- The Relic First Guardian full game walkthrough follows the main route while preserving optional rewards.
- Activate campsites early to create safe regional anchors and reduce unnecessary backtracking.
- Focus one weapon style before spreading materials across multiple skill trees.
- Use Relics as a build system by combining effects that support one combat plan.
- Study bosses first and punish complete attack recoveries instead of forcing long combos.
The Relic First Guardian Full Game Walkthrough Route
The Relic First Guardian full game walkthrough is easiest to follow as a series of campsite-based exploration loops. The game uses a connected, semi-open world with branching routes, dungeons, hidden encounters, equipment pickups, Relics, and optional bosses. Progress is more reliable when you clear nearby branches before pushing into the next major objective.
The game launched digitally on PC and PS5 on July 31, 2026. Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 versions are planned for later in 2026, so this route currently focuses on the available PC and PS5 release.
Official references: Perp Games official game page and The Relic: First Guardian on Steam.
| Route Priority | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Campsites | Activate every campsite you discover | Creates safe travel and preparation points |
| Side paths | Check short branches before advancing | Finds early equipment, healing, and Relics |
| Shortcuts | Open doors, lifts, and gates from both sides | Reduces repeated travel through cleared areas |
| Difficult routes | Mark them and return later | Some paths are better suited to stronger builds |
| Boss preparation | Review skills, healing, stamina, and Relics | Prevents unsuitable exploration setups from carrying into boss fights |
Treat each campsite as the center of a small loop: explore nearby branches, unlock shortcuts, collect rewards, then return before advancing.
Main Objective
Follow the current story route and complete required encounters before moving into the next region.
Optional Content
Search dead ends, elevated paths, structures, and dangerous side routes for equipment and Relics.
Return Points
Record blocked doors, sealed paths, and powerful enemies that may become manageable later.
Preparation
Change equipment at campsites and keep a small group of compatible Relics ready.
Step-by-Step Chapter Progression
The safest progression method is to complete each chapter’s essential route, then perform a short cleanup sweep before entering the next major encounter. This approach keeps the main path clear without requiring every optional boss to be defeated immediately.
Complete the Opening Route
Follow the introductory path, collect visible equipment, and practice light attacks, heavy attacks, blocking, dodging, and defensive stamina management. Activate the first campsite as soon as it becomes available.
Choose a Primary Weapon Style
Test the available styles against early enemies. Sword and Shield supports defensive learning, Daggers reward fast aggression, Battle Staff controls groups, Two-Handed Weapons deliver heavy punishment, and Longswords provide balanced reach and speed.
Clear the First Regional Branches
Explore outward from the nearest campsite one branch at a time. Check dungeons, locked passages, high ledges, and side encounters before committing to the next story objective.
Push Through the First Dungeon
Clear outer rooms before entering deeper sections, open shortcuts whenever possible, and reserve healing or major cooldowns for elite enemies. Update your build before the guardian arena.
Revisit Newly Opened Routes
After major progression events, return to previously blocked branches. These routes may contain stronger equipment, build-defining Relics, additional campsites, or optional bosses.
Prepare for Late-Game Guardians
Finish unresolved objectives, upgrade one main weapon style, improve frequently used skills, and equip defensive options that match each late-game boss.
Complete Final Cleanup
Recheck incomplete dungeons, unexplored branches, optional encounters, and reward areas before starting the final sequence. Keep healing and major abilities ready for consecutive encounters.
| Chapter | Main Goal | Priority Rewards | Navigation Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Learn combat and reach the first campsite | Starting equipment, healing, first upgrade options | Explore short branches before following the main route |
| Chapter 2 | Open regional routes and gather equipment | Weapons, shields, armor, early Relics | Use the campsite as a regional anchor |
| Chapter 3 | Clear the dungeon and defeat its guardian | Progression unlocks, higher-value equipment, skill options | Open shortcuts before entering deeper rooms |
| Chapter 4 | Explore expanded regions | Midgame weapons, build Relics, advanced resources | Return to previously blocked paths |
| Chapter 5 | Hunt late-game guardians | Powerful Relics, late-game equipment, advanced abilities | Finish campsites and shortcuts before major bosses |
| Chapter 6 | Complete the final route and cleanup | Endgame rewards and optional boss loot | Prepare the preferred build before the final sequence |
Do not assume the most difficult path is required immediately. Mark its location, strengthen your build elsewhere, and return after unlocking better equipment or skills.
Combat, Weapons, and Relic Setup
Combat rewards controlled aggression rather than constant attacking. Attacks, dodges, blocks, and defensive actions interact with stamina, while skills use cooldowns and other resource systems. Leave enough stamina for an emergency response after every attack sequence.
The game features five weapon specializations, 12 weapon skill trees, and more than 70 Relic effects. Because progression does not follow a traditional character-level system, equipment quality, skill priorities, Relic synergy, and player execution matter more than spreading upgrades evenly.
| Weapon Style | Best Use | Main Strength | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword and Shield | First playthroughs, boss learning | Reliable defense and steady tempo | Blocking too long drains stamina |
| Battle Staff | Exploration and enemy groups | Reach, coverage, and crowd control | Less immediate protection |
| Daggers | Fast attacks and aggressive builds | Rapid hits and quick repositioning | Short range increases exposure |
| Two-Handed Weapons | Heavy damage and stagger | High impact during long openings | Slow recovery and costly misses |
| Longswords | General exploration and balanced builds | Flexible reach, speed, and damage | Requires effective spacing |
Balanced Early Build
Use a Longsword or Sword and Shield with attack improvement, stamina efficiency, healing support, and cooldown reduction.
Heavy Boss Build
Pair Two-Handed Weapons with heavy damage, stagger improvement, and skills that punish long recovery animations.
Fast Relic Build
Use Daggers with repeated-hit bonuses, attack-speed effects, mobility, and short-cooldown offensive skills.
| Build Goal | Relic Priorities | Skill Priorities | Combat Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive learning | Guard efficiency, stamina recovery, counter bonuses | Counter, guard support, safe attack | Defend, counter, use a short chain, reset |
| Crowd control | Area damage, multi-target effects, recovery | Sweeping attack, interruption, movement | Group enemies, control space, reposition |
| Cooldown pressure | Cooldown reduction, skill damage, activation bonuses | Low-cost opener, control skill, finisher | Rotate skills instead of using them together |
| Aggressive longsword | Attack damage, consecutive-hit effects, stamina recovery | Gap closer, combo extension, single-target skill | Enter, attack briefly, disengage before the counter |
Choose one primary weapon style first. A focused weapon, defensive setup, skill rotation, and Relic package usually develops faster than several partially upgraded options.
Boss Route and Defensive Timing
Major encounters are designed around observation. Use the first attempt to identify complete attack chains, delayed finishers, area effects, phase changes, and safe healing windows. The most dependable punish usually comes after the enemy finishes an attack rather than during its opening animation.
| Boss Pattern | Recommended Response | Suitable Styles |
|---|---|---|
| Short melee chains | Wait for the final strike, then use a brief punish | Sword and Shield, Longsword |
| Heavy committed swings | Move outside the hitbox and punish recovery | Two-Handed Weapons, Longsword |
| Fast pressure | Keep stamina for a second response and avoid greedy attacks | Daggers, Sword and Shield |
| Area-control attacks | Move to safe ground before attacking or healing | Battle Staff, Longsword |
| Multi-phase behavior | Relearn timing after every phase transition | Any practiced style |
| High stagger resistance | Avoid trading and punish fully committed attacks | Two-Handed Weapons, Battle Staff |
A practical boss rotation is simple:
- Watch the first attack sequence without committing to a long combo.
- Block or dodge the complete pattern.
- Use one or two attacks during the recovery window.
- Preserve stamina for the next response.
- Save a major skill or ultimate for stagger, a phase transition, or an extended opening.
- Heal only after creating distance or confirming a lengthy recovery animation.
Before Entering a Major Boss Arena:
- Confirm the primary weapon and defensive setup match the planned build
- Equip Relics that support the same attack, skill, or defense pattern
- Keep enough stamina for one emergency block or dodge
- Check healing supplies and cooldown availability
- Identify the boss recovery window before attempting a full damage rotation
If a boss suddenly becomes more aggressive, stop repeating the first-phase response. Treat each phase as a new timing test and rebuild your punish pattern.
DLC, Updates, and Walkthrough Completion
The launch-period content includes The Night of the Unextinguished Flame, which leads into the Sanctuary of the Forgotten Light. Use a developed main-game save, confirm the content is installed, and approach the DLC with a stable weapon and Relic setup. The Black Banquet should be tracked separately rather than assumed to share the same access route.
| Content | Availability or Date | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| PC and PS5 launch | July 31, 2026 | Install the latest build before beginning a new save |
| Patch Number 1 | July 30, 2026 | Update before troubleshooting crashes, events, or reward issues |
| The Night of the Unextinguished Flame | Launch-period DLC content | Confirm installation and required main-game progress |
| Sanctuary of the Forgotten Light | DLC area | Activate checkpoints and inspect optional branches |
| The Black Banquet | Separate announced bonus content | Check ownership and access requirements independently |
| Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 | Planned later in 2026 | Follow official platform announcements for availability |
Confirm Installation
Check that The Night of the Unextinguished Flame is installed or included with the relevant edition on your platform.
Advance the Main Save
Complete enough opening progression to access normal exploration, campsites, equipment, Relics, and skill upgrades.
Start the DLC Quest
Load the prepared save and follow the objective associated with The Night of the Unextinguished Flame.
Explore the Sanctuary
Activate checkpoints, open shortcuts, and inspect side branches before moving deeper into the Sanctuary of the Forgotten Light.
Collect Bonus Rewards
Finish required encounters, then return for hidden paths, optional fights, exclusive equipment, and remaining upgrade resources.
The first official patch focused on performance, crashes, combat balance, monster placement, exploration rewards, event progression, and localization. Before changing saves or reinstalling, update the game, restart the platform client, and retest the affected area.
Keep a short record of blocked routes, missed dungeons, and undefeated optional bosses. It turns final cleanup into a planned checklist instead of repeated wandering.
Q: How long is The Relic First Guardian full game walkthrough route?
The available material describes a multi-region route with main objectives, dungeons, campsites, hidden encounters, optional bosses, and cleanup. Exact completion time depends on exploration depth and combat experience.
Q: Which weapon is best for a first playthrough?
Sword and Shield is the most forgiving starting choice because it supports defensive learning and controlled counterattacks. Longswords are another flexible option for players who prefer more reach.
Q: Should I explore optional areas before every boss?
Check nearby branches and dungeons before major bosses, but do not force areas that clearly exceed your current build. Mark difficult routes and return after improving equipment, skills, or Relics.
Q: Does the game use traditional character levels?
The progression model emphasizes equipment, skills, Relics, and combat efficiency instead of a traditional character-level system. Focus resources on one weapon style and compatible effects.