The Relic First Guardian launch guide and first-session checklist

Before you press Play

Use this checklist to avoid mixing current launch facts with old pre-release pages:

1. Confirm the store and platform. This guide covers the released Windows version on Steam.
2. Check the price in your region. The US listing shows $49.99, but currency and tax vary.
3. Check hardware on the live store page. Requirements can change after launch; do not rely on an old screenshot.
4. Update the controller and GPU drivers. Steam marks the game Full Controller Support and recommends a gamepad.
5. Leave update space. The store’s install size is not a guarantee of every future patch size.

The FAQ tracks demo, Deck, multiplayer and achievement status. It is separate from this play checklist so unknown features do not get presented as launch promises.

A useful first-hour route

1. Read the controls before changing them

Complete the opening prompts once and identify dodge, guard, healing, interaction and camera-lock inputs. If the game offers remapping, change only the inputs that actually cause errors. Changing everything immediately makes it harder to follow on-screen prompts.

2. Treat stamina as a safety budget

The official description frames combat around deliberate attacks, defense and timing. Do not spend the entire stamina bar on an opening combo. Keep enough for one defensive response until you know an enemy’s recovery window. This is a learning rule, not a claim about an exact hidden stamina formula.

3. Compare weapons by recovery, not only damage

Official material confirms five weapon types. During early access to each type, compare:

• attack reach and how easily it hits a moving target;
• time before you can dodge or guard again;
• stamina consumed by a safe sequence;
• whether its rhythm matches single targets or groups.

The current weapons guide separates verified weapon facts from choices that still need hands-on testing. A viral “best weapon” label published before reliable testing is not a substitute for those four checks.

4. Read relic and rune conditions word for word

The publisher describes progression without traditional levels, using relics and runes instead. That makes the activation condition as important as the headline bonus. Before replacing an item, note whether the effect depends on a weapon type, health state, timing window or another relic. The relics and runes page is the reference for confirmed system rules.

5. Establish a repeatable save-and-return habit

When the game communicates a checkpoint or save state, confirm it before ending a session. Do not assume that collecting an item, opening a menu or reaching a new room always forces an immediate save. Until the launch build is mapped in detail, use visible in-game confirmation rather than a guessed autosave interval.

Settings baseline

Start with the game’s default preset, then change one category at a time:

• lower costly graphics options if frame pacing interferes with dodge timing;
• adjust camera sensitivity until a single stick movement does not overcorrect;
• keep subtitles on while learning names for relics, runes and locations;
• check vibration and motion options according to the controller actually connected;
• use accessibility options shown by the game instead of assuming an option exists.

This page does not publish a universal “best settings” table because hardware, resolution and controller models differ. A trustworthy performance preset needs a named device and measured build.

What not to trust on launch week

Be cautious with code lists when no official redeem menu is documented, “100% complete” maps without version information, tier lists that do not explain testing conditions, and downloads hosted outside official stores. For factual changes, prefer the current Steam page and publisher announcements.

Once the controls and first checkpoint feel stable, continue to the beginner guide for the broader system overview and use the boss guide only where its claims are marked with their verification status.