Tunic is a challenging, adventure game that pits the titular, red fox against a world of dangerous enemies bent on stopping his progress. Many of these enemies wield powerful weapons that will severely deplete Tunic's health, but there's one tool that can stop most attacks in their tracks: the shield.
The shield is an indispensable tool that is required when going up against some of the game's tougher enemies. But, as vital as the shield might be, it can be a little challenging to find by just wandering around the Overworld. There are quite a few steps to retrieving Tunic's shield, but the reward is well worth the effort.
Shortcut To The Fox Shrine
After unlocking the sword and ringing the bell in the Eastern Belltower, players will find themselves back on the eastern edge of the Overworld. The first step to unlocking the shield is to get back to the fox shrine in the middle of the area, and, fortunately, there's a nifty shortcut nearby to make that journey a little easier.
Players should head to the left along the stone walkway outside the entrance to the Eastern Forest, chopping down the block vegetation along the way. Cross the wooden plank, then take the bridge to the stone structure in the lake and claim the guidebook page in the middle of the ruin. Walk across the next bridge and clear out the spiny enemies on the other side.
Head up the path from where the spiny enemies were to a set of stone stairs that lead to a mechanism. Press the A button (on Xbox controllers) to activate the mechanism and create a ladder leading back down to the center of the Overworld and one of the fox shrines where players can improve their stats and save.
Stock Up On Explosives
Once at the fox shrine, head to the left down the stone steps, over the wooden bridge, and through the blocky foliage to reach a windmill on the right. Enter the windmill and walk through the first room into the dark chamber at the back.
Keep walking until a large, ethereal, skeleton fox appears. Don't worry, he's not an enemy, but rather a merchant who will sell Tunic either a health potion for 300 gems or a bundle of firecrackers for 100 gems. Buy the firecrackers (and the health potion, if possible), then return to the windmill's entrance.
Find The Old House Key
Head down the ladder on the right to find a Guard with his back turned on the left and a gold door on the right. The shield is behind this door, but it's locked for now, so players will need to explore a bit more to find the key.
Use the sword to easily dispatch the various Guards and spiny enemies in this area before heading down and to the left to find another guidebook page on a raised, golden dais. This page offers useful info on stamina and dodging, as well as a curated list of important, single-use items.
Head to the left of this dais to find a narrow set of ramps leading down the next level. Walk down the ramps to find a doorway built directly into the cliffside. Searching the house is optional, but will reward players with an HP upgrade flower, a bundle of money, and a pair of firecrackers.
Leave the house and follow the path around the corner to the right, taking out the spiny enemies and the shield-wielding Guards along the way. Players will now find themselves in a courtyard with an out-of-reach guidebook page in the center. Take out the shield Guard standing by the ledge and any remaining enemies at this level before heading down the stairs to the level below.
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=500&dpr=1.5)
Eliminate the nearby Guard before walking up and to the right to find a tall enemy in a green cape and holding a large shield and a spear. At its feet is a golden key like the one used to unlock the house that led to the Hero's Grave.
This enemy can't be damaged with frontal attacks, and it will lash out with its spear if Tunic gets too close. The only way to defeat it at this time is by using a thrown weapon like the firecrackers. Equip them from the inventory screen (LB on an Xbox controller), then throw one at the soldier's feet.
The blast will severely damage it and destroy its shield, opening it up to sword attacks. Defeat the enemy with either sword strikes or another firecracker, then retrieve the gold key that it was guarding. When recovered, the key will include the words "Old House" in its description.
Claiming The Shield
Head back up the stairs to the courtyard and head right from the top of the stairs to a set of spiral staircases leading back up to the higher level. Climb these steps to find a heavy, wooden gate that's blocked by a large, metal bar. Lift the bar to open the gate, but watch out for the Guard hiding to the right just inside.
After taking him out, walk past the wishing well to find that the stairs led right back to the Old House. Use the key to unlock the door and enter the house. The treasure chest inside can be opened, but it only rewards Tunic with a single gem.
The real prize can be found behind the semi-hidden doorway below some red drapes on the left side of the room. Step through it to find a long hallway where the floor glows with purple symbols. Follow the hallway to the right until it opens up into a large chamber with bones on the ground.
On the other side of the room, across a wooden plank, is the shield. Walk over the plank to claim the shield, which will be instantly equipped and mapped to the RT button on Xbox controllers. Holding RT will allow Tunic to block enemy attacks, but each hit reduces his stamina a little.
A quick press of the RT button will activate a shield swing that can parry enemy attacks if used at the right time. The parry will leave enemies stunned and vulnerable to extra damage. This technique allows players to take down the green-caped soldiers without needing a thrown weapon, and successfully pulling it off will unlock an achievement.
Tunic is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Game Pass.