Editing Bastion/Proving Grounds

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Proving Grounds are weapon-specific challenges found on the map after completing certain story stages, usually after obtaining the corresponding weapon. It is recommended that they be taken on after acquiring upgrades for the weapon, as will be detailed in each section. Placing third in the challenge will reward the Kid with an upgrade for that weapon, placing second will reward the Kid with an upgrade for another weapon, and placing first will reward the Kid with a [[../Secret Skills|Secret Skill]] that can be used with the Proving Ground's corresponding weapon. The exception to this is the Bullhead Court, which challenges the Kid's proficiency with the Bullhead Shield via counter-blocking. The reward for each place is a batch of Fragments, with a greater number of Fragments rewarded for higher places. Because the Bullhead Shield cannot be upgraded, this challenge simply requires practice. For information on all other challenges, see each section below.
==[[File:Bastion weapon Breaker's Bow.png|25px]] Breaker Barracks==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 5 shots
| Breaker Volley
|-
| Second
| 10 shots or less
| Something Fancy
|-
| Third
| Any # of shots
| Something Stringy
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Bow.jpg|right|thumb|Stand right in front of this target and steady your aim so that the arrow pierces the two targets behind it.]]
This challenge requires you to shoot down all targets with the '''[[../Weapons#Breaker's Bow|Breaker's Bow]]''' using as few arrows as possible. Achieving first place in this challenge is impossible without at least a few upgrades, key of those being upgrades that increase target penetration and damage. To accomplish this, purchase at least the following upgrades: 
*'''Power String''' for +2 penetrations per shot.
*'''Stabweed Arrowheads''' for +50% damage.
*'''Reinforced Bow Limbs''' for +2 penetrations per shot.
After purchasing these upgrades, you should be able to line up each line of targets and pierce them all with a single shot, even without the need for a Power Shot. Perfecting your aim so that the arrow travels straight through all targets could take some practice, but overall shouldn't prove too difficult.
==[[File:Bastion weapon War Machete.png|25px]] Windbag Ranch==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 60 seconds or less
| Ghost Blade
|-
| Second
| 90 seconds or less
| Something Pointy
|-
| Third
| Any time
| Something Sharp
|} 
This challenge requires you to defeat all enemies in the area using the '''[[../Weapons#War Machete|War Machete]]''', with the added caveat that this must be done as quickly as possible. Do not bother attempting to place first in this challenge without at least a few upgrades, including the following: 
*'''Keen Edge''' for +20% critical hit chance.
*'''Combat Handle''' for +100% critical hit damage.
*'''Alloy Tip''' for +20% critical hit chance.
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Machete.jpg|right|thumb|Start by dealing with the Squirts that spawn in the center of the area, as these will be more difficult to catch later.]] 
The last two recommended upgrades, '''Reinforced Spine''' and '''Graver Bolster''', allow for even more critical hit damage with a greater rate of attack, so make sure to purchase them if you feel that you still need the additional help. Once all necessary upgrades are equipped, begin the stage and head straight for the center of the area, where a great number of green [[../Enemies#Squirt|Squirts]] continuously spawn. Make sure to continue slashing at them until they finish spawning, ignoring the attacks of the Squirt generators and [[../Enemies#Security Turret|Security Turrets]]. Once they've finished spawning, pursue any that have escaped before tackling the remaining enemies, which consist only of regular Squirts (which should be easier to catch) and stationary enemies. Cut down the Squirt generators and throw the blade at the Security Turrets to finish them off quickly, preferably with a Power Shot.
==[[File:Bastion weapon Fang Repeater.png|25px]] Trapper Shingle==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| All 64 targets
| Snooze Dart
|-
| Second
| 48 targets or more
| Something Greasy
|-
| Third
| Any # of targets
| Something Nasty
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Repeater.jpg|right|thumb|Shoot at as many targets as the Repeater can reach before having to reload; this acts as your prompt to move on.]]
This challenge requires you to shoot all targets on either side of a narrow walkway. Falling off of the walkway will conclude the challenge early, though there is an added challenge in the way that the ground falls below the Kid as he walks across it, similar to [[../The Sundown Path/]]. This limits the time that the Kid has to fire at the targets, as he must keep moving as he shoots. This is made more difficult by the fact that this challenge belongs to the '''[[../Weapons#Fang Repeater|Fang Repeater]]''', a ranged weapon that cannot be fired while moving. Upgrades for the Fang Repeater are necessary in order to power through the entire path, including but not limited to the following: 
*'''Double Clip''' for +8 ammo capacity.
*'''Heavy Bolts''' for +50% damage.
*'''Hollowed Chamber''' for +8 ammo capacity.
The ammo capacity upgrades can be swapped for faster reloads, but the former is recommended since the Kid can simply reload as he moves toward the next group of targets. A greater ammo clip and increased damage allows the Fang Repeater to tear through groups of targets much more quickly, making this challenge a breeze.
==[[File:Bastion weapon Scrap Musket.png|25px]] Zulwood Grove==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 15 shots or less
| Scrap Salvo
|-
| Second
| 22 shots or less
| Something Foul
|-
| Third
| Any # of shots
| Something Coarse
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Musket.jpg|right|thumb|Fire at the edge of a group of targets to push them all over the edge with one shot.]]
This challenge requires you to destroy all targets on the map in as few shots as possible. The targets must be destroyed with the '''[[../Weapons#Scrap Musket|Scrap Musket]]''' by simply shooting them off the cliff, but this is easier said than done considering the massive cluster of targets to be dealt with. While some targets are close enough to the edge, some may take multiple shots to drop off. This is where the necessity of upgrades come in, with a particular focus on spread rather than range. To accomplish this challenge easily, make sure to purchase these upgrades:
*'''Smoothbore Barrel''' for +35% spread at the cost of -15% range.
*'''Heavy Shells''' for +15% damage.
*'''Tactical Shock''' for a reduced penalty to long-range damage.
The third upgrade should make up for the loss in range provided by the first upgrade, allowing you to reach targets at a greater distance with an impressive spread.
==[[File:Bastion weapon Cael Hammer.png|25px]] The Scrap Yard==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 27 seconds or less
| Stunning Wallop
|-
| Second
| 40 seconds or less
| Something Wrong
|-
| Third
| Any time
| Something Heavy
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Hammer.jpg|right|thumb|The small objects by the border of the map make for an easy way to increase your count.]]
This challenge requires the Kid to destroy 100 objects in the environment in as little time as possible. This destructive challenge naturally belongs to the '''[[../Weapons#Cael Hammer|Cael Hammer]]''', a melee weapon with decent reach and impressive strength. To ease the difficulty of this challenge, consider maximizing the destructive power of the Cael Hammer using the following upgrades:
*'''Sledge Head''' for +50% damage.
*'''Reverse Grip''' for a more powerful uppercut attack.
*'''Alloy Shaft''' for +50% damage.
However, keep in mind that there is no foolproof strategy to accomplish this challenge, even with all upgrades equipped. The destruction of most (but not all) objects in the environment is necessary, so it does not matter which path you take or which side you start with. Just be sure to swing the hammer out of a dodge roll when trying to reach objects that are a distance away from the Kid, rather than simply walking to them, and even dodge into smaller objects to destroy them more efficiently. 
==[[File:Bastion weapon Dueling Pistols.png|25px]] Slinger Range==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 700 points or more
| Slinger Storm
|-
| Second
| 500 points or more
| Something Stringy
|-
| Third
| Any score
| Something Greasy
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Pistols.jpg|right|thumb|Fire at dummies as soon as they appear for a high score in this challenge.]]
This challenge requires the Kid to fire at dummies with the '''[[../Weapons#Dueling Pistols|Dueling Pistols]]''' as soon as they appear, with as much speed as possible. The speed with which the Kid is able to target the dummies and destroy them affects his final score, with a greater score indicating greater speed. Damage upgrades will assist most here, including the following:
*'''Sealed Cylinders''' to eliminate bullet scatter.
*'''High Caliber Chambers''' for +25% damage.
*'''Cauldron Powder''' for +1 target penetration per shot.
These upgrades focus the bullets of the Dueling Pistols and make them more powerful, though there is a way to earn first place in this challenge without maximizing the damage output of the Dueling Pistols with upgrades. Simply equip the Werewhiskey Spirit at the Distillery and drop off of the platform at the start of the area until it activates. This will make the bullets of the Dueling Pistols much more powerful, allowing you to take down the dummies quickly even without upgrades.
==[[File:Bastion weapon Brusher's Pike.png|25px]] Camp Dauncy==
{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
! Place
! Requirement
! Prize
|-
| First
| 60 seconds or less
| Brusher Sweep
|-
| Second
| 90 seconds or less
| Something Nasty
|-
| Third
| Any time
| Something Pointy
|} 
[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Pike.jpg|right|thumb|Werewhiskey provides a damage boost against the Pincushions if the upgrades aren't available just yet.]]
This challenge is a bit more complex than the others, requiring the Kid to travel around a relatively large map with only the '''[[../Weapons#Brusher's Pike|Brusher's Pike]]''' equipped. Throughout this map he must find and activate six switches as quickly as possible, but the catch here is that [[../Enemies#Pincushion|Pincushions]] are scattered around every corner of the map, constantly firing needles on a fixed path. These needles will inevitably block the Kid's path, though he can power through a few sets of needles if he has enough health. The Werewhiskey Spirit would come in handy in such a case, as it greatly increases the Kid's strength against the Pincushions. For a less risky strategy, simply upgrade the Brusher's Pike with the following upgrades:
*'''Reinforced Shaft''' for +15% critical hit chance.
*'''Hunting Grip''' for +50% critical hit damage.
*'''Brusher Bindings''' for +20% faster thrust attacks.
*'''Heavy Counterweight''' for +50% damage.
These upgrades allow the Brusher's Pike to defeat a Pincushion in one strike, as opposed to the two strikes that they normally take. This should prove to be a great time saver, though taking the most efficient path through the map is just as important. Start by taking the left path and proceed to move around the map in a circle, activating switches and striking at any Pincushions in the way as you go.

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 *'''Heavy Counterweight''' for +50% damage.
 These upgrades allow the Brusher's Pike to defeat a Pincushion in one strike, as opposed to the two strikes that they normally take. This should prove to be a great time saver, though taking the most efficient path through the map is just as important. Start by taking the left path and proceed to move around the map in a circle, activating switches and striking at any Pincushions in the way as you go.
-==[[File:Bastion weapon Army Carbine.png|25px]] Trigger Hill==
-{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
-! Place
-! Requirement
-! Prize
-|-
-| First
-| 35 seconds or less
-| Trigger Blitz
-|-
-| Second
-| 50 seconds or less
-| Something Coarse
-|-
-| Third
-| Any time
-| Something Fancy
-|}
-[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Carbine.jpg|right|thumb|Charge the shot when a target is far away, and fire quickly if they're close by.]]
-This challenge is short and simple, simply requiring the destruction of targets that spawn in as short a time as possible using the '''[[../Weapons#Army Carbine|Army Carbine]]'''. Charge the shot (ideally for a Power Shot) by waiting to fire if the target is too far for the Army Carbine's range otherwise. For targets that are closer by, save time by firing immediately. For example, the two targets that begin the challenge will be very close to the platform that the Kid stands on, allowing him to fire as soon as the gun lands on them. The next set of targets will be a distance away, surrounded by Vineapples that can only be destroyed with a charged shot. The next set will be even further away, requiring charged shots yet again. Last of all are the Security Turrets on the other side of the area, some of which are further and some of which are closer. Shoot wisely to save time. The following upgrades will provide further assistance:
-*'''Speed Tuning''' for +30% speed while aiming.
-*'''Marksman Barrel''' for +50% aiming speed.
-*'''Reinforced Chamber''' for +10% critical hit chance.
-For additional damage, you can also use the same alternate strategy detailed for the Slinger Range; equip the Werewhiskey Spirit and drop off the platform until it activates before beginning the challenge.
-==Grady Incinerator==
-{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
-! Place
-! Requirement
-! Prize
-|-
-| First
-| All 72 Peckers
-| Ring of Fire
-|-
-| Second
-| 60 Peckers or more
-| Something Sharp
-|-
-| Third
-| Any # of Peckers
-| Something Foul
-|}
-[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Bellows.jpg|right|thumb|Fire at any Peckers that come your way, and deal with any stray Peckers afterward.]]
-In this challenge, the Kid must defeat as many [[../Enemies#Pecker|Peckers]] as he can in the time allotted using the '''[[../Weapons#Fire Bellows|Fire Bellows]]'''. The map is made up of three areas, with Peckers swooping in as the Kid approaches them. Health Tonics can be found between areas, so that the Kid doesn't have to worry about his health being depleted as the Peckers crowd him; focus only on taking them down. This task is usually simple enough, as Peckers' primary method of attack is to swoop in close and peck on the Kid, but they will sometimes drift from the flock, making the Kid give chase with a weapon that lacks range. With the right upgrades, you should be able to earn first place easily even if the Kid has to spend some time chasing after the Peckers. Recommended upgrades include:
-*'''Volatile Fuel''' for flames that spread wider.
-*'''Napalm Reservoir''' for flames that cause a lasting burn.
-*'''Cooling Intake''' for +20% fuel regeneration.
-Additional upgrades may help, but the upgrades listed above should suffice. Alternatively, you can equip the Stabsinthe Spirit, which causes the Kid to automatically retaliate after he's been injured by the Peckers, an inevitability given his proximity to them.
-==Boundless Bay==
-{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
-! Place
-! Requirement
-! Prize
-|-
-| First
-| All 80 Squirts
-| Bomb Barrage
-|-
-| Second
-| 60 Squirts or more
-| Something Heavy
-|-
-| Third
-| Any # of Squirts
-| Something Burnt
-|}
-[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Mortar.jpg|right|thumb|Wait until the Squirts have gathered to fire.]]
-This is one of the easiest challenges in the game, even without the use of upgrades. In it, the '''[[../Weapons#Galleon Mortar|Galleon Mortar]]''' is pitted against a squad of lowly Squirts, drifting back and forth in an area unreachable by the Kid. There is no time limit here, but there is a limit of five shots. With only those five shots, he must defeat all Squirts in the area in order to attain first place. This is easier than it sounds, but to ensure victory, consider the following upgrades:
-*'''Burstone Bombs''' for +25% blast radius.
-*'''Blast System''' for +15% critical hit chance.
-*'''Shrapnel Charges''' for +25% blast radius.
-If it hasn't been done already, this is also an easy spot to complete the Vigil associated with the Galleon Mortar. Just remember that there is no time limit; you can wait as long as you need to for the Squirts to float close enough together so that the Mortar can blast a large number of them with only one shot. The Secret Skill awarded for first place is certainly worth the hassle.
-==Mancer Observatory==
-{| {{prettytable|notwide=1|float=left}}
-! Place
-! Requirement
-! Prize
-|-
-| First
-| All Conductors remain
-| Calamity Rockets
-|-
-| Second
-| 4 Conductors remain
-| Something Burnt
-|-
-| Third
-| 1 Conductor remains
-| Something Wrong
-|}
-[[File:Bastion screen Proving Grounds Cannon.jpg|right|thumb|Fire before the Gasfellas come into view for an early start against them, even without the Tracking Processor.]]
-This challenge requires the Kid to defend a row of Conductors against invading Gasfellas using only the '''[[../Weapons#Calamity Cannon|Calamity Cannon]]'''. While the Calamity Cannon is powerful, aiming it properly is very difficult, making this task easier said than done. This is particularly the case when Gasfellas stray from the group, becoming easily-missable targets. Thus, first place should only be attempted after the final upgrade has been purchased. The recommended upgrades include the following:
-*'''Supercharged Emitter''' for rockets that cause knockback.
-*'''Blast Generator''' for +20% blast radius.
-*'''Speed Configuration''' for +35% reload speed.
-*'''Incendiary Fuel Cell''' for +20% blast radius.
-*'''Tracking Processor''' for rockets that seek out foes.
-The last upgrade is easily the most important, though upgrading the rockets' blast radius certainly helps. However, the final upgrade can only be achieved by obtaining third place, for the Calamity Cannon's final upgrade material (with the exception being a New Game+ file, in which all upgrade materials from the previous game carry over). Even obtaining third place is difficult without the final upgrade, as the destruction of all Conductors will result in a mandatory do-over. However, a trick that makes this a bit more doable is to aim in the direction of the Gasfella's path, rather than at the Gasfella itself. If you are able to predict the Gasfella's movement, the rocket will collide with it in time. Destroy enough of them so that at least one Conductor is left standing, allowing you to pick up the material and give the Calamity Cannon its final upgrade, which in turn makes this challenge all too easy.
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