The Plucky Squire: 6 Tips & Tricks For Beginners

The Plucky Squire takes place in a storybook wherein a hero, Jot, has been tasked with taking down an evil wizard named Humgrump. On the way, he is joined by his friends, but once Jot reaches Humgrump, things change. Humgrump has gotten ahold of the very book they are inhabiting and can manipulate it by sending Jot out into the real world to his monsters.

The Plucky Squire is a very meta-heavy game that breaks reality and traditional gameplay boundaries alike. It’s a lot to take in initially, even though the game could be described as The Legend of Zelda meets Paper Mario. For those struggling to get the hang of The Plucky Squire, here are some useful beginner tips that can help make the process easier.

6 Check Out The Assist Options

Give Jot Some Godlike Abilities

Those new to top-down action games like this are in for a treat in the assist features department. Players can choose from two different difficulties at the start: Adventure Mode and Story Mode. It’s recommended to begin on Adventure Mode because the combat is not too challenging. Players can also change difficulties in the options at any time.

Better yet, the assist options can truly turn Jot into a godlike hero. Players can increase how high he jumps during platforming segments and stop certain platforms from falling apart. There’s also an option to make Jot invulnerable to damage and make his sword powerful enough to kill enemies in one hit. If players are having trouble with The Plucky Squire, these options are certain to make things easier.

5 You Can Skip Mini-Games

There Is No Need To Feel Stuck

There is another assist-like option in The Plucky Squire that some may not realize is there. The game will routinely switch up gameplay with what it calls mini-games. For example, the first one players will encounter is a boxing match in the style of Punch-Out!!

There’s also a fish-catching game, a turn-based RPG, an on-rails shooter with arrows, and the list goes on. Players can opt out of any mini-game in the menu with a single click, and they should exercise their right to do so if they ever feel stuck.

4 Hit Every Bush, Pot, Tree, Etc.

Light Bulbs Should Be Collected Whenever Players Get The Chance

There is one primary source of income in The Plucky Squire via light bulbs. Since the game thrives on ideas, these light bulbs could be perceived as the personification of said ideas. Light bulbs can be obtained from slaying monsters or cutting down bushes, and players should be avid about doing this.

Trees can also be whacked, not chopped down, but sometimes they will produce more than a light bulb. The other big non-currency-based collectible in the game is art scrolls. While they do not add to the gameplay like upgrading Jot’s power, they are fun to collect and will offer some behind-the-scenes information. Thrash, Jot’s friend, for example, started as a human before he was turned into a mountainous troll.

3 Learn How The Upgrade System Works

Get The Sword Throw Badge ASAP

The biggest reason to collect lightbulbs as soon as possible is because that’s how players can upgrade Jot. There is a traveling vendor in The Plucky Squire who will update her inventory depending on where players are at in the game and what they have previously purchased. For example, the first thing players should buy is called the Sword Throw Badge, which allows Jot to throw his sword.

After that is unlocked, an upgrade will appear. This upgrade will allow players to throw the sword through enemies. The upgrades after that get even more complex, which is also true for the game’s other Badges. Thankfully, these Badges don’t have to be equipped, unlike accessories in other RPGs.

2 Check Back With The Desk Often

Things Grow Back And Change

Most progression in The Plucky Squire will be through turning pages in the book. Sometimes, Jot will be stopped on his journey to retrieve an item from the desk in the real world, like a glove that can tilt the book. When story beats like this get introduced, something will change on the desk beyond the normal mission.

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Players would be wise to check back with the desk often for secrets or just bushes that regrow, which can be cut down again. Again, gathering lightbulbs is important, and sometimes, the supply can be limiting depending on where players are at in the story. Players need to use every trick in the book to gather resources whenever possible.

1 Try Not To Rely On Mini-Moonbeard

Aim To Solve Puzzles With Any Help For A More Satisfying Experience

As great as the difficulty modes, assist options, and the skippable mini-game button are, there is something that can’t be toned down at all: the puzzles. That said, they shouldn’t be too challenging if players think critically. Between using stone blocks to hold bridges down or using words to open gates, The Plucky Squire gets creative as a puzzle game. If players do get stumped, Minibeard will typically be nearby to give some cryptic advice.

Players should resist asking him for clues, though. This simply comes down to the satisfaction that comes with solving a puzzle on one’s own. Also, if players get stuck with a puzzle because of a glitch, they should know how the save system works. There are only auto-saves, but players can revert to earlier saves in the menu if they wish. If a glitch becomes an issue, players should back out to the menu, rewind to an old save, and then try a new approach.