Bastion/Secret Skills

Secret Skills are special attacks that can be assigned alongside weapons in the Arsenal. Because of their power, using them consumes one Black Tonic. Most Secret Skills can only be used while their corresponding weapon is equipped, though there are some standalone Secret Skills that can be collected throughout the story and purchased from the Lost and Found. Each weapon has two Secret Skills that can be assigned to them: one that is available to begin with, and one that must be earned in the corresponding weapon's Proving Grounds by placing first. For some weapons, you may need to upgrade them heavily before earning their second Secret Skill. This becomes less difficult in New Game+, as the Kid has access to all previously-obtained upgrade materials as well as whatever he obtains in the new game.

There are two Secret Skills that can only be obtained via special circumstances: All other Secret Skills listed below are available in all releases of the game.
 * The Gel Cannister, a Secret Skill that summons turrets seen in Portal, is available only in the game's Steam release, as it is an homage to Valve. It can be accessed in New Game+, and speaking to Zia in the Bastion after obtaining it will unlock a new pet for the Bastion, the Sentry Turret.
 * The Colossal Smash can be used only in the final story stage, as it is tied to a weapon that is unusable outside of this stage, the Battering Ram. As its name implies, the Colossal Smash allows the Kid to smash all targets that surround him with a wide area of effect.