The Relic: First Guardian is here, and like any game in the Soulslike genre, has it’s fair share of difficult bosses. Nearly 80 of them, in fact. If you’re here, you’re struggling, and thankfully, we have some hints and tips to make all the bosses a little simpler.
In this guide, we’ll be running you through the location and how to beat Stenor, The Butcher of Ash, and what rewards you’ll get for defeating the giant brute, as well as which event you’ll trigger afterwards.
How to Find Stenor, The Butcher of Ash
Maybe you’ve just beaten the Fugitive Mog, or perhaps you happened upon this random Looter camp as you explored, but either way, you’ve found yourself facing an abnormally large man with an even more abnormally large sword, which he seems determined to lodge into your head. On the far left side of the Faded Forest of Mist, not far from where the aforementioned Mog is located is the man in question, and one you’ll have to fight through several ‘normal’ enemies to get to.
Situated in the back of the Looter’s Camp is a small, fenced off area. Directly opposite the opening is a conveniently placed Tibelle’s Blessing – MAKE SURE TO USE THIS! In the centre of the fenced off area is Stenor, The Butcher of Ash, standing behind a large open fire. I’m sure you’ve figured out, but this will come in handy, cheesing the victory or not.
How to Beat Stenor, The Butcher of Ash
As soon as you enter the small enclosure, Stenor will rush you, and you’ll want to immediately raise your blocking. I used the sword and shield, meaning my shield immediately took the brunt here. Speed and versatility is paramount in this boss battle, so I’d suggest ignoring the Staff, and certainly the Axe.
CHEESE METHOD: The fire in the middle of the area can be used to impart burn on Stenor. Circle around the fire and draw his attacks close by, and he’ll end up standing on the fire. This will eventually result in him getting the Burn effect, and slowly but surely, take away little bits of his health. Once he loses it, rinse and repeat. Be patient.
Stenor, The Butcher of Ash, has several combos that’ll easily wreck you if you’re not paying attention, but the relatively slow arcs of the swing mean they’re telegraphed and easily blockable. He regularly finishes these combos with an unblockable red attack, so be prepared to dodge away.
When you can, make sure to block the attacks he’s throwing at you, and cumulatively you’ll work your way through his defense eventually stunning him. When he drops to his knees, make sure to get a full combo in for yourself. In between this, chip away at his health at the end of his combos. DON’T GET GREEDY. One hit, maybe two at most, and then back off. When you can, throw an elemental attack at him, but after the first couple, don’t be shocked if you notice him learning from your attacks and jumping out of the way of those.
UPCOMING BOSSES
- Erman, The Famished Lord
- The Prodigal Bound in Dust
Once you get Stenor, The Butcher of Ash to a third of his health, like other bosses in The Relic: First Guardian, he will become more aggressive and frenzied. Speed up your blocks and make sure to maintain the same slow, patient attacks, avoiding the Red attacks and never getting too greedy. If you can throw in a useful skill or two, do.
Do all of that, and you’ll beat Stenor, The Butcher of Ash with relative ease. In truth, he’s one of the easier bosses in The Relic: First Guardian, and shouldn’t pose too much trouble, especially after reading this guide.
Once you’ve beaten him, you’ll get a few rewards of course:
- Vengeful Reprisal
- Stenor, The Butcher of Ash Lore
- Relic Energy
Before you head out of the area and continue on your adventure, don’t miss Tarc, an NPC kept hostage by Stenor, and one that will begin a new Event, which you won’t want to miss.
For your next read, don’t miss our review of The Relic: First Guardian, or How to Beat Taylor, if you’re struggling with him.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
