Midnight Fight Express

Midnight Fight Express

108 ratings
The MFE Challenge Bible
By Vectorman and 1 collaborators
General knowledge and tips with a heavy focus on completing challenges throughout the game.
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The Beginning
Will update challenges if they change in the future, current as of 1.01

Welcome to the guide - let's get to it!
I've included some general tips and tricks mostly with a focus on achievements/challenges.

This is written with X-Box gamepad controls so my apologies for any discrepancies in keys/moves listed.

This is written from a Normal difficulty perspective and I will not be covering variations in difficulty that may be present.

Attempt the challenges on higher difficulties at your own peril as there is no achievement benefit to doing so.
The Key Points
As I don't believe in reinventing the wheel, I will not be detailing the People Person achievement, as Demon_Aleks already did a fantastic guide on that. So if you are looking for that info, click here: People Person Guide by Demon_Aleks

The Basics
Go through the whole game, all 40 story levels, and unlock all the challenges first.
Hopefully you've done this since you're here. All your skill points come from this and you cannot complete any challenges until you complete a given level.
You could complete them along the way, replaying levels just completed, but you'll likely shortchange certain challenges and make it harder on yourself.


This is coming from someone who generally wants to maximize challenge efficiency and do multiples at the same time. I also discourage that for this game as there will be many times where doing that is counter-intuitive or straight up impossible.

Unlock counters first and foremost as they will be the most helpful across all your playthroughs. Finishers and Fighter are arguably equally useful, but the 3 right side upgrades (Grapple, Rope, and Secondary Gun) can all wait.


Once you play through the story you will have them all, but you can disable some skills as certain challenges will be easier to complete (more on this later).

The Finer Points (AKA what I've learned from experience versus tutorial)

Grappling
A lot of people complain about grappling, saying it's useless, too hard to trigger, etc. I say grappling is an undervalued moveset because it is misunderstood. The game tells you to "break a character's defense before they can be grappled." (defense = yellow bar above certain enemies)
The game doesn't tell you that enemies with weapons will be the most difficult to grapple. There is some variance with the 1.01 update, but I've been able to grapple almost any enemy with broken defense.

Once you understand this tactic, grappling becomes a versatile tool and not a hindrance.

Why you want grapples:
  • Grapple finishers (basic attack/ground slam) have invulnerability frames. You almost always want invulnerability frames.
  • The variations that grapples can offer will help you hit S-rank more often. More moves = higher score multiplier = big money points at the level end screen.
  • You need grapples for many challenges ahead. From throwing to environmental kill setups, grapples are the most accurate way to go. Learn them, embrace them.

Firearms
About midway, there are a LOT of guns present. Obviously, hand to hand is where the game shines but you will be forced to use firearms, especially to complete challenges.

Some quick tips about said firearms:
  • John Wick rules apply here, meaning enemies will only fire if you are further than punching range so stay close and make full use of your counters/finisher prompts! Those invulnerability frames can mean the difference between continuing the ass kicking and restarting a section.
  • Enemies will pick up any dropped gun and use it against you, with unlimited ammo, so be mindful of what you leave laying around.
  • Gun finishers not only look badass, but they can give you more variation needed for S-rank. Bullets can also give you ranged stacks on your combo, sometimes multiple stacks like with a shotgun blast, but beware those shooting back as that damage can destroy your precious combo.
  • If there are no melee weapons handy, use a firearm as a melee weapon. This can destroy a weapon so enemies can't make use of it and firearm melee kills are a blunt-type attack, so there is a chance for those sweet Gold Tooth kernels to drop.
  • Firearms can be vital to getting through anything with a time limit. Forget S rank if you are going for speed and hit that turbo boost on kills (AKA keep blasting).

General Combat

Combat is relatively simple but has some nuances that can be difficult to trigger. I would highly recommend using the Playground mode as it has fast, specific tutorials on each moveset. Some moves use the exact same control as others and the Playground will give you feedback to make sure you've done the move correctly. This is especially true of the rope gun and the various moves you can perform with it!

I've found disabling certain skills can be beneficial to a playstyle (or specific challenges). There is no respec or cost to change your moves, so if you don't like the way a move feels or maybe you trigger a certain attack unintentionally too often, experiment.
Other Challenges (Gold Teeth/S-Rank)
There are 120 level specific challenges in MFE (not counting S-rank and Gold Teeth).

Two quick notes before we dive head first into level by level content:

Golden Teeth

Golden Teeth can be a bit tricky to collect and may take you multiple runs on a given level. However, thanks to Corkinio and his lovely guide the way to greatly increase the odds of them dropping is very simple:
  • Go for straight punch attacks or blunt/lighter melee weapon kills. Watch for X-ray kill effects as there is likely a Gold Tooth flying away from the enemy. Rage mode is okay but...
  • Absolutely no finishers! Anything with an animation will nullify the drop chance. It may be helpful to turn off the environmental finisher skill as that can trigger constantly when fighting in smaller spaces/near walls.
  • Guns are okay just don't shoot them. Say what? Yep, just pistol-whip those bastards and get those gold nuggets. Still counts as a blunt-type melee weapon attack and prevents enemies from using that firearm.
  • One of the few uses focus has is that it can highlight dropped Gold Teeth.
    Can be useful but keep in mind that Teeth do not respect player level boundaries. Meaning if you slap someone so hard that Tooth goes to the moon (AKA outside the playable space) it's gone.

UPDATE: Once the perk "More X-ray Effects" (Construction Site, 100%) is enabled and the tips above are followed, the chance for Gold Teeth to drop becomes almost a guarantee! This perk will not prevent them from being saved and can help greatly on certain levels (looking at you, Alleyway).

S-Rank Criteria

From what I can gather, S-rank is completely score based.
This is basically one part combo meter (the deteriorating gray bar in the upper right) and one part combat variation. But really it's like an 80/20 split with combo being the far more important of the two.
If you have to throw/kick something long distance at an enemy, keep your combo alive and dew it. This is also another time when finishers can be your best friend by keeping your combo active while also maximizing invulnerability frames. Grapple, slam, grapple, finish.

That means S-rank theoretically has nothing to do with time or deaths. Though getting knocked down, tazed, taking heavy damage, or of course dying, will destroy your combo, thus harming your score. At each checkpoint the game will save your score, so if you died near one, you may be able to safely continue a S-rank run, but this will vary for each level.
There is a "no death" bonus but it's pretty minuscule (25,000) when most S-ranks require scores anywhere from 500,000 to 700,000.
1. Factory

1. Complete the level without dying:
Nothing crazy here, it's the first mission. Hopefully you can tackle this or the rest of these challenges are going to be out of your league.

2. Get to Bro-tel in less than 180 seconds:
Gotta go fast! Timer no longer runs during cutscenes, but you'll still need to haul. Nothing terribly strategic, use as many weapons as you can to speed through.

3. Kill 15 enemies with weapons:
Just like it sounds. Avoid those tempting basic finishers. Prioritize enemies who have weapons so you can utilize them yourself!

2. Bro-tel

1. Find a Knight figure and take it with you on the train:
So this refers to a small item on a desk in the starting room of the level:
Take this little bugger with you but beware - the figure will break like any other weapon. So drop it before fights, keep aware of it, and tag it along all the way to the end train jump.

2. Defeat Lil Tony with his own gun:
Method with no skills (courtesy of Matthew via Steam):
Tony only has ~6 shots, so wait him out and you can simply pick the pistol up and whoop his ass with it.

If you want to be a bit more fancy, use these skills to make it happen:
Weapon disarm or rope disarm should work equally well.
Once you've unlocked these, make sure to have them equipped, grab the gun before he uses it up and land the killing blow on Lil T.

3. Defeat 4 enemies using explosives:
These are limited (4 total), but as long as you get one kill per container, you're golden.

First one, if you dodge, you can use this against the butthole who thew it:

Second, in the workshop area to the right:

Third, same workshop area. Very useful for taking down the heavy knife wielding enemies:

Fourth, last fight area, tucked in the upper left area by the dumpster. Great spot for a multi-kill or for use against the heavy enemies that jump out of the truck:
3. Commuter Train

1. Let the helicopter sniper kill 4 enemies:
Can be a bit tricky as you are dodging the shots yourself. As soon as that shot timer shows up (red circle) do your best to put an enemy between yourself and the laser. Grappling could be a possibility, holding an enemy to be shot, though you'll be wide open for some smacks (grappling is now much easier and cannot be interrupted as of the 1.01 update).

Can be done on the rooftop but I found this inner portion of the train much easier since there are not only more enemies, but windows, giving you some hiding room if you need it.

2. Defeat all enemies inside the first train car in less than 30 seconds:
Actually kind of fun (as far as timed challenges go).
I'd recommend grabbing the knife that an enemy drops while on the train roof. As soon as you drop down, chop a few enemies and then throw it into another's skull.
This should also be around the time you have a Rage mode built up, so go all psycho midget style and check this one off.

3. Defeat all enemies without using any weapons:
Just like the challenge says, except you can use the rope gun/secondary gun. Try using the Rope Swing ability in a crowd while on top of the train. =)

Weapons refer to objects you can hold while moving normal speed (meaning thrown items are NOT weapons).
4. Metro Station

1. Defeat 7 enemies using guns:
This requires some precision planning as there are only 2 pistols on the whole level.
First, when you descend upon the train platform from the railing to toss enemies:

The second is when the Security Guards first appear:

It generally takes 3 shots to kill an enemy, so it may be best to hit them first, or shoot a weakened enemy for the killing blow.

It also may be useful to turn Auto-Aim to 100% in the options menu as there is no penalty for doing so and may help you land more shots, especially if using a controller.

2. Get to the toilet in less than 180 seconds:
These speed run level challenges just suck. They will take a few runs to get the timing down and the timer keeps running after a death, so it's usually best to restart.

Use the 2 pistols in the level to your advantage as no enemy can block a bullet. Heavy enemies will always be a chokepoint so carry a weapon and maximize your Rage when you can.

Also, treat it like you are hunting for Gold Teeth and avoid finishers. They look fantastic but they are time consuming and you need to embody Sanic. I only beat the required time by a fraction of a second and don't care to revisit this.

3. Throw 2 enemies over a railing:
This is pretty much the only spot on the level to do this:

Environmental kill in Grapple or Wall Finisher skills can both make this happen, but I prefer the Wall Finisher as it usually triggers on it's own.
However if you are having issue, slap an enemy around and then grapple them where you need them to be.
5. Restroom

1. Stick 4 plungers on enemy faces:
This one is just hilarious. There's no shortage of plungers around this level. Grab one and throw it at your nearest opponent.

2. Kill 4 enemies using a sink:
Similar to previous rail tossing challenges, this one is all about positioning. Align yourself near one of the many sinks in the level and attack an enemy towards it. If you get it right, the Wall Finisher will trigger and you'll slam them into it.
Again, these skills can be quite helpful:

3. Kill the Dicer enemy with a knife:
Just like the description says. Keep a knife for the final wave with the giant blade wielding enemy known as a Dicer. There will also only be one Dicer and they are hard to miss.
They spam unblockable attacks so light them up with your shock bullet and throw items at them to weaken them. Grab your own blade and finish the job.
6. Abandoned Metro

1. Kill 10 enemies with a big pipe or a sledgehammer:
You'll encounter the sledge first and several big pipes after. Nothing strategic here just whoop some ass.

2. Shoot Kill 5 Plaguebearers with guns:
This is one of the most misleading descriptions in the game. The Plaguebearers are a pain in the ass to shoot as they roll more than you do - BUT - you have to kill them with a gun for this count.

Two ways to go about this:
1. Attempt to grapple them, as soon as they push you away, shoot them 3x times quickly. This should be enough to kill one, huzzah. Rinse and repeat that.

2. Melee strike them with the pistol and shoot them quickly after.

There are only 3 pistols on the map though. First one is here, bastard who sneaks up on you on the bridge:

Maximize your chances of shooting Plaguebearers by grabbing that first pistol and carrying it through the train until they show up.

The second and third pistols are in the Plaguebearer fights prior to the end. Attack those enemies first to not only preserve your HP, but also to conserve ammo since it takes several shots to kill an enemy.

3. Complete the level without throwing any weapons:
Don't do it. It's that easy. Recall weapons are held in your hand, not thrown immediately.
You can toss/kick environmental items at enemies with no penalty.

7. Train Tunnel

1. Let all enemies die by getting hit by moving trains:
This one can be extremely easy or quite difficult depending on which track the enemies want to jump from. Real talk, the train hitboxes are ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, so player beware.
(The right side train hitbox has been reduced since 1.01 update, but still exercise caution)

Roll and do grapple attempts to get enemies to push you away, which will hopefully land them on the tracks. Throwing and using the Rope Swing ability are also very helpful tools, just make sure the enemies land before the train hits them or it will count as a kill for you.

2. Kill 17 enemies:
This one is a pain simply because of the limited space you have to actually fight. This is a challenge where finishers will be your friend as it will guarantee a kill for you. Lots of weapons to use, but don't go swinging too wildly or you'll lose out on kills (no) thanks to the trains.

There are around 30 enemies on the level so you can let some slip and get hit by the train, but you really need to try and corral the bad guys so you can boost your K/D.

3. Defeat all enemies without using any weapons:
You should be getting pretty good at these by now. Hand to hand is what brought you to the game in the first place, right?
Trains can be a valuable asset in this challenge. As they are not categorized as a weapon it is entirely possible to get this challenge and the first one together if you avoid weapons.
Consider removing the disarm skills just to be safe and not spoil the good run because you spammed attacks.
8. Sewers

1. Defeat Rat King and his minions in water pit in under 45 seconds:
Bring a pipe or other heavy weapon from the previous fight and go in swinging. Should only take a few hits to drop the Rat King with a heavy pipe or similar weapon.
Rat King will likely take out some of his own goons with his cyclone attack.
If you miss the time window with any enemies remaining, die and try again!

2. Complete the level without dying:
The fights are considerably easier with the 1.01 update since the Ratboys take defense damage even when they are attacking.

Carry a weapon at all times and take out Ratboys first.

Beware the Rat King cyclone combo, that thing is a run-ender after the previous Ratboy encounters.
Definitely grab a heavy weapon (Pipe or rock sledge) prior to the Rat King fight. Go in swinging and he should actually go down much easier than in previous versions.

3. Let 4 enemies die by taking damage from Ratboy poison:
The first Ratboy will not barf poison, so once you reach the upper storage area, dodge and peck at enemies to weaken them.

Once the Ratboy spews poison, try to lead enemies over it. You may be able to pull enemies with the rope gun into the poison as well. You can complete it in that room pretty easily since there are 2 Ratboys that spawn.

There is one final Ratboy after the boss fight, but with the damaging sewage that filters in just before the end, I would not recommend using this final area for grinding out any poison kills.
9. Shipyard

1. Let the crane kill 10 enemies:
Just like the train tracks in Train Tunnel, except this will give you an exact (X) drop target. Might take some dodging around, but take your time and I'm confident this should be pretty easy. The crane stays with you for ~80% of the level so you'll have lots of opportunity.

Honestly kind of annoying and will make your S-rank runs more difficult because you can't build a combo or get points from crane kills.

2. Get on the ship in less than 240 seconds:
And this is where the crane may actually help you... unless it knocks you down or kills you outright. Try to position yourself to crush multiple enemies and clear waves of enemies faster!
Cutscenes will no longer steal precious time away from your run, but finisher animations will - avoid grappling and go for basic/weapon attacks for S P E E D!

Again, the timer keeps rolling even after a death, so even one death can destroy a speed run.

3. Kill 10 enemies using electrified bats:
Dear lord there are so many electrified bats on this level. Pick them up. Use them.
Get your kills before the crane steals them.
10. The S.S. Muggler

This level has challenges that can be done all at the same time relatively easily as none conflict with each other.

1. Make Sailormen kill 3 of their allies by accident:
This one will likely start being completed without much effort on your part, Popeye Sailormen are about as reckless as they come. There are 4 encounters with Sailormen and all have standard enemies accompanying them so this should be fairly easy as long as you treat it similar to the sniper on the Commuter Train.

2. Kill Arlena without shooting a single bullet at her:
Arlena is a wily one and difficult to combat with her stun batons, there will be some wrenches enemies will drop, so you don't have to go completely hand-to-hand. Just resist the urge to shoot the nearby guns at her and you're golden.

3. Throw 5 enemies over a railing:
Probably the most difficult for this level due to the positioning needed. As with other environmental/railing challenges, these skills will be your key to get the job done:


The lower deck of the ship is difficult (or nearly impossible since the environmental kill icons don't seem to activate in this area) to achieve this, so I'd recommend going for this as you are ascending the staircases to the helm of the ship. Go for some weakening hits and line up your railing, boom another one down.
11. Oil Rig

This level is also where I achieved the "100x combo on foot" as there is a steady flow of enemies/environmental items along with not many guns or heavies to disrupt your combo.

1. Complete the level without dying:
No boss fights or crazy new enemy types so this should be a relatively straightforward challenge. Keep kicking ass and don't let up.

2. Throw 10 enemies off the Oil Rig while they are alive:
Pretty much like the previous one on the S.S. Muggler, except now you can employ the throw mechanic and does not have to be over a railing. Lots of opportunities for this one as any edge will suffice.

3. Escape from the burning Oil Rig in less than 15 seconds:
This one is tricky as some of the environment fixtures will trip you up. Plus the first giant container does not trigger my gamer intuition that it would be something reachable while jumping.

Anyway, when exiting the oil rig, stay left through the fence, then move right and vault over the low scenery:

Following that, climb onto the shipping container where the dock worker runs past. From there there are two paths, but one is more streamlined than the other. I prefer the red path outlined here since the alternative blue path requires 2x jumps and the animations may cause you to miss the 15 second window.
12. Wavechase

1. Destroy helicopter in 40 seconds:
Probably the easiest, just watch missile patterns and shoot backwards.

2. Complete the level without jumping on another jet-ski:
This will likely take a few runs to learn the enemy patterns and chopper fight. There's 3 parts to this level (Enemies first bottom spawn, enemies spawn both top and bottom while chopper shoots, then chopper fight). Keep shooting in the predicted enemy areas and you'll get it.

3. Get a 150x combo:
Getting 150x combo is tricky but not impossible as I initially thought. This could likely be done with the previous challenge as you pretty much need to stay on the same jet-ski. In my experience, once you jump to a new jet-ski, your combo vanishes. Bob and weave, keep blasting.

NOTE: Once you hit the 150x combo the challenge will not immediately register. This is because your combo needs to "end" or be calculated/transferred into your score before the game will count it.
13. Civilian Evacuation Center

1. Find 8 hidden teeth:
These look like real, non-gold, teeth and some can be obviously found. Here's where all are located (visualized by the green "A" icon in screens)

First one, right at the very start of the level:


Second, inside the first bar area:


Third, outside that same bar before walking up the plank:


Fourth, fairly obvious, but on a small dock to the left:


Fifth, continue far right, there will be a small staircase:


Sixth, this one is obscured by a sail, near the stacked bodies within the bar:

Seventh, after the operating room, take the left door to this dock:


Eighth, before entering the last building, the right dock near the jet-ski:


2. Throw enemies into water while alive:
So two ways to go about this - you can use the Fighter combo OR the Grapple environmental finisher.

For Fighter combo, two punches followed by the grab is usually enough to toss enemies out of bounds, however is very aim dependent. Luckily if you miss the throw is very low damage and you can try again.

For the Grapple environment kill, break the enemies defense and grapple them, then lead them to an edge. A pop-up should signal that you can do an environment kill there, and it is usually generous with allowing ample time to set up, if you can land the grapple.

3. Defeat 10 enemies using fish:

There's a few laying around (3 total, I believe) that look like this:

Scoop them up and get slapping. They break so make them count. Finishers will give credit too, FYI.
14. Gas Station

1. Kill 15 enemies with SMGs:
Pretty easy since you have the whole level to do it. The second wave of enemies will have an SMG so you can started. Another drops right before the shop, then another inside the shop. They have some of the largest magazines in the game, so bump that auto-aim up in the controller settings menu and get blastin'.

2. Defeat all enemies inside the shop in less than 35 seconds:
Definitely the tricky one of the level. Make sure to grab this SMG before heading into the shop:

Start blasting and use the aisles as cover. Switch SMGs as soon as you kill another enemy with one. This is usually around the time a Rage triggers also, so use that wisely but try not to get locked into lengthy finisher animations.

There are two waves of enemies in the shop, so try to be near this spot (pictured below) when you finish the first wave to quickly trigger the second:

This picture also shows the biggest threat inside the shop - the shotgun enemy. You're in close quarters and on the wrong end of the barrel. Take him down first to clear multiple enemies at once.

3. Slice 10 enemies in half:

A machete is dropped at the beginning of the level and another inside the shop - keep an eye out. Use basic attacks (no finishers) to maximize chop chance.
15. Motel

1. Kill 4 enemies with a grenade launcher:
Only one spawns on this level and it can be found during the second fight, past the flaming vehicles once the gangster has blown them up:

If you can pick it up before this group is defeated, you can get an early start, but saving it for the parking lot coming up will have greater potential, especially if the ammo is 4 or less. The next segment has a thug on the roof throwing grenades. Make the most of this as everyone will take damage from those grenades and nobody outright dies from one grenade launcher shot at full HP.

Also, make sure to tackle the challenge in the parking lot (at the latest) because once this area is clear, a cutscene is triggered and you will lose whatever weapon you were carrying.

2. Shoot 15 enemies:
Another misleading description as you need to kill 15 enemies with firearms. Super easy as there are guns available at every fight in the level so not much to say here. You'll get this guaranteed when attempting the next speed based challenge.

3. Complete the level in less than 190 seconds:
The most frustrating part about these timed challenges is that cutscenes DO NOT stop the timer! Thankfully changed since 1.01 update. Enjoy the extra time that has been afforded to you as cutscenes now pause the timer.

The one saving grace is that everyone is fighting each other the whole level - use that to your advantage. Take out weapon carrying enemies first and spam shots immediately because there is another gun nearby waiting to be used. Rolling while picking weapons can save time and your HP.

Anyway, after finishing off the first battle, the second fight will have the grenade launcher. Video game intuition will tell you to take it. I would instead encourage you to grab the shotgun that can be hidden in the mess of items:

This will give you greater clearing power through the parking lot and hopefully spend less time chasing enemies you've knocked down with the grenade launcher. The roof grenades are still annoying, but you (thankfully) get lots of warning for those, so get your roll on.

The next fight can definitely be a speed bump, so get the bat ASAP and basic attack your way out of that hall.

Grab the pistol the last enemy has with him and use it to John Wick your way through the next parking lot fight. Grab another gun before you enter the final fight area by the pool. There you will find these guys:

As previously mentioned, shotguns are king in a fighting space like this. Shoot the shotgunner first, clear that group, and use the shotgun to buy yourself precious seconds in the last wave of enemies. Watch the left wall as two more gun wielding thugs climb over to take some cheap shots.

This was a very tough speed run as there is some elements of chance/RNG with the enemies fighting each other. You may have the grenade launcher guy take out a whole group, which is great, but he also may not the next run and instead blast you immediately.

This is one of those levels where a death for the speed challenge is a restart, especially with how the fights can sprawl out at times. If you die right after a checkpoint, maybe? But it will likely cost too much time otherwise.

You CAN do it - I believe.
16. Hawthorne Diner

1. Complete the level without dying:
Take your time and utilize those sweet finisher invulnerability frames.

The scantily clad knife wielding ladies will definitely take your lunch money if you're caught lacking on the dodge game. Thankfully they go down like a wet noodle, so if you can start whooping early in their unblockable attacks, two hits with a baton and you can come out on top.

2. Kill 8 enemies with pieces of meat:
These can only be found inside the kitchen itself. Pretty obvious, but the one in the upper right can be a bit obscured:

These are as strong, if not stronger, than a police baton so the kitchen is the best spot to knock this challenge out. The enemies that spawn during the Chef fight are spaced out enough that this should be fairly easy.

3. Defeat all kitchen enemies including Chef in less than 90 seconds:
Easier than it sounds. The Chef himself is a huge pushover once he uses up the flame fuel. Position yourself so the island table is between you and him, only popping out briefly to trigger his flamethrower attacks:

The table will block the flames and you can handle the enemies that spawn while he's roasting his own furniture. Then grab a piece of meat and whoop his gas mask wearing ass.
17. Game Studio

1. Defeat all Game Devs using only pillows:
This whole level is ridiculous. Just use the pillow they give you at the start to whoop everyone. This challenge can be done easily with the second challenge for SWAT units.

2. Defeat 5 SWAT units using pillows:
The SWAT units spawn toward the end of the level. As long as you take out the gun wielding enemies first (like usual) then you should have little issue with this.

3. Defeat 15 enemies by shooting them with toy guns:
The first Game Dev comes out a door with one of these (a non-brand specific foam dart gun) right before you head upstairs. Take that gun with you and use it like any other firearm challenge.

Apparently these are tungsten tipped foam darts because they do as much damage as any other bullet in this game.
18. Train Station

1. Get on the train in less than 180 seconds:
*sigh* Another speed challenge.

The first fight has an enemy with an axe - you want this. Start slicing away to clear this group fast. Grab another weapon before hitting the door.

Come in swinging and let the Molotovs do your work for you when they can. Try to stay near the exit door to expedite your movement to the platform fights.

The big clown will likely slow you down the most, so try to take him down first. I would avoid the Molotov pickups as they can cause more harm than good here. Grab weapons and keep the fight flowing.

After the middle platform fight, try to take a knife with you to the last fight with the faceless twins. Use the rope gun to stun them briefly and slice away while you can. This was the hardest part for me since the chances of dying are the highest - two bladed enemies attacking together while you dodge flames.

Timed challenges are frustrating and they do take practice. Persistence is key.

2. Let 5 enemies burn from a Molotov cocktail:
There's several spots this can happen.
First, there is a thug during the second fight that will throw them continuously, similar to the grenade jackass on the Motel level. The weaker spider-like enemies will be the easiest to roast, but you'll likely get kills by accident as well.

The next fight on the train platform has 2x Molotovs for you to pick up, so a great setup to take out the big clown's nearby helping hands.

There are more Molotovs on the middle platform once you cross the left bridge. A much smaller fighting space, so not ideal, but you can also grab one to go for the final fight!

Lastly, the fight with the faceless twins has another jerk tossing Molotovs your way. This is a tough spot to try and land those final fiery kills, but if you brought one with you can double the surface area of those flames, doubling your chances.

3. Defeat 20 enemies using finishers:
Ah, one of my favorites since you get to appreciate the glorious combat animations.

Any finisher will do. Basic, ground, grapple, environmental, or weapon. Anything with an animation.* (*Though I have yet to confirm if a counter will register as a finisher when defeating an enemy this way)

Just beware those ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Molotovs since they will rob you of your chances to perform finishers.
19. Slums

1. Find 8 Goblin Figures
Kind of a pain in the ass. Many are obscured by buildings. Anyway, here you go (signified by "A" icons in the screens):

First, right near the start of the level. Thanks, Jacob Dzwinel =)

Second, just after your first brawl, near the Tomas sign:

Third, before you do the superhero leap to the upper floor:

Fourth, right after reaching the high ground, tucked near some barrels:

Fifth, after you boot the suicide bomber, right next to the dumpster:

Sixth, as you first reach the train it will be obscured by a building:

Seventh, just following the previous hidden goblin near the train before you use the zipline:

Eighth, in the workshop after the zipline but before the boss fight:

2. Cause 5 Exploding enemies to kill others:
This one is kinda fun but can be frustrating since the hood enemies also throw grenades. Basically just knock down/throw/rope gun swing suicide bombers into their friends. Plenty of opportunities to take out 5 enemies in this fashion.

3. Defeat all enemies without using any weapons:
To clarify - the rope/secondary gun are not classified as "weapons" and can be used for kills
You may want to take off the disarm skills as it can very easy to counter an enemy, accidentally grab their weapon, and then quickly use it without realizing.
Using environmental items like boxes/barrels/etc also don't count as "weapons" so feel free to start tossing whatever is handy.
20. Fight Club

I will say this is a very difficult level to S-rank largely due to the motorcycles in the second part. The Fight Club fights do not flow well and I've only managed to get a 15x combo prior to the biker parking lot fight, which is lost very quickly once getting shot/hit by a motorcycle.

In addition to the wide open space with little cover, the endless motorcycle spawns will not only destroy your combos (and make finishers extremely difficult to land), but also steal your precious kills that you need to boost points.

1. Defeat all Fight Club opponents (2) using ground finishers:
The first enemies you face in the ring on this level. They are tough mudders, but no match for your incredible powers of knockdown cheese.


If you can land a basic-heavy combo right away(sweep da leg), knock them down, and in a few seconds it's over. Or they can ignore your damage, throw you, you get pushed by the crowd, then it's over for you.

However, the most consistent results I've gotten are from using the heavy attack to either roundhouse or leg sweep them. If you don't advance, The Assassin will almost always lead with an attack that can be countered. If he does, hold Down+Y, then X, to ideally trigger a knockdown counter. If that fails, again, try the basic-heavy combo to leg sweep him and stomp him out.


Once they are on the ground, stomp away at their defense (if you haven't whittled it away already) then slam that finisher once you get a prompt. As long as you do finishers on both, check this one off.

2. Shoot down motorcycle drivers 5 times:
The first wave of bikers you encounter outside the tavern will have a pistol and a lever action (or as I call it the BB-gun due to it's weak sound and lack of damage punch).


Enemies carrying those same weapons will spawn again, along with a shotgun.

The real challenge comes from killing the riders before they kamikaze themselves into the environment. If you can get a wave down to one enemy, riders will endlessly spawn, so keep artfully dodging while you use your secondary gun or a dropped firearm. Easy peasy.

3. Keep all masked allies alive:
As a huge fan of Hotline Miami, I refer to these guys as "The Fans" especially since they come to your aid in the final wave of enemies, as true fans would.

That aside, keeping them alive is more an issue of staying out of their way. The motorcycles stop blazing in at this point and The Fans bring their own weapons, so let them work. Focus the remaining gun toting bikers and you should be in the clear. Losing all weapons and going hand to hand worked very for for me as it minimizes your chances of accidentally killing them.

Now, killing them can boost your combo for S-rank, but for obvious reasons save that run for another time.
21. Tavern

1. Complete the level in less than 210 seconds:
As long as you aren't going for repeated finishers or getting knocked around much, this should be pretty straightforward. Take the shotgun from the storeroom, dive in blasting, then scoop up weapons from enemies as you slay. Swing melee weapons until you win. =)

Daddy Hedonism is probably one of the easiest boss fights. A biker who spawns with Daddy H will be carrying a knife; get this knife and you can pretty much defeat the boss with that. Honestly a pretty generous timer requirement for how little traveling needs to happen.

2. Defeat 5 enemies with a starting weapon found at the beginning of the level:
May I suggest the shotgun closest to the door? The SMG could work fine also, but the shotgun has 6 rounds and the ability to outright kill multiple enemies. This game can be hard - make this challenge easy on yourself!

3. Pass the level without throwing any weapon:
This is more of a test of willpower than skill, since there is so much to throw in this level, it's criminal.

As with previous challenges, environmental items do not count as weapons. So just don't hold your throw button down - kick and be quick.
22. Russian Casino

1. Use a gun to defeat 15 Russians:
Shotgun is by far the safest bet with it's power, however you can melee enemies with a pistol to weaken them, then finish them with a pistol bullet to complete the challenge.
Finishers with guns also work great but may consume more ammo than you are willing to spend.

2. Defeat 10 Russians using only counters:
A bit trickier than shooting but still not terrible. Hit enemies a few times, roll away, then try to position yourself for a counter to finish them off.
Rage mode counters, though less common, work wonders.

3. Find 8 casino chips:
Another collectible set! Off we go:

First, in the starting area by the red door on the left wall:

Second, same starting area just a bit further down between the slot machines:

Third, in the big open casino floor to the right by some machines:

Fourth, basically opposite of the previous chip, far left of the open casino floor:

Fifth, Big Winner in the open casino upper left wanted to share his winnings (also a People Person character if you need it):

Sixth, in the area you first see Mikhail run, obscured by a wall near left side rope barrier:

Seventh, same area as previous, lower right, obscured by roulette table:

Eighth, same areas as previous, upper right near level exit:
23. Highway

This level has become considerably easier since the 1.01 update. The lane warnings for incoming vehicles is MUCH more noticeable and a very welcome change.

1. Get a 150x combo:
This one doesn't really kick in until after you encounter the weaponized jeeps, so don't worry about the first few waves of biker enemies. Do your best to avoid the jeep gun damage and the biker grenades and you should have this unlocked when you finally catch Mikhail.

2. Complete the level without dying:
Definitely tough, but not impossible. The bike you're on should sustain just fine, just as the challenge above, avoid the jeep gunfire and the biker grenade clusters. Cars can be a nuisance, but try to stay near the middle lane so you have the most options to dodge.

When the jeeps show up, their minigun X will show up wherever you currently are as the gun activates, so position yourself where you can circle them to allow as much time shooting as possible.

3. Cause 8 enemies on motorcycles to crash into other cars:
So much easier than it sounds in writing.
Once you reach the tunnel, when traffic and enemies show up together, you basically have to nudge them out of their lane and they'll move over one. No damage from the collision and it's surprisingly effective.
24. Airport

1. Defeat elevator Russians without any weapons:
It's the first and only elevator. Hopefully you recall it from your initial playthrough. Drop any weapons you may have and enter with just your knucks. Kick some ass and don't even think about picking up a gun, even to melee with it.

Rope gun/secondary are okay here.

2. Don't let the helicopter kill anyone inside the building during the fireComplete the level without dying:
Well this is considerably easier with the 1.02 update.

For obvious reasons, the helicopter bullet wave is the chokepoint for this level. Definitely no points for bravery, but once you reach that room, grab a rifle and hide out here:
The bullets will not hit you behind that vending machine and the rifle you picked up will help deter any up close visitors until the helicopter can sweep again and blast them.

3. Defeat SWAT enemies without using any weapons:
Same as the elevator challenge. SWAT units won't spawn until the very end of the map, near the airplane itself, so feel free to blast away up until that point. Nothing too strategic, just resist the urge to use a weapon.
25. Airplane

1. Find a Viking figure and escape plane while holding it:
Super easy but have to know what you're looking for. And it's this:
So do all the fights but just before you plant the C4, pick this guy up.

2. Defeat last wave without using any weapons:
Pretty straightforward, but again, might be easier if you take off the weapon parry/disarming skills so you don't accidentally use a weapon while spamming attacks.

3. Complete level without taking damage from any weapons:
Another pretty straightforward one. Lots of rolling around and keep your eye out for the one guy with a gun (the lone air marshal?) as that will be a challenge ender. Stay close so he doesn't shoot and whoop some aerial ass.

Can be combined fairly easily with the second challenge as you can use weapons up until the final wave. Just don't forget when the fighting ramps up. =)
26. Construction Site

Once you have 100% this level, you unlock the "More frequent X-ray effect" perk. Not only is this cool as hell, it will help you collect Golden Teeth so much easier!

1. Get to the end of the level in less than 330 seconds:
Everyone's favorite - a speed challenge. =/

This one is not too bad as far as they go. Just go for the heavier weapons all the time (ie jackhammer, wrench, bubble level, etc), skip nailguns, and try to end fights near the checkpoint icons to move faster through zones.

2. Get 10 kills using the bubble level:
To start, this fine piece of equipment is the BUBBLE LEVEL:


There are 3 that spawn, I believe, and they are as strong if not slightly stronger than a baseball bat. Also a blunt object so good for picking up those Gold Teeth.

3. Throw 25 enemies from the building while they are still alive:
Another recycled challenge type except there's no rails here. Try punching smaller enemies twice, grappling, then pressing the throw button while aiming at any ledge (X, X, B, RT)
27. Church

1. Make the RPG kill 6 enemies by accident:
Pretty straightforward, get them to bunch up around here once you move up the street:


2. Defeat all enemies in church in less than 50 seconds:

Bring a gun into the church with you. Shoot and weave toward the left, toward the head priest with a RPG. Take the priest and others out, then immediately run back to the door you came in. Keep up the pace and switch guns often. If you don't make it, have an enemy kill you - this is a solid checkpoint and will keep your time if you have to restart midway through the church battles.

3. Defeat 4 5 Heavy Bois using any weapon other than the grenade launcher:
As of 1.01 this challenge has been fixed. Though I have reports on Discord people are still having issues with it. I had it completed prior to the 1.01 update, so I cannot currently confirm this.

Also note - the enemy rockets (that X that shows up?) do NOT count as an alternate kill ot the grenade launcher, so don't count on the enemy to help you out with this one. Use RPGs or gas tanks!

There are quite a few gasoline tanks that you can use to take down the Bois, one near a vehicle in each place a Heavy Boi spawns.

Throw these gas tanks and they will blow up Heavies instantly, netting you a total of 5 HB kills before you leave the streets.
There are two RPGs on the level that can used as well, if the gas cans hit other enemies or somehow get destroyed.

First area, far upper right section of street:

Middle part of the street (between the start and the church), upper part of street by neon guitar:
28. Graveyard

The challenges here aren't complicated or misleading in their wording. But these damn zombies and their insta-kill grapples are THE WORST. (Zombie insta-kill has been removed since the 1.01 update, however they still inflict high damage.)

Quick note about Gold Teeth here before proceeding - this level can be troublesome for farming Gold Teeth as there is an abundance of firearms, blades, and explosives - none of which are useful for Gold Teeth farming. Unless it's firearm melee related...


A reliable method for being safe AND getting a blunt-ish melee kill is using one of the many pistols (or any gun, pistol was most consistent without one-shot killing zombies), shooting a zombie to stun them, then using the melee pistol-whip basic for a killing blow. X-ray effect triggers, gold tooth drops. Basically the opposite of other levels where you want to melee first, then shoot.

Another excellent level to make use of the "More X-Ray Effect" perk. Get those Gold Teeth fast!

1. Kill 5 zombies without any weapons:
Rope used to engage can work really well for this. Initiate from distance, throw some punches, do a grapple finisher.
Otherwise, learning the appropriate distance to initiate a punch will be the key; rolling can also be dangerous, especially if your roll ends right where a zombie face begins.

Just beware the running zombies that hunt you down (use a ranged weapon for them) and you should have this in the bag.

2. Slice 10 zombies using a machete:

Not too bad since there are 4 machetes available, via enemies and placed on map, so should be lots of easy slice kills once you can gauge the distance needed to land a melee attack.


3. Defeat all enemies using weapons:
This is less of a "challenge" and more how you should just successfully complete the level. Just move from weapon to weapon and discover some of the interesting weapons stashed around the graves. Grenade launcher, LMG, shotgun, and even Darryl's crossbow? =)
29. Suburbs

1. Defeat 20 enemies using rope:
This one takes some patience (20 enemies is the majority of the enemies in the level) but it's pretty fun.

I recommend the rope swing combo (B+hold A) especially in the hallway battle. Whipping enemies into walls multiple times speeds up the kill process.

2. Destroy Harvester in less than 75 seconds:
I'm 99% convinced this challenge cannot be missed (after challenges are unlocked), as the Harvester speeds up and will kill you before the timer expires.

Try to grab an SMG from the previous hall fight to deal some early damage:

That SMG seems to do very little damage compared to other guns within the boss fight, but I believe that is by design. Any damage is good damage and that's always a good start.

Toss the explosive containers, but the firearms are going to be the majority of where your damage comes from. First two waves of enemies have firearm holders on the left side - rope disarm them first and blast the Harvester. When the third wave rushes in, watch for the shotgun lady as that will end your run, but also a devastating weapon for the Harvester if you can save it before it gets chopped by the combine.

3. Cause 10 enemies to be killed by Harvester:
Damn this Harvester. It has another giant hitbox similar to the trains in Train Tunnel, so keep lots of distance.

There are 12 enemies that you can sacrifice before the Harvester turns on the turbo boost, so there is not much room to let enemies get accidentally killed by your fists or explosive tanks.

Using the Power Wave bullet to knock enemies down or doing 2x basic punches to push an enemy toward the blades will be most effective. Using rope swing or grapple toss will likely take too long and you'll find yourself facing the wrong way, then chopped by the planet-sized hitbox of the blades.

I do not advise trying to do this challenge at the same time as the previous timed destroy Harvester challenge. If you can manage it, good for you, but I found these attempts needlessly frustrating as they yielded no results.
30. Night Club

1. Don't get caught by bouncers:
I thought this meant you had to sneak by some of them but really it's asking you to not get grabbed by them.
Roll, counter, or generally stay away from them. Shouldn't be too much of a headache.

2. Consume 8 drinks:
Collectible time again - this time we get drunk! (But not really)
They look like red martinis, fairly noticeable compared to other collectibles.

First, in the first area you start (shocking, I know):

Second, in the first big dance floor with Ravers, lower left table:

Third, same area as previous drink, right upper table near stairs:

Fourth, upstairs, hallway table outside bathroom:

Fifth, very close to previous, inside bathroom on the sink:

Sixth, before jumping onto the final dance floor, table on the left side:

Seventh, same area as previous, lower end of the large bar area:

Eighth, near the level exit near one handsome looking devil of a DJ:


3. Blow Chauncy's head off:
Chauncy is the white, bald bouncer in the group of 3 bouncers that attack you on the final dance floor. I hit him a few times to weaken him, then finished him off with the Secondary Gun, as there are no other firearms to use.

Beware as the Ravers will also whoop up on the Bouncers and may kill him before you can. Rage mode may also work to explode Chauncy's head, however the more reliable method is the Secondary Gun.
31. VIP Room

1. Defeat Piggsy Ugly Swine-Ling in less than 20 seconds:
There is a pistol in the starting area you should retrieve before hitting the double doors:


Go in with that, shoot the other pistol wielding enemy, then use the remaining bullets from both guns to drop Swiney right quick.

2. Make 5 enemies fall into the holes Complete level without dying:
I spent more time than I'd like to admit outlining the strategy for the challenge prior to the 1.01 update. This current challenge is way less frustrating, so good on anyone who still needs to complete it.

To not die, better to keep at range and dodge, like any other level. The previous challenge shows the location of the two pistols prior to the red corridor, which is filled with guns.

There is a grenade launcher enemy and a Heavy Boi at the final fight when you catch up to Dr. Maker, but those should be trivial speedbumps for a hardened street fighter like yourself, yes?

3. Do not use guns (excluding Secondary Gun) to kill enemies in the red corridor:
Take a knife with you from the previous fight with the gimps, throw it as soon as the door opens and rope-disarm the next person. Drop the gun and then continue whooping ass until it is done.

Don't use guns. Seriously - don't. Don't even use them as melee as it will fail the challenge.
32. Alleyway

Sadly, there are some inherent issues with this level. The minigun combo (detailed below) has some potential kinks to be worked out (maybe?) and the fact this map has Gold Teeth is just a pain since they will likely fly off the truck into oblivion.

Highly recommend the "More X-Ray Effect" perk here since there are few enemies and very little room to collect Gold Teeth. I went from 2/10 to 10/10 teeth in one run with the perk and even more teeth fell off the truck.

Good luck!

1. Get a 130x combo using a minigun:
Getting the combo is easy enough - don't overheat the minigun, take out bikers first (since they toss grenades), and build fat combo stacks off cars. Shoot any grenades thrown and you should be good.


Same as the Wavechase level, the challenge will not be credited until your combo ends, which will be somewhere on top of the truck. But restart if you missed the 130x while using said minigun because there is not another opportunity.
(Though the game will oddly start counting this combo if you pick up the LMG while on top of the truck, however there won't be enough enemies at that point to stack that high.)

The ♥♥♥♥♥ part - if you die after the initial minigun section you will lose this challenge progress. That's right, if you die while on top of the truck due to the multitude of gun wielding enemies, you have to restart the level. (I cannot confirm if this still happens since the 1.01 update, so player beware.)

2. Knock down 6 enemies on top of the truck while they are still alive:
This should be worded slightly different, but the goal is to make enemies fall off the truck. Throws, heavy attacks, rope gun, etc. If you're this deep in, by now you're a pro at throws.

3. Don't get hit by a single bullet while on top of the truck
Complete the level without dying:
Changed since 1.01 update.

Considerably easier than trying to dodge every bullet while on a truck!

Minigun part should be pretty easy. Once you are on the truck roof, just shoot the nearby riding enemies, rope disarm them to utilize their guns if needed. A few times of that and you'll be done in a flash.
33. Parking Garage

Fun fact: pepper spray cans have no durability and can be used for an extended time as a melee weapon. Keep that in mind when farming Golden Teeth!

1. Defeat all firefighters in less than 50 seconds:
Not bad, really. I knocked it out in 32 seconds, so hypothetically plenty of time. The fire hose is a pain in the ass, but as long as you time your rolls, use it to your advantage since apparently nobody else is aware of the jet stream of water panning across the fight.

There will be two axes in the ring, so keep an eye out for those. Get 2 kills swinging, throw it for a third kill, then do the same for the other axe.

2. Defeat 15 enemies while they are still on the ground:
Obviously this is all about ground finishers with lots of repetition.
You can start right away as there are many light enemies right out of the gate. Enemies can be grappled and thrown for some easy setups after a couple punches. I recommend the basic-basic-heavy (roundhouse) which knocks out lighter enemies defense and results in them eating that dirt. They will also be weakened, ready for that tasty ground finisher with invulnerability frames.

3. Don't get hit by pepper spray:
This may be one of the most difficult and/or frustrating challenges in the game.
There are 7 total pepper spray MF's you have to deal with. I'll show you where they will try to surprise you from.
This can be failed even when Babyface doesn't display the affected animation. So make sure to pause the game throughout the level and make sure you still have the green check mark!

First off, you'll run into this guy:
My overall advice is to use rope-disarm from a distance. You can wait out the first two pepper sprayers in the starting open garage area, let them drain the spray, or you can return the favor.
One other pepper sprayer will spawn nearby, try to clear the first group near the guard station so it's easier to pick off the spray enemies.

All others beyond the starting garage area are in pretty close quarters and rolling is not reliable. Use the right stick to aim throwables or rope gun and relieve them of the pepper spray ASAP.
Spray enemies 3 and 4 featured here:

Next up is the firefighter lock in brawl which has the cheapest of the spray enemies - they spawn you next to a police enemy who immediately starts spraying. Watch the timing of the cutscene and be ready to roll the ♥♥♥♥ away. Scoop up the spray for yourself or someone else will!

The final area has spray enemies 6 and 7 shown here:
All spray enemies tend to end up near the back of the enemy groupings, which makes them harder to target with rope, but also creates some distance for you. Be cautious near doorways since they are a natural pinch point and the spray can clip through some of those entrances.
If possible, try to rope disarm through the doorway, then beat them all with the unlimited durability spray canister. =)
34. Lobby

1. Make Droney hack the door in less than 15 18 seconds:
The small hallway where Droney hacks into the Matrix:


Attack the light thugs, try to wall finish the first one in 1-2 hits, then just keep stomping. Use your environmental items heavily here. Also use rope slam to close hallway gaps and do some big damage. If you haven't died, this should be around the time you can proc a Rage, so kick that up and crush.

2. Throw 10 different types of trash cans at enemies:
Fixed as of 1.01, details below.
Player beware: some of the later trash cans disintegrate in one hit. You essentially have to rush to them in the last fight. Also, a rare instance when Focus is actually useful, if enemies have shifted any cans. Default spawn areas are shown:

First can to your left after starting the level:

Second, far right side of the lobby. There are two cans present, however as of 1.01 update the "fake trash can" on the right should count toward the challenge. (Which should mean there are 11 trash cans to use, so enjoy the bonus trash can.)

Third (and fourth) in the hallway where Droney commences de hack:

Fifth and sixth, neighbors to the door here:

Seventh and eighth, in the hallway of the final battle:

And finally, ninth and tenth trash cans revealed, huzzah:

3. Avoid getting shot by Top Men:
These guys usually advertise their shots by a long, flashy animation (no, literally it flashes) of them drawing their piece, so keep your peripherals on anyone reaching inside their coat.
Roll, move out of the room, or interrupt their action with attacks or environmental items.
35. Service Elevator

1. Escape the elevator in less than 300 seconds:
Have I mentioned how much I don't love timed challenges? This one is a doozy since parts like the Ninja fights will be a pinch point on time and there are not many weapons to speed through some of the group fights.

I would also not advise you to combine this with the other challenges because they require more time to setup than this challenge will allow.

I found the rope swing to be helpful since it will break crowds up in the elevator space and allow for ground finisher opportunities. Normally I'd advise against finishers, but you want to slap through parts with as much HP as possible and finishers can speed things up (especially against heavy enemies) with the fewer weapons.

Biggest thing is getting through the SF fight at the end with ideally 0 deaths. Grab the rifle from the lower left SF unit and start blasting. No finishers unless you need the invincibility frames, just dodge and spam shots. This is where most of my runs failed due to deaths - stay persistent!

2. Do not use guns to kill Special Forces:
I personally never found any of the no guns/hand-to-hand only challenges much issue since dying is allowed. Now, if this required no deaths that would be another tier. Non-firearm weapons are very much okay, so use those batons (and now katanas) to their full potential.

Anyway, go for the rifle enemy first (lower left), then work your way around the room, and make full use of the rope gun to disarm/close gaps on distant enemies.

3. Cause Ninja enemies to kill 5 of their allies:
These guys are dangerous as hell to have as allies, I almost feel bad. They're chopping everyone around, including their fellow Ninjas. You will likely get some of these with little effort, but there will be some positioning/basic attacks to line up those final kills.
36. Eightieth Floor

1. Pass the level without using guns:
Damn there are so many guns on this level. Melee with guns will also forfeit the challenge, so don't even pick them up.

About 75% through the level you'll run into a break room full of SF units and some of them will be packing melee weapons like batons and sledgehammers. Use those melee weapons to their full extent - just watch what you pick up and this one should be pretty easy.

2. Defeat all enemies using weapons:
The opposite of the last challenge - so rope disarm the first enemy you see and start blasting some asses. Just don't be caught doing a hand to hand finisher when your weapon breaks or you'll fail this faster than you can say "Midnight Fight Exp..." yep, that fast.

3. Throw 15 enemies through the window while they are still alive:
Ah, this one takes a bit of finesse, but is so much easier since the 1.01 update as grapples are now uninterruptible.
Any window will do but you'll need to shoot them out using something besides your secondary gun. Or use this broken one shown below:
Takes some time to line up each toss, so expect to get shot up a bit, but once you initiate the grapple it's relatively smooth sailing.
37. Breakout

1. Defeat Evil Scientist wave in less than 30 seconds without getting taking damage from toxic acid:
Damn that is two challenges in one, come on. Really not that bad though.

There are two explosive tanks (on either side of the middle lab table) that you can chuck at the scientists to save time and they each go down easier than a sack of beans. Just keep your distance and throw those explosives when the time is right. Rope slam is also a wonderful move to take out a group, but beware the acid.

2. Shoot down the helicopter:
Yes, this can be done, though it is quite difficult while dodging enemy AND helicopter bullets.

Take out your nearest unfriendly neighborhood SWATs in the corridor and simply aim at the helicopter between rolls underneath everyone's gunfire. I've found it helpful to pick up a rifle, start at one end, then move with the chopper and shoot as you go. It may take more than one gun to do it depending on how your shots land, but it's a satisfying feeling when you pull it off.

3. Defeat the last wave of Special Forces without any weapons:
I'm feeling like a parrot at this point - just don't use weapons. Throw environmental objects or use the weapons you permanently keep on your person. Fall back around a corner and wait for enemies to advance on you, fighting in the open is not necessary, and don't forget to use all the grapples and finishers for invulnerability frames. Again, be wary of any counters that steal weapons in case someone decides to melee attack.
38. Laboratory

1. Complete the level without using a single taser grenade:
Easiest of the challenges here, especially since I dislike using the grenades, but damn do those Kingbots love using theirs.

Anyway, just don't pick these up:

And if you do, drop them before you throw them. Because, you know, not throwing them is the only parameter for the challenge.

2. Destroy Kingbots where the killing blow is not dealt with a weapon:
FYI - Kingbots cannot be damaged from unarmed melee attacks alone. Any electric damage will allow them to be damaged by any other damage, but only while they are being electrocuted/shocked. I had 12 defeated by the time the Ultra Bot showed up, so if you're nowhere close to that number by then, I would restart.

Best method I've found for this is to grab a stun baton, use it 2x to zap/lower Kingbot defense, then go for a grapple finisher once their defense has been broken a few seconds later. I do recommend using Focus here too, since you may be able to hit multiple enemies with a single baton and lose track of who had what HP/defense levels.
If you hit them 3x, you will have to move fast to prevent them from dying from the electricity, which will sadly not count toward the challenge. Stun knives require a bit more caution as they do more damage, so stick to batons if possible.

The recharge time is annoying, but Electric Bullet also works phenomenally this level. Stun and then get your punch on.

3. Shoot down 7 Kingbots using laser guns:
This one is another slam dunk weapons challenge. Just wait for these chumps to roll in:
Then scoop a laser rifle up and 3x shots should take down a full HP Kingbot. Plenty of ammo, but you'll be short on enemies if they recklessly destroy each other, so start blasting ASAP.

Fun fact: Ultra Bot doesn't count as a laser gun kill.
39. Office
So these can all be achieved at the same time pretty easily, I did so on a run after the 1.02 update, here:
Still some work for S-rank and Teeth, but those come with time. Definitely my least played level at this time of writing.

1. Defeat Ben and The Butcher in less than 60 seconds:
Oddly no in-game timer on the pause screen for this one, it simply shows as complete until you fail it. Can be a bit rough since they are very defense heavy opponents, but definitely doable. If possible, take down Butcher first to capitalize on her knife. Enemies will trickle in, one holding a pistol, another holding a baton. Try to capture those weapons and take Ben/Butcher out a bit easier. You'll likely get a Rage built up with all the jumping around and multiple hits landed on B&B, so another mechanic to make use of.

2. Do not allow the drones to shoot even once:
When the Ben and Butcher fight starts, you see them launch two drones from what looks like their cellphones. The drone timer indicators are directly linked with their received damage:
This means that you'll want to bounce back and forth between them (and likely the surrounding enemies for finisher invulnerability or to steal weapons) to keep the meters at a minimum.

The highlight is there needs to be actual damage to them or their defense to make the drone meters decrease. If you're hitting them and they're blocking, go for the ballsack shot, try another angle, or disrupt them with the rope gun. And same as the previous challenge, scoop those weapons where you can, because the sooner you end the fight the sooner you stop the drones too.

3. Defeat Jeff Kingsworthy in less than 80 100 seconds:
This fight is infinitely easier with the 1.01 update. Heavy enemies take defense damage when doing uninterruptible attacks and this challenge benefits greatly from that change.

Try to bring a weapon with you from the B&B brawl, if possible:
If not, no worries, the enemies in the Kingsworthy fight will provide some. I found the pistol melee to be the most effective against Kingsworthy, though basic-basic-heavy combos worked very well also.

Just focus everything on the boss and you should have him down pretty quick. It took 26 seconds when it unlocked for me so there should be ample time as long as you don't get too distracted clearing the room.
40. Rooftop

1. Get to the end of the level in 320 seconds:
As of 1.01, cutscenes no longer eat up timer, so make use of the extra time afforded!

The speed ones all need some level of muscle memory but my advice is to grab guns ASAP and take a gun into each new area. The shield SWAT units are really the only one that should be an issue, so break their block with (LB/the finisher button) and take them down.

Aside from the final fight with unlimited Rage, just grab guns and shoot everyone. Speed above everything else!
Dying once near a checkpoint you may have a chance. Dying twice is for sure a restart.

2. Defeat 20 enemies without weapons:
Take your time - use grapples/finishers to your heart's content. Yet again, consider removing the disarm skills for obvious reasons.

Thrown environmental items, rope gun, and secondary gun all okay.

3. Kill 20 enemies while in Rage mode:
Damn, this one was tougher than it sounds. The end fight with unlimited Rage has you kill 10 enemies, so you need to have another 10 in the bank before you hit the end fight.

*Since 1.01 update, Rage finishers will pause the Rage timer - keep those invincibility frames rolling and capitalize with finishers!*

Go for hand to hand or melee weapon strikes in the first fight, use finishers, keep your combo, and that will ideally give you enough on deck to trigger a Rage at the start of the next fight. Throw wild punches (or basic-heavy combos) and try to counter if possible (guaranteed kills in Rage) but avoid unnecessary finishers and keep punching away.

The first helipad fight is rough because there are so many gun wielding SWATs, but if you have to use guns, use them sparingly and try to melee with them to do gun finishers if possible.

Remember the target is 10 enemies killed before the final fight (getting grabbed by the SWAT in the cutscene) so if you haven't hit that before the last gate, restart and do better next run!
The End
Droney says thanks for checking out my guide. I hope it helped you in some way or another!

I appreciate any corrections, comments, and support you all have.


Now, it's midnight and you must fight!

19 Comments
Bogdan_Dexter 12 Oct, 2024 @ 4:27pm 
Found some useful tips.

2. Bro-tel
You can use Dark Mines and it will count as defeat enemies using explosives.

10. The S.S. Muggler
You can make Sailormen kill their allies using hypnobullets.

17. Game Studio
Defeat 15 enemies by shooting at them with a toy weapon can be done just by hitting them with it, which is strange.

29. Suburbs
You can use Dark Mines to defeat Harvester faster because it deals damage to it.

34. Lobby
When I played "Real trash can #5" it was no longer there.

35. Service Elevator
You can make Ninja kill their allies using hypnobullets

38. Laboratory
The best way to destroy Kingbots that I have found is to use the electro rope.

P.S. If necessary, I can show my video of how I do it.
Easy Target 25 Dec, 2023 @ 3:58pm 
Casino
2. Defeat 10 Russians using only counters:

Worked for me only for finishing them with unarmed counter attacks vs armed enemies
bjyah 9 Aug, 2023 @ 12:33pm 
15. Motel 1. Kill 4 enemies with a grenade launcher:
no matter how quick i am, it seems this dude will only give 3 ammo. I found out melee kills with the launcher count. be sure not to break it.

20. Fight Club 1. Defeat all Fight Club opponents using ground finishers:
the first guy is easy to get on the ground, but the second guy cannot be 'leg swept'. get him to ~1/4 life, then he can be grabbed and thrown down (RT).
It took me too many attempts trying to "sweep da leg" to realize it wasnt going to work.

21. Tavern 3. Pass the level without throwing any weapon:
throwing chairs and returning thrown chairs was voiding this for me. kicking stuff was not. jsyk


a tip for the "no weapon" or "rope kill" challenges is just spam the rope electrocute on mobs until they die.
QuasiMorto 5 Aug, 2023 @ 10:42am 
Great Guide! Thanks for the pepper crap! I hated that SOOOO Much
gyoto007 27 Jul, 2023 @ 4:45pm 
One big tip for the Ben and Butcher challenge: you can just use the Mount Attack (Press Grapple while sprinting) on the Butcher and keep hitting her (the drone timers will stop during this) until you are forced to get up, her defense will be nearly or fully broken so you can just keep hitting her a few times and shooting a Magnum round at Ben (so his drone doesnt charge) until a finisher pops up and you kill the Butcher, then grab her cleaver and finish of Ben.
Vectorman  [author] 26 Jul, 2023 @ 10:09pm 
Updated some minor points (Church, Casino, VIP Room), other grammatical editing.

Thank you all for the support and kind words, I appreciate the love for the guide!
:grwheart::p03::grwheart:
Mike_Kelehan 26 Jul, 2023 @ 7:02pm 
Fantastic guide, thanks for making it!
RustyCr0w☠ 30 Jan, 2023 @ 8:13am 
God damn some of these are so hard. Past about level 30 I can't get any of them.

A few things. In the Church level allowing the big boys to get killed by the RPG from the tower doesn't count towards the total. Found that out the hard way.

Also in the red corridor, even using guns as melee fails the challenge. I know you've said 'do not use guns' but may be worth adding that detail.
Venny 22 Dec, 2022 @ 8:59am 
I was having difficulty with the Russian Casino "Use a gun to kill 15 Russians" challenge but I eventually got it, I made my comment when I was trying to do the challenge and checking if you had a strategy for it. "I don't have much to say but just shoot dudes." is kind of a shitty guide for this level since the Russians are hard to kill by just shooting them. Except for the shotgun at the end of the level but the gun kills you can get with that are around 10ish.
Vectorman  [author] 21 Dec, 2022 @ 10:56pm 
@Venny
can you be more specific? I'd like to help.