This guide will walk you through Resident Evil Village’s Stronghold section on Hardcore difficulty without taking damage. Follow these strategies to maintain a clean run while efficiently handling Lycans and optimizing your resources.

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Pre-Stronghold Preparation

1. Combine & Sell Treasures:
   • Combine Blood Rubies with Necklace with Two Holes to create Dimitrescu’s Necklace.
   • Sell Crystal Fragments, Crystal Moreau, Silver Angel Statue, Antique Coin, Chartreuse Skull, Golden Lady Statue, Caesar’s Goblet, and Four Meat.
   • Fully craft and consume Samal de Pest Dish (3 Fish, 1 Finest Fish).
   • Upgrade Wolfsbane, F2 Sniper Rifle, and W870 TAC Shotgun.
2. Stockpile Ammo & Mines:
   • Ensure you have Explosive Rounds, Sniper Ammo, Shotgun Shells, and Pipe Bombs.

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Entering the Stronghold

1. Dealing with Goats (Optional for No-Hit Runs)

• Use the sniper rifle to eliminate the two goats before the entrance. They can stagger and cause unnecessary damage.

2. First Lycan Encounter

• Shotgun at the ready.
• Follow the left path near the rock; ensure no Lycans are visible on the right.
• If a Lycan is in sight, shoot immediately with the shotgun.
• Proceed forward without hesitation; any hesitation risks an ambush.

3. Courtyard Ambush & First Wave

• Hide behind the pillar and shoot the red barrel when the Lycan runs across.
• Switch to the shotgun and headshot all archers.
• Before climbing the ladder, turn around and explode the red barrel to clear stragglers.
• Climb up, keeping the shotgun ready for any remaining Lycans.

4. Second Wave Setup & Execution

• Loot everything, including the mine on the barrel.
• At the top of the ladder, place a mine as a failsafe.
• Pull the lever and prepare for the next wave:
  1. Headshot the left Lycan.
  2. Move down and headshot the lower left Lycan.
  3. Return upper left, headshot another Lycan.
  4. Move upper right and deal damage (no need to kill).
• Wait at the ladder and use the shotgun for any Lycans climbing up.
• If the mine doesn’t detonate, retrieve it before proceeding.

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Next Room: Explosive Tactics & Zipline

1. Prepping the Encounter

• Equip Explosive Rounds in the Grenade Launcher.
• Place a mine in the middle of the circular rock.
• Pick up shotgun ammo before moving back.
• Aim at the barrel and wait for Lycans to run in.

2. Executing the Attack

• One Lycan will trigger the mine.
• Shoot the red barrel once the right Lycan moves close.
• Loot quickly and retreat to avoid being cornered.

3. The Zipline Trick

• Have your shotgun ready for close-range Lycans.
• Grab the explosive rounds on the barrel.
• Wait for the fourth Lycan to jump across the beams, then shoot the red barrel.
• Wait a few seconds before using the zipline to avoid incoming Lycans.
• Pick up sniper rounds on the bridge.

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Final Wave: The Armored Lycans

1. Prepping for Heavy Combat
   • Equip two Pipe Bombs.
   • Switch to Explosive Rounds.
2. Execution
   • Throw two Pipe Bombs at the grouped Lycans.
   • Fire an Explosive Round to clear survivors.
   • Swap to Flash Rounds and fire one shot to stun remaining enemies.
   • Loot quickly but don’t get greedy.
   • Pick up Magnum Ammo before proceeding.

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Final Preparations Before Urias Boss Fight

• Grab Metal Scrap from the barrels.
• Double-check inventory: Mines, Pipe Bombs, and Explosives should be stocked.

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Final Thoughts

This no-damage route ensures maximum efficiency while minimizing risks. If you need additional help:

• Rewatch the guide video.
• Practice each section separately.
• Reach out on Discord, Twitch, or Twitter for questions.