Modified Intake, just hit them a bit, then roll and use the G. Mortar to finish them off)

Distillery drinks
(I will list the 7 most important ones, then options for 8,9, and 10) :
1) Leechade (THE most important since enemies won't drop health tonics with all idols on)
2) Bastion Bourbon
3) Black Rye
4) Lifewine (You have no idea how useful this is. I was skeptical of it at first but it's literally a lifesaver)
5) Bull Brandy OR Cham-Pain if you don't mind the side-effect
6) Hearty Punch
7) Werewhiskey (This is really important if you still have a few Reflections left but you're out of health tonics. You start doing massive damage at low health which helps you gain back health really fast with Leechade)
8) Bull Brandy OR Cham-Pain (whichever you didn't choose before)
9) Whale Ale
10) Graver Gimlet

Secret Skill
Turret Surprise
(This is extremely useful because besides damaging enemies it also serves as a great distraction and it lasts for a long while if you can help it keep alive. Also, if you've failed a specific round (Reflection) multiple times and find it to be the hardest one, just drop down 2 turrets instead of one)

Tips
Dream Specific:
- There is a "hiding" spot on the far right side of the map. It's behind the 3 stalagmites (pointed cone-shaped rocks). Go on the right side of these rocks (it looks like you're almost falling off the edge). From here you can safely launch your Mortar. Note: some enemies may still be able to reach you so be cautious when using this.
- This dream has tons of more conventional cover that appears over time. Use it constantly, especially to avoid the pincushions.

General:
-Roll......a lot.
-Try to use your Fire Bellows for like half a second to slow down fast moving enemies, then roll out of the way and drop a mortar on their face.
-For squirts, peckers, and stinkeyes, just spray flames all over the places then roll far away and repeat. Don't try to target one individually, your Napalm Reservoir will work it's magic on them over time.

One last tip that can be a huge game changer but is time consuming and/or tricky to pull off:
If you're not at level 10 yet and you're having a very difficult time with a certain dream, get yourself somewhat close to lvling up then enter the dream. If you time it right and can lvl up somewhere near the last 7 reflections or so, then all your health, health tonics, and black tonics will all be restored. This is especially useful for this dream since it is 30 Reflections instead of 20.


If I missed anything or you have any questions please let me know.
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16 Dec 2016 19:30

23 Comments
Why are people voting negatively without feedback? Please let me know if there's any way I can improve the guide.
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By ICE Faux Pirate on 16 Dec 2016 23:58
Great guide, used them for all 4 dreams. How-ever with this one I'm really struggling with the Urah that dash at you and take silly damage. Any tips?
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By Arron114 on 22 Dec 2016 11:13
Personally, I nailed down the timing for when they would dash and counterblocked them. Or just block them in general to stun them for a sec, shoot fire at them to slow them down and then block again, then use your mortar.
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By ICE Faux Pirate on 24 Dec 2016 04:06
Thanks for the guide man. I was able to beat 2 Dreams with 5 idols activated but I got mashed on the Stranger's Dream. Really not looking forward to playing with all 10 idols active but I gotta at least give it a shot.
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By LifeSuxPlayHALO on 24 Dec 2016 05:18
If you're having a lot of troubles with it, try to use that last tip I mentioned about leveling up half-to-3/4 of the way through to get all your tonics back or try that glitch with the Battering Ram. Maybe one of those will get you through it. Good luck!
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By ICE Faux Pirate on 24 Dec 2016 14:47
Brilliant setup, did the first three dreams no problem on my first try and died on this dream on the final wave. A few more attempts should do it
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By Funky Monkee on 24 Dec 2016 17:19
And don't forget the hidey spot on the far right hand side - have a look at the video in the other solution to find it.
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By k0pp0 on 02 Jan 2017 00:06
Thanks, I'll add that in. I used that spot as well but I guess I assumed that was covered under "use cover". I need to work on my "ass"uming, ha.
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By ICE Faux Pirate on 04 Jan 2017 23:04
Great solution! Surprisingly for me the Stranger's dream was the 2nd easiest (easiest being the Kid's dream), got it done first try with this method! I think it was easiest because of the extra cover. Plus, most of the waves were just turrets. By my count, only waves 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, and 13 had me a little worried. For the record, I died 2-4 times on the Singer's (hated the birds) and Survivors (too many spear enemies).
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By Rowdawg88 on 26 Jan 2017 06:27
Good solution. I used the Scrap Musket instead of the Fire Bellows, though. I also used the Multi-Bomb Mortar Talent instead of Turret Surprise. I used turret on the first Dream that I did, they didn't last long enough to be useful with all Idols invoked. Only other thing I changed was Graver Gimlet, which I swapped to Cinderbrick Stout.

I completed all on the first try with the Scrap Musket/Mortar combo.

I did not use the "hiding spot" at all during my run.
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By Timmay on 14 Mar 2017 14:32
Any recommendations for levelling up? I've beat the first 3 w/ 10 idols, am at the point of no return (on my score attack game), have all weapons maxed out, and sit at level 6. I was at level 5 when I started my idol run, and gained barely enough to get to 6 when going for 10 idol achievements...
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By JORAX on 08 May 2017 00:04
Also, I got to the final level on this (Stranger's Dream) and died, and just realized I didn't get to keep any XP from that run. Bleh.
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By JORAX on 08 May 2017 00:04
This guy has some pretty good tips for power leveling: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=20443...
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By ICE Faux Pirate on 08 May 2017 13:30
Just tried this and still had 10 waves left to do. I'm sitting on L9 though so hopefully I can level up closer to the end and make it through. I'm personally using the pike & mortar because I feel the mortar even fully upgraded doesn't do enough damage. Lots of options, just need more practice!
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By MugenKairo on 21 Jun 2017 20:05
Nice guide, Thumbs up.

Though I did use the Army Carbine instead fo the flamer. The reason was, once upgraded (-70% Aiming time, Reload speed and bullets ignoring armor) I 2 shot plants and could attack most enemies that were off screen, so I never took damage from getting too close to use the mortar.

Also, always stay near the edge so some jumping enemies jump off. And most important, the guys that dash at you, you can go to a corner, slowly turn around so they have their back to the edge, when you block they get stunned, so, I turned around, block, stun, knockback with the carbine and they drop off the edge.
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By MuppeT May Cry on 07 Jan 2019 15:38
Thanks for the guide, I completed the Stranger's dream on my first try using the mortar, fire bellows, and using the cover on the right side of the map!
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By Fuzzy Churro on 08 Jan 2019 04:58
This description is misleading. DO THIS ON YOUR NEW GAME PLUS PLAY THROUGH. Before completing the last level do all of these challenges. DO NOT GO TO SCORE ATTACK AS THIS SOLUTION SUGGESTS. IF YOU DO YOU WILL LOSE ALL PROGRESS IN THE STORY AND HAVE TO START THE NEW GAME PLUS PLAY THROUGH OVER.
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By Bamfs34 on 04 Apr 2019 07:49
I repeat it says in the solution to do this "on your 2nd playthrough in Score Attack Mode" THIS INFORMATION IS WRONG. ONLY DO THIS IN NEW GAME PLUS. NOT SCORE ATTACK. GOING INTO SCORE ATTACK RESETS STORY PROGRESS AND UNLOCKS. DO NOT COMPLETE THE LAST LEVEL OF NEW GAME PLUS UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE ALL OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS RELATING TO "WHO KNOWS WHERE"
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By Bamfs34 on 04 Apr 2019 07:53
I just ran through it and got stuck. The Fire Bellows/Mortar cannon works well on most enemies except the gators. Once they take enough damage. They pop there heads up too fast, you can do little damage with the bellows and they aren't up long enough to hit with a mortar. I like the mortar pike combo I saw in the video. I'm going to try that next time.
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By Trevioso on 01 Oct 2019 06:51
Bamfs34 score attack counts as NG+, so doing it in score attack lets you complete the game in 2 playthroughs instead of 3. And while levels don't carry over, some unlocks do so it's still faster.
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By WhyattThrash on 17 Apr 2021 11:48
Failed twice in a row at the last wave, tried to do the others and got shredded. Only one of the four challenge I was able to complete it without getting hit once. I don't know how the hell you guys are able to roll and dodge? I get hit by everything even while rolling and it slows me down to a point I die instantly. I just uninstalled this bs game, now my memory of Bastion is not as sweet as it used to be from the Xbox 360.
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By Icarusael on 16 Jul 2021 04:16
I lucked my way into beating this on my first try, as I gained lvl 10 on the last enemy of reflection 29. The exp bar looked like it was almost full at around reflection 21 so I just blew all my squirts thinking I'd get 'em back soon.... *Laughs* It took longer than I thought it would heh heh. Even with all 4 squirts that sword/spear Ura was brutal since I couldn't stand still due to the anglegator and he kept hitting me when I decided to try rolling.

And the bellows + mortar really is an awesome setup. You gain HP back so quickly with those bellows.
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By Casyle on 01 Jan 2017 09:36
This was a pain, but I finally got through it. Definitely recommend doing this when you're at level 10. I ended up having the most luck with the musket & pike. One of the upgrades on the musket lets you shoot long range with reduced penalty, which personally helped me as I was abusing the shit out of that weapon. Any enemies that were stationary got piked as quickly as I could (I had the upgrade where it ignores armor, which is also really useful), and as mentioned previously, rolling around the area will keep you alive. The spirit which regenerates some health when you successfully counter an attack (Mender Mead) is super helpful, as projectiles are the biggest issue. What I ended up doing was trying to leave one ranged enemy alive for an entire wave so that when I cleared everyone else out, I could just stand there countering their attacks until my life was full again, and then I'd kill that enemy so I'd be walking into the next wave with full life. Also, if you're having trouble with certain waves, pay attention to the narrator before each one, as he is basically reading the alphabet. I distinctly remember 'R' because of the combination of those Bootlickers (guys who trap you) plus the gang of Squirts who are all attacking at once. Great way to die quickly. After playing through it several times, I knew which lettered waves were troublesome, and had a strategy prepared before the enemies even spawned. The whole mortar method didn't work as well for me, but I can see how some people could maybe get away with it. It also seemed kinda boring, but I guess whatever works! I feel like I accomplished something by doing this without being too cowardly ;)
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By Paw McCatney on 07 Jan 2017 07:30
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For the people who, like me, prefer visual aid...

Below a clip which helped me get the achievement, using the same settings, weapons, and strategy.

(Credits to Lion X for his contribution on YouTube)

Any suggestions to improve this guide are welcome!

Thanks for voting thumbs up if this guide was useful.

Good luck!
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28 Dec 2016 17:02

1 Comment
Thank you so much for the final wave!!!!!!!! Died 3 times in the final wave because I didn't know what to do.
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By fighterx93chipp on 07 Feb 2017 06:29
The Stranger's Dream is accessed via the pile of history books that turns up on The Bastion during the Story. Just below the core in the middle.

I did this in New Game+ at level 10.

Drinks;

Squirt Cider
Mender Mead
Hearty Punch
Bastion Bourbon
Werewhiskey
Black Rye
Whale Ale
Bull Brandy
Lifewine
Leechade


Weapons;

Galleon Mortar / upgrades = L/R/R/R/R
Brusher's Pike / upgrades = L/L/L/L/L
Trapper's Snare

This level is the bitch of the bunch. The hardest thing in the game to beat. You have to be level ten, with fully upgraded weapons to stand a chance. That's why I did it after my normal and score attack playthroughs because in New Game+ you get more upgrade parts.

If you're careful (ie - take out everything from distance, roll out of trouble, use your shield and hide behind scenery whenever possible) then most of the levels will be pretty easy.

Attack from distance. Use the mortar for almost everything. The pike is perfect for close encounters and also is effective on armoured enemies like those jumping pricks, the bull things and also the plants that close up. You'll be getting some health back for each attack so with some creatures just mash the pike at them and hope to get away with enough health to carry on.

The real sticking points are levels 11 (remaining) where you have archers with poisoned bows (hide behind scenary when you aim you mortar and roll when you aren't), 7 (remaining) where a bastard ninja guy attacks you (this guy is a prick, roll away from him and try to pick him off with your mortar) and the final level (one archer, one ninja and one those underground things that follows you around).

I saved all my black tonics for the final level. I tried it with the 'Turret Surprise' and ate a bag of dicks on it. So then I tried a few others. Ultimately the 'Trapper Snare' did the best job. I was still within one hit of losing the level but I managed it. Just!



www.playstationcountry.com
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10 Jun 2015 08:14

3 Comments
Thanks for your guide I've really enjoyed reading it after failing last night haha. you echo my sentiments towards those fucking ninjas. Do you happen to know the best place to level up I need to get from 7-10 so I can take this on.
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By FiveWizz on 04 Jan 2016 15:43
Thanks man. I can't remember the best way to level up unfortunately. I feel like it came naturally as I was playing through the game. Actually the guide on the other trophy site recommended a way of going through it I think.
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By squiddycr4 on 05 Jan 2016 12:26
Just a tip for the final wave,i highly recommend the squirt lure
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By AbyssWatcher85 on 30 Dec 2017 00:17
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For each of these Dream achievements, the strategy is basically the same: roll, shoot the mortar, repeat. You won't even block very often, aside from maybe the frog enemies and definitely the sword enemies (VERY important against them - block and only attack after they do). Basically, if you stop moving or are out in the open at all, you're going to get hurt. There are a ton of enemies and you will not get extra health drops, so avoiding damage at all cost is key. Your time doesn't matter, so if you have to roll around the level for a minute to get an opening to shoot, do it. Don't take any chances.

If you can get all the way to Level 10, this will obviously make these achievement easier as you will have more health. However, beating the game will likely leave you well short. I did the first two Dreams at Level 6 and the final two at Level 7.

You will want to bring the Galleon Mortar and the Brusher's Pike for your weapons. The mortar will be your main weapon, as it can wipe out a big group of Squirts in one shot, and kill enemies from a distance which is obviously ideal (especially turrets). The pike is also great for range fighting, but you'll basically only use that in a pinch while the mortar reloads (though it will be your primary against birds and frogs). Make sure you select the "Stonewall Propellant" for the fifth upgrade tier of the mortar so you don't damage yourself. For the other tiers, I'd go with Rapid Bombs, Target System, High-Explosive Charges, and Dampened Tubing. Basically it's a fast/high damage build, getting the most out of quick shots to single targets. The pike upgrades are less important, but avoid anything that mentions throwing it; you won't be doing that.

For your spirits, you'll want to make sure you have Leechade. This is the only thing that will give you extra health (for every hit on an enemy) since you won't get tonic bottles dropping from enemies or between rounds. For the rest, I'd suggest Hearty Punch (+1 Revive), Squirt Cider (+10 Health), Bastion Bourbon (+2 Tonic capacity), Bull Brandy (+15% damage resistance), Lifewine (survive a killing blow), and Cham-Pain (+25% damage/-1 revive). That last one obviously gives you one less revive, but being able to kill most enemies in one shot instead of two is pretty huge. That was my setup at Level 6. Once I hit Level 7 I added Werewhisky (100% critical chance when less than 33% health), but that rarely activated since I tried not to take any damage. Might be better to use Dreadrum (+10% critical chance when at full health).

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The Stranger's Dream is the last of the four and also the hardest Who Knows Where stage, accessed by interacting with the History Books memento in the Bastion. The Stranger's Dream features a mix of all the enemies encountered throughout the game, including boss enemies. There are a total of 30 waves.

This was my Spirits setup (Lv. 8):

Tips for Who Knows Where:

  • Obviously, reaching Lv. 10 before tackling the Dreams will make this significantly easier. For one, you'll have more health, and two, you'll be able to equip more Spirits.
  • In terms of what weapons to carry, personally I found the Galleon Mortar and the Brusher's Pike to be the most ideal.
    • A fully upgraded Galleon Mortar is capable of defeating most enemies in 1-2 hits; boss enemies in 6-7 hits. Combine this with its final tier ability, "immunity to bomb damage" and you've not only got yourself a very powerful weapon, you won't take damage from it too.
    • Brusher's Pike is ideal because of its incredible range. It is particularly useful when you're waiting for the mortar to reload.
  • Having the Leech-Ade Spirit equipped is absolutely essential; its your only source of health. With the Idols activated, enemies will not drop health potions upon being defeated.
  • In terms of strategy, it's really simple. Dodge , Shoot/Stab /, repeat as necessary. Constantly dodge whenever you're being swarmed, and hide behind pillars whenever possible (each arena has its own version of pillars). With the mortar equipped, you can pretty much just snipe from behind one while enemies struggle to get around it; easy kill.

Complete all 30 waves, while all 10 idols from the Shrine are invoked, to unlock this trophy.

For those who prefer visual aid, please refer to the video below courtesy of YOGSCAST Nilesy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCfGv3BGdGs

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The most difficult of dreams. Consists of 30 waves. I advise you to go through with the Galleon Mortar and Army Carbine weapons.
Video tip .
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22 May 2015 14:23

2 Comments
I recommend the pike as a second weapon. Several times “horns” come out from below; you won’t be able to stand on them for long. All other enemies are covered with a mortar, rolls more often and at the beginning of the wave stand in the center, and then roll back to the edge. Then some of the enemies, especially stationary ones, are out of sight and can be shot one by one.
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By googleHerz on 26 Feb 2016 21:15
I did everything as in this video and it took me 4 passes (1st - familiarization with 4 idols, 2 unsuccessful and fourth successful). In the end, I recommend watching the video before each wave to understand. who will and how to act.

And yes, this dream should be left for last; without certain skills, much may not work out.
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By DoctorChucky on 02 Jun 2018 11:15