Walkthrough Contents
Getting Started with Blood Message
Before diving into the main walkthrough, it's essential to understand Blood Message's core mechanics and setup your character for success. This section covers the fundamental systems you'll need to master throughout your journey.
Pro Tip
Spend time in the training area before starting the main story. Understanding the combat timing and combo system early will save you countless deaths later in the game.
Essential Controls and Combat Basics
Blood Message features a deep combat system that rewards patience and timing over button mashing. The core combat mechanics include:
- Light Attack (Square/X): Fast attacks that can be chained into combos
- Heavy Attack (Triangle/Y): Powerful attacks that break enemy defenses
- Block (L1/LB): Essential for surviving tough encounters
- Dodge (Circle/B): Perfect timing dodges grant invincibility frames
- Special Abilities (R1/RB): Unique techniques that consume energy
Chapter 1: The Messenger's Burden
The opening chapter of Blood Message serves as both a narrative introduction and a gameplay tutorial. You'll learn the basic mechanics while experiencing the emotional weight of the messenger's mission.
Starting Location: Village of Shazhou
The game begins in the messenger's home village during the final preparations for his journey. This section teaches basic movement, interaction, and introduces key characters:
- The Messenger's Son: Your companion for the entire journey
- Village Elder: Provides crucial background on the political situation
- Local Blacksmith: Upgrades your starting equipment
First Combat Encounter
Your first real combat test comes when bandits attack near the village outskirts. This encounter teaches:
Bandit Leader Strategy
Health: 150 HP
Weaknesses: Vulnerable after heavy attacks, poor defense against combos
Strategy: Use light attack combos to build pressure, then finish with a heavy attack when he staggers. Don't get greedy - he hits hard if you overextend.
Key Collectibles in Chapter 1
- Tang Dynasty Coin: Hidden in the village well (requires rope from blacksmith)
- Ancient Letter: Behind the shrine (reveals background lore)
- Iron Dagger: Reward for helping the village guard
Chapter 2: Journey Through the Wasteland
Chapter 2 opens up the game world significantly, introducing survival mechanics and environmental challenges. The wasteland is harsh, but it teaches valuable lessons about resource management.
Survival Mechanics Introduction
The wasteland introduces several new gameplay elements:
- Water Management: Find oases or carry water supplies
- Temperature Effects: Day/night cycle affects combat performance
- Sandstorm Navigation: Use landmarks and compass to stay on track
Navigation Tip
Always mark important locations on your map. The wasteland can be disorienting, and you'll often need to backtrack for missed collectibles or optional content.
Desert Wolves Encounter
The pack of desert wolves represents your first multi-enemy encounter. Key strategies:
- Use the environment to your advantage - fight near rocks to limit their mobility
- Target the alpha wolf first - others become less aggressive
- Don't let them surround you - keep moving and use area attacks
Alpha Wolf Strategy
Health: 200 HP
Special Attacks: Howl (summons pack), Pounce (high damage leap)
Strategy: Interrupt the howl with heavy attacks. When it prepares to pounce, dodge to the side and counter-attack immediately.
Chapter 3: The Ancient Temple
The ancient temple serves as Blood Message's first major dungeon, combining puzzle-solving with intense combat encounters. This chapter tests everything you've learned while introducing new magical elements.
Temple Layout and Puzzle Mechanics
The temple is divided into three main sections:
- Outer Courtyard: Basic enemies and introduction to pressure plates
- Main Hall: Complex lever puzzles and trapped corridors
- Inner Sanctum: Boss encounter and story revelation
Stone Guardian Puzzle
The temple's central puzzle involves activating four stone guardians in the correct sequence:
- Eastern Guardian (Dawn): Activate first, represents new beginnings
- Southern Guardian (Midday): Represents strength and power
- Western Guardian (Dusk): Represents wisdom and reflection
- Northern Guardian (Midnight): Represents rest and completion
Temple Guardian Boss
Health: 400 HP
Phases: 3 distinct combat phases with different attack patterns
Phase 1 Strategy: Focus on mobility, avoid the sweeping attacks
Phase 2 Strategy: Use the environment - pillars block its charge attack
Phase 3 Strategy: All previous attacks plus magical projectiles - stay aggressive but careful
Chapter 4: Desert Crossing
The desert crossing represents Blood Message's midpoint and features some of its most challenging survival gameplay. Resource management becomes crucial as you navigate the vast Taklamakan Desert.
Desert Survival Strategies
Successfully crossing the desert requires careful planning:
- Travel during dawn and dusk: Avoid the harsh midday sun
- Follow the trade routes: Safer paths with oases and shelter
- Manage your supplies: Water is more important than food
- Watch for mirages: False oases that lead you off course
Sandstorm Sequence
The major sandstorm encounter is as much about navigation as survival:
Visibility Tip
During the sandstorm, listen for audio cues. Your son's voice and environmental sounds are your primary navigation tools when visibility drops to zero.
Desert Bandit Camp
The optional bandit camp provides valuable resources but requires careful approach:
- Stealth Approach: Eliminate guards silently for easier main assault
- Direct Assault: Harder but faster, triggers camp-wide alert
- Negotiation: Possible with high charisma, saves resources
Chapter 5: Mountain Pass Dangers
The Tianshan mountain pass introduces vertical gameplay elements and extreme weather challenges. This chapter focuses on platforming skills and cold weather survival.
Altitude Effects and Cold Weather
High altitude gameplay introduces several new mechanics:
- Reduced stamina regeneration: Plan your climbing routes carefully
- Cold damage over time: Find shelter or warm clothing
- Avalanche zones: Certain areas trigger deadly avalanches if you're too loud
Ice Bridge Sequence
One of Blood Message's most memorable platforming challenges:
Ice Bridge Strategy
The ice cracks with each step. Move quickly but don't run - running causes more stress on the ice. If you hear deep cracking sounds, stop immediately and let the ice settle.
Ice Wraith Encounter
Health: 300 HP
Weakness: Fire-based attacks deal double damage
Special Mechanics: Periodically becomes incorporeal, immune to physical attacks
Strategy: Use fire arrows or flame enchantments when possible. During incorporeal phases, focus on positioning and dodging ice projectiles.
Chapter 6: The Imperial City
The final chapter brings you to Chang'an, the heart of the Tang Empire. This urban environment offers new challenges and the game's climactic encounters.
City Navigation and Politics
Chang'an's complex political landscape affects gameplay:
- Guard Patrols: Avoid drawing unwanted attention
- Social Status: Your appearance affects NPC interactions
- Information Gathering: Talk to citizens to learn about recent events
Imperial Palace Infiltration
Multiple approaches to reaching the Emperor:
- Stealth Route: Sneak through servant quarters and back passages
- Social Route: Gain audience through proper channels (requires documentation)
- Combat Route: Fight through guards (high difficulty, affects ending)
Final Boss: The Corrupted General
Health: 600 HP
Phases: 4 phases, each more challenging than the last
Phase 1: Standard sword combat, uses your own techniques against you
Phase 2: Adds magical attacks and area denial
Phase 3: Summons shadow duplicates
Phase 4: Desperate final assault with all previous abilities
Key Strategy: Patience is crucial. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Use your healing items wisely and don't get greedy with attacks.
Complete Collectibles Guide
Blood Message features numerous collectibles that enhance both gameplay and story understanding. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Tang Dynasty Artifacts (25 total)
Historical artifacts that provide cultural context:
- 3 in Village of Shazhou (Chapter 1)
- 5 in the Wasteland (Chapter 2)
- 7 in the Ancient Temple (Chapter 3)
- 4 in the Desert Oases (Chapter 4)
- 3 in the Mountain Pass (Chapter 5)
- 3 in Chang'an City (Chapter 6)
Hidden Letters (12 total)
Personal correspondence that reveals character backstories and plot details.
Weapon Upgrade Materials
Essential for maximizing your combat effectiveness:
- Iron Ore: Basic upgrade material, found throughout
- Damascus Steel: Rare material for high-tier upgrades
- Celestial Fragments: Legendary materials for ultimate weapons
Achievement Guide
Complete list of achievements and how to earn them:
Story Achievements
- "The Journey Begins": Complete Chapter 1
- "Desert Survivor": Cross the wasteland without dying
- "Temple Explorer": Find all secrets in the Ancient Temple
- "Mountain Climber": Reach the highest peak in Chapter 5
- "Imperial Messenger": Complete the main story
Combat Achievements
- "Perfect Warrior": Complete any chapter without taking damage
- "Combo Master": Execute a 50-hit combo
- "Boss Hunter": Defeat all optional bosses
Collection Achievements
- "Historian": Find all Tang Dynasty Artifacts
- "Scholar": Collect all Hidden Letters
- "Master Craftsman": Fully upgrade all weapons
Final Tips for Success
Remember that Blood Message rewards patience, exploration, and tactical thinking over rapid progression. Take your time to appreciate the rich historical detail and emotional storytelling that makes this game special. The journey is just as important as the destination.