FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch is a dark 2D Metroidvania that is currently a console PlayStation exclusive, although the game is also available on PC. Set in a cyberpunk world filled with anthropomorphic animals, society was running smoothly until it was taken over by robots; nowadays, all of the furry critters live in fear of their oppressors.
Rayton, the hero, finally decides enough is enough when his friend is taken away. FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch is more Metroid than Castlevania with action at the core of the gameplay without typical RPG elements. The combat also falls in line with 3D action games. It’s a bit tough to get into so here are some easy tips to learn for FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch.
7 No Difficulty Selection
Before someone picks up this game, it is important to know that there are no difficulty options at the start. Unlike other recent Metroidvanias such as Axiom Verge 2, FIST does not offer any alternatives either. For example, Axiom Verge 2 has a meter to turn damage up or down. This takes the place of a difficulty level and allows players to create a more customizable experience.
It would be great if FIST offered something like this as well. The difficulty, as it stands now, is fair but there are some challenging peaks.
6 Typical Metroidvania Upgrades
The main character, Rayton, can be upgraded in a few different ways. The checkpoints in this cyberpunk game allow players to buy moves in order to extend the combat move set.
There is a shop as well which holds more permanent character upgrades such as HP Extracts. When three of these items are collected by Rayton, the character's health will be upgraded. There are other items like this as well in FIST that are designed to upgrade various meters. HP Extracts can be found in the levels and aren’t just a shopping upgrade.
5 Save Money For The Shop
Instead of experience points, defeated enemies drop money. This is how players can buy items at the shop or moves at the checkpoint machine. There are some cool moves to buy, but most money should be saved for the shop.
Increasing bars like the HP meter is far more useful than getting a new combo attack. Players also shouldn't feel obliged to use their money just because they have it. Death will not cause Rayton to lose all his money like a roguelike, so there is no need to treat cash as a fickle commodity. Saving money is a wise thing to do in FIST so that Rayton doesn't end up lacking funds when he sorely needs it.
4 Look Out For Grates
Like Final Fantasy 7, a game from which FIST seems to take inspiration, there are lots of grates in the city. As it so happens, most of these gates can be smashed. There is an early grate in the campaign that seemingly teaches this to players. Found on walls or on floors, gates can be smashed with just the normal fist.
These usually lead to upgrade items like the aforementioned HP Extracts; many times, they also lead to literal piggy banks. Finding these treasures is an easy way to increase money quickly. So, explore thoroughly.
3 Take Manual Notes
FIST's map is very useful as it marks down many items. From chests that cannot be opened to doors that are locked, most things are automatically noted. It’s kind of like the map system in the recent Resident Evil games that started prominently with the remake of the second game.
Even though the map system is great in FIST, it is still encouraged for players to take their own personal notes. See a chest that cannot be opened? Take a screenshot or make a manual note just in case. This is a tip that can be applied to a lot of Metroidvanias.
2 Dashing And Healing
In the early hours of the game, Rayton doesn't have much for defense. There is a dash that players can perform while in combat but it does not go through enemies. This can make combat extra tricky when trying to dodge attacks. Eventually, weapons like the drill will give players a shield. What should someone do while they wait for this upgrade?
The most obvious piece of advice is to jump and dash away. It’s not the most fluid approach to combat but it is something. If players need to heal, they should get as far away as possible because drinking carrot juice can be interrupted. Running away, in general, is an option too.
1 Don’t Give Up
The best piece of advice for beginners of FIST is to simply stick with it. Combat is not that tight in the early hours of the game, and it could even be described as clunky. Getting that drill arm helps out a lot, not just in terms of providing defensive measures for battle but also due to the increased mobility it provides.
The first couple hours of the campaign are tough. Practice makes perfect in FIST and most Metroidvanias. If all else fails, try to grind through enemies for cash to unlock new moves or shop items. This may help in the long run. Every player is different though and one never knows what might help out until a player tries something out.
FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC.