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 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.
Breaker Barracks[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 5 shots | Breaker Volley |
| Second | 10 shots or less | Something Fancy |
| Third | Any # of shots | Something Stringy |
This challenge requires you to shoot down all targets with the 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.
Windbag Ranch[edit]
| 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 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.
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 Squirts continuously spawn. Make sure to continue slashing at them until they finish spawning, ignoring the attacks of the Squirt generators and 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.
Trapper Shingle[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | All 64 targets | Snooze Dart |
| Second | 48 targets or more | Something Greasy |
| Third | Any # of targets | Something Nasty |
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 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.
Zulwood Grove[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 15 shots or less | Scrap Salvo |
| Second | 22 shots or less | Something Foul |
| Third | Any # of shots | Something Coarse |
This challenge requires you to destroy all targets on the map in as few shots as possible. The targets must be destroyed with the 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.
The Scrap Yard[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 27 seconds or less | Stunning Wallop |
| Second | 40 seconds or less | Something Wrong |
| Third | Any time | Something Heavy |
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 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.
Slinger Range[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 700 points or more | Slinger Storm |
| Second | 500 points or more | Something Stringy |
| Third | Any score | Something Greasy |
This challenge requires the Kid to fire at dummies with the 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.
Camp Dauncy[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 60 seconds or less | Brusher Sweep |
| Second | 90 seconds or less | Something Nasty |
| Third | Any time | Something Pointy |
This challenge is a bit more complex than the others, requiring the Kid to travel around a relatively large map with only the Brusher's Pike equipped. Throughout this map he must find and activate six switches as quickly as possible, but the catch here is that 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.
Trigger Hill[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | 35 seconds or less | Trigger Blitz |
| Second | 50 seconds or less | Something Coarse |
| Third | Any time | Something Fancy |
This challenge is short and simple, simply requiring the destruction of targets that spawn in as short a time as possible using the 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[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | All 72 Peckers | Ring of Fire |
| Second | 60 Peckers or more | Something Sharp |
| Third | Any # of Peckers | Something Foul |
In this challenge, the Kid must defeat as many Peckers as he can in the time allotted using the 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[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | All 80 Squirts | Bomb Barrage |
| Second | 60 Squirts or more | Something Heavy |
| Third | Any # of Squirts | Something Burnt |
This is one of the easiest challenges in the game, even without the use of upgrades. In it, the 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[edit]
| Place | Requirement | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First | All Conductors remain | Calamity Rockets |
| Second | 4 Conductors remain | Something Burnt |
| Third | 1 Conductor remains | Something Wrong |
This challenge requires the Kid to defend a row of Conductors against invading Gasfellas using only the 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.