Pacifist Challenge Guide: Megabonk

Conquering the **Pacifist Challenge** in Megabonk demands ingenuity, as players must defeat all Forest Tier 1 bosses without touching a single weapon. This grueling test rewards persistence with permanent Silver multipliers and progress toward full completion, making it a cornerstone for dedicated players.

Unlocking the Challenge and Its Rewards

Access the Pacifist Challenge after clearing Forest Tier 1 in standard mode. It joins 12 other trials, each offering Silver boosts that stack permanently. Success here doubles your Silver intake from this stage, accelerating upgrades across runs. Achievements tied to it also edge you closer to 100% completion, a badge of true mastery.

The core rule is simple yet brutal: no weapons allowed. Items, tomes, and passive effects like Thorns remain fair game, shifting focus from direct combat to clever damage-over-time and area control.

Optimal Character Choices for Success

While any character can theoretically win through luck, certain picks shine brighter due to innate abilities that synergize with non-weapon damage.

• Athena: Her default Aegis shield enables tanky playstyles. Without it, pair with multi-target items to mimic her strengths. Prioritize Shield and Armor tomes for durability.
• Tony McZoom (Tony Maxum): Blazing speed and built-in shield make him ideal. His Zap charges via movement, triggering on Thorns contact for chain damage. Rush Thorns tomes or Charge Shrines.
• Sir Oofie: Reliable shielding absorbs hits, amplifying Thorns output. Stack Armor for sustained engagements.
• Mog: Poison-spreading passive turns cheese and similar effects into crowd-clearers, easing early waves.

Table of Character Pros and Cons:

Essential Tomes to Prioritize

Tomes define your build. Early picks set the run’s tone, so restart if RNG fails you.

• Shield Tome: First upgrade target. Boosts survivability for Thorns rampage.
• HP Regen and Armor Tomes: Transform you into an unkillable fortress, essential for boss dives.
• Thorns Tome: Core damage source. Level aggressively for Tony or Athena.

Avoid these:

• Projectile Speed, Cooldown, Quantity, Duration, Chaos, Battery, Turbo Skates, Backpack – they push weapon reliance or clutter.

Purchase the **Toggler Upgrade** pre-run to disable unwanted tomes dynamically.

Powerhouse Items for Damage

Items bridge the weapon gap. Hunt chests, Moai Statues, and pots relentlessly.

Thorns-Dependent Gems

• Moldy Cheese, Cactus, Thunder Mitts, Unstable Transfusion, Moldy Gloves, Slurp Gloves
• Shattered Knowledge, Quin’s Mask, Cursed Grabbies, Power Gloves, Lightning Orb
• Dragonfire, Joe’s Dagger (kill-trigger variants like Slutty Cannon, Soul Harvester need initial kills)

Standalone Killers

• Cursed Doll (stacks for massive output)
• Poison sources for Mog synergy

Early pots yield levels and items; shrines (except Greed) offer buffs. Green/white minimap icons guide you.

Step-by-Step Run Strategy

1. Opening Rush (0-1 Min): Dispatch initial spawns with starter weapons if available, then shatter every pot for XP/items. Aim for Shield Tome; restart otherwise.
2. Build Phase: Kite enemies into Thorns range. Use shield to farm hits, regen via pots/shrines. Grab chests/Moai.
3. Mid-Run Scaling: Activate non-Greed shrines for Thorns/charges. Stack 3+ Cursed Dolls or poison for waves.
4. Boss Tackle: Tank with maxed defenses. Zap/Thorns for Tony; multi-items for Athena. Under 6-min clears unlock extras.

Expect restarts – RNG rules Megabonk. A strong minute-one snowballs into victory.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

• Greed Shrines: Skip; they spawn extras you can’t handle early.
• No Early Thorns: Pivot to poison or restart.
• Boss Stalls: Ensure multi-target items; single-hits drag.
• Shield Breaks: Kite, pot-hunt till regen.

Advanced Tactics from Top Runs

Community plays highlight synergies: Tony’s speed farms XP via charged Zaps on Thorns-touch. Athena with evasion tomes dodges while stacking Dolls. Mog poisons melt groups, Thorn-finishing bosses. Steam guides stress Sir Oofie’s hit-soak for reliable Thorns.

FAQ

Can I use any character for Pacifist?

Yes, but Tony McZoom, Athena, and Sir Oofie excel due to shields and passives.

What if I don’t get Shield Tome first?

Restart. It’s pivotal for early survival.

Are item kills allowed?

Absolutely – only weapons are banned. Thorns and items clear the run.

How many bosses must I beat?

All Forest Tier 1 bosses without weapons.

Does this boost Silver permanently?

Yes, doubles gains from this stage forever.

Why Tackle Pacifist Now?

Beyond rewards, it hones non-weapon mastery, prepping harder tiers. With these tools, “pretty fu**ing hard” becomes achievable. Dive in, iterate, triumph.