Katana Challenge Overview
Main Rules of the Challenge
- No Katana Usage
- No striking, blocking, or parrying with the katana
- Tutorials Not Counted
- Playing on Hard Mode
- Skipping Prologue
Merchandise Announcement
- Three New Designs
- T-shirt commemorating deteriorating mental state
- T-shirt for Larry the Lizard
- T-shirt of creator's sleep paralysis demon
- Available as Shirts or Hoodies
- New Logo on Sleeve
Game Context
- Mongols raiding Japan
- Protagonist's friends die; uncle captured
- Quest for revenge
Initial Gameplay
- Meet an Archery Master
- Gain a bow
- Successfully clear a camp
- Unlock Backstab Ability
- Uses a smaller blade (tonto)
- Upgrade Bow and Unlock Kunai
- Take down Mongol outposts
Encounter Challenges
- Facing Duels
- Incapable of dealing damage initially
- Forced to just stand and take hits
- Difficulty with Arrows
- Arrows are not always easy to find mid-fight
Major Missions and Upgrades
- Rescue Blacksmith
- Sneak into Mongol base
- Introduce Sticky Bomb and Ghost Weapon
- Travel throughout the open world
- Complete side quests
- Attempt raids
Boss Fights
- Mercenary Fight
- Learn and adapt to attack patterns
- Use armor upgrades and charms to boost resolve
- Castle Siege & Uncle Rescue Mission
- Sneak into the base
- Deal with traitorous mercenaries
- Utilize kick combo in fights
- Duels with Major Enemies
- Castle Leader with burning sword
- Utilize bows, arrows, and hit-and-run strategies
Final Showdown
- Conquer Forts and Minor Battles
- Raid fortresses
- Prepare for the final battle with the Khan
- Khan's Final Fight
- Utilize bow and tools effectively
- Defeat Khan despite challenges
- Uncle Confrontation
- Overcome personal conflict
- Decide to spare uncle
Conclusion
- Challenge Summary
- Used katana four times as necessary
- Completed the challenge
Note: This was a highly strategic and tactical playthrough, focusing on overcoming the limitations of not using the katana.