Those looking for a Bloodborne-like Indie adventure should find a lot to enjoy with Thymesia, though it is a bit on the shorter side compared to some of the other Soulslike titles in the ever-expanding genre. Players that focus solely on the "main story" and don't bother with sub-quests should only take a small handful of hours to reach the "end," depending on their skill level. But just because Thymesia is bite-sized in comparison to other Soulslike releases, doesn't mean it's lacking in weapon choice.
Players will use Corvo's Saber to dish out damage but are capable of unlocking and equipping special items called Plague Weapons. These sub weapons consume energy to use and players can also "steal them" from enemies if they strike them with a charged-up Claw Attack. Although it's possible to make it to the end of Thymesia without ever using the available Plague Weapons, there are some hidden gems among the group that make combat and progression a bit easier. Here's a look at some of the best Plague Weapons in Thymesia and where players can grab them.
How To Unlock And Upgrade Plague Weapons
Each time players encounter a new enemy, they'll have a chance to snag whatever weapon they're using by hitting the foe with a fully-charged up Claw Attack. Doing so will reave a throw-away version of their main weapon, as a Plague Weapon. The only downside is that this stolen Plague Weapon will vanish once players use it. Those that would like to keep the Plague Weapon handy will need to collect its appropriate "shard." Some Plague Weapon Shards are much easier to get than others, with a small handful appearing as guaranteed drops from larger and more imposing enemies, like bosses.
Once players find a Plague Weapon Shard they want (by slaying an enemy that uses that particular weapon until they're lucky enough to get the drop), they can head to any Beacon and unlock it in the appropriate menu. Players will also have the chance to upgrade these Plague Weapons by continuing to collect Shards that they can then turn in to unlock the next "level" of the weapon.
Scythe
- Energy Cost: 80
- Where To Find It: Scythe-wielding enemies which start appearing in the second area, the Royal Garden.
The Scythe can be a great Plague Weapon for players that are struggling to get through some of the more difficult enemy-laden areas spread throughout Thymesia's short runtime. Although the weapon is capable of doing decent damage to bosses, it really shines as a sweeping AOE-style ability that is capable of striking multiple enemies at once. It uses a paltry 80 energy in exchange for its wide-sweeping attack and players can unlock a "combo" (adding another swipe) by increasing its level.
As an added benefit, the Scythe is capable of refilling some of Corvo's health on hit, and this effect increases if players have 20+ points invested into Plague. Once fully upgraded, the Scythe will increase its damage output by 100% and its Wound damage by 200%.
Miasma
- Energy Cost: 120
- Where To Find It: The first real boss, Odur, which can be found at the end of the main Sea of Trees level.
Although Corvus is capable of deflecting a wide array of enemy attacks (while simultaneously doing deflection damage), there are times in which players must dodge out of the way to avoid incoming unblockable strikes and grabs. Dodging is also preferable to deflection at times, as it takes more concentration and timing to reflect an attack properly, something that can be very difficult when players are surrounded by enemies or dealing with a particularly powerful boss.
For this reason, players that end up favoring dodges may want to pick up Miasma as a Plague Weapon. This ability, once activated, will allow Corvus to dodge quickly and endlessly for a short period of time. It also creates a sort of "teleporting dodge" in which players "poof" a small distance. It can be used to traverse larger sections of maps more quickly thanks to the ability to spam the dodge over and over. Once upgraded, players can activate the ability a second time to perform a Phantom Slash, which will also increase in damage based on how many stacks of Miasma a player has obtained (something awarded for dodging enemy attacks effectively).
Shield
- Energy Cost: 40
- Where To Find It: Players can nab Shield Shards from large Shield-wielding enemies that begin showing up in the Royal Garden.
Similar to Miasma for dodge enthusiasts, the Shield is a useful tool for those that prefer to stick close to their enemies and deflect their attacks. For a paltry 40 Energy, players can pull out a shield to block against enemy attacks, and then counter-attack by rushing forward after a successful block. When leveled up, the shield also gains access to an instant (and heavier) counterattack that players can activate as soon as they block an incoming strike.
The shield is incredibly useful in a pinch and players can even upgrade their Vitality (to 20 points) to unlock the ability to block previously unblockable enemy critical attacks. When fully upgraded, the shield is also capable of dishing out tons of damage, especially to wounds.
Greatsword
- Energy Cost: 100
- Where To Find It: Greatsword-wielding enemies found as early as the Royal Garden.
There are a few offensive-style Plague Weapons that are capable of dishing out some serious damage in Thymesia. One of the best is the Greatsword, thanks to its massive health-draining hits and its ability to knock enemies off their feet. Although it has a bit of a windup compared to other Plague Weapons, the Greatsword can easily break Super Armor (when enemies are attacking, interrupting them) even at its first level, un-upgraded.
When players fully upgrade it, the Greatsword will dish out massive damage to both regular health and wounds, and is much faster to cast thanks to its extra-input horizontal slash. Further, if players put points into Vitality (approximately 20 for the best buff) they can reduce the damage intake they receive from enemies when casting the Plague Weapon (up to 50%) making it possible to tank through enemy strikes.
Knife
- Energy Cost: 40
- Where To Find It: Knife-wielding enemies in the earliest portions of the game, the Sea of Trees.
Enemies in Thymesia can be a bit of a hassle for players thanks to the Wound mechanic. Some of the toughest enemies found throughout the game won't go down unless players can successfully drain two separate health bars from them. The main bar (white) will go down via Saber attacks and other damaging moves, peeling back to show a secondary green bar underneath. This green bar represents an enemy's Wounds, and players will need to quickly get rid of them or enemies may end up regaining their health after a short period of time.
Players can use the Claw attack to sap away this Wound bar, but the Knife Plague Weapon is arguably faster and better for the job. Once fully upgraded, players can deal additional damage to Wounds and strip them away quickly by throwing out fast thrust attacks that only cost 40 Energy per jab. This weapon is great at taking down tankier bosses faster by keeping them from healing.
Bow
- Energy Cost: 40
- Where To Find It: Bow-wielding enemies found as early as the Royal Garden.
The Bow is arguably the best Plague Weapon in Thymesia, thanks to its impressive range and heavy damage output at higher upgrade levels. Players can rattle off arrows for only 40 Energy each, and once upgraded, they'll be able to fire a second arrow in quick succession for an additional 20 Energy. This can be a great way to whittle down a boss or tough enemy that is exceptionally aggressive at close range.
The Bow will keep Corvus out of danger while simultaneously dishing out some serious damage when it's fully upgraded. It will also add a bleeding effect if players have 10 points in Strength, and deals incredible damage to Wounds if players strike enemies with an arrow during a Critical Attack.