Cave Story + Blood Stained Sanctuary - 3HP NO DAMAGE Perfect Run - Hard Mode

This one's dedicated to Froc. No Health Capsules/Missles. Hard Mode.
I'm so happy to finally have this run recorded.
Floor B2 with all of the falling blocks and swarming Butes is a nightmare.

[@whuddup1249]

I respect that you beat this game and you're still replying to comments to this day.

[@SpindIes]

Thanks, I just really love this game. Even if I'm not posting new videos often, I still want to keep up with questions~ 👌

[@PineconeSunset]

0:58 you straight up kidnapping the Little Man and taking him through hell.

[@R0-83-RT]

I love the fact using the Level 3 Blade is one of the best strategies against Ballos' final form. It is either do it or die, unleash hell or lose it all. Sure the damage boost strat is more effective, but I don't find that nearly as satisfying or fun. Using the Level 3 Blade is also somewhat more poetic in Story; because through the power of King's soul Quote was able to not only avenge him, but stop the cycle of the Demon Crown completely.

[@SighFi]

literally said aloud while watching this "GET 'EM KING!!!!" 👏😔

[@MrMega1423]

Absolute madman... I haven't even played the game myself and I can tell how absolutely ludicrous that feat is.

[@d3structi]

Worse than you think. Hard mode in commercial releases of Cave Story ban the use of the game's missile launcher, forcing players to change strategy.

[@isaquedopao6667]

i played the original one and even with the missile launcher its hard to beat

[@ghb323]

The second segment (falling blocks room) is near-impossible to make it through without taking too much damage.

[@gmdrandom6287]

Its luck

[@jakobe856]

After that section there’s two hearts where you can collect them, leave the area, and collect them again. So you can have your health back

[@pierrecurie]

Holy hell. I couldn't even get past the 1st room without your video... Then I watched the rest of it... and realized it kept getting _worse_. Even on easy, I had to mod myself 37k hp... and even then it took me 18 mins. You made it seem so smooth and natural. Jumpy ballos in particular probably took me half that time. It didn't help that he kept sending me underground... I should probably lie down or something before I get a stroke. That was the most intense thing I'd done in yrs.

[@VirtuousHeretic]

There’s a reason it’s on my “achievements showcase” on Steam. Beat Ballos in 2012 on Normal… and today, in 2024, still less than 5% (4.9) of people have beaten him… on ANY difficulty. To do so on Hard mode? God-tier achievement. Bravo Spindles...bravo.

[@galacticsilver9033]

Wow. That was fantastic, I'm so sorry you must have seen B2 so many times.

[@SpindIes]

Thanks a bunch. That's definitely the problem room, but it's all better from there. 👍

[@eragons1894]

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HECK?! I'm either terrible at this game or you're just a God himself... probably both I struggled with this level on normal mode for hours and in hard mode i didn't even make it past Core battle. This truly is the hell.

[@cadenparsons9793]

Mad respect for anyone that can do this. I thought completing the sanctuary on normal was impressive after i saw the Steam stats for beating Ballos, but this is on an entirely different plane of extreme skillitude dawg. I’m jealous.

[@DoUbLeH9]

I beat true ending on normal once and it was enough stress for a lifetime. Good job on hard mode.

[@powerfulberry237]

I just unlocked blood stained sanctuary after all these years and watching this i dont think i can ever beat it

[@that1lizardjamie]

If you can unlock it, you can beat it, trust me dude

[@smoothyetsessmoothies]

Even with 50 hp, I can’t pass trough this running hell!

[@RubyTheWitchRTW]

Holy shit youre insane! And my 10 year old self struggled for so long on these damned sanctuaries. This is super satisfying to watch

[@bushlandrabbit5142]

Massive respect for you, I'm trying this as well and it is very difficult. You did it in such a fast time too, my 8 HP Hard Mode run was in 8 minutes!

[@Mr.Bronze]

Heavy respect for doing it on hard mode. I can barely do it on normal with the spur. Its even harder with the machine gun and snake imo. Very entertaining gameplay!

[@TheHummingBirdJaiye]

Ive never gotten to this boss before. This is truly terrifying. Greay job btw

[@Flares_]

The fact that you took zero hits in the fall blocks part is insane, i end up losing about 30-40 hps every cycle i play

[@rafles2987]

I just finished the best ending , and your gameplay somehow helped me , thanks

[@jamesg1827]

Congrats man that’s really impressive, I was able to beat the undead core 3hp on hard mode back in the day and got the normal ending. I’ve always wanted to try and go back to that save file and beat the core again to get to ballos but it’s just been so long since I’ve played and I feel like doing it 3hp like you did here would be an absolute nightmare lol. Maybe I will someday though who knows, congrats again on the run brotha 🤙

[@hopelesstyromantic9887]

Such an amazing game! Amazing run

[@notdoingcoke]

I never got past the first big block boss thing in this area (I haven’t played since middle school) but I think I’m gonna give it a shot now. I’m 20 now so hopefully it’s a lil easier lol

[@wolvessnature1286]

cave story players deserve more love *hugs Spindles*

[@haystack7077]

A long time ago, I reached Ballos only once in hard mode (but with 6 HP, I got the one life capsule the dog gives you even in hard mode just above the rocket) Ballos destroyed me and I gave up Many respects to you man, you did it

[@funniyellowman7203]

It’ll be crazy if he’s still liking comments

[@Marek.Wisniewski]

Probably the hardest achievement im the game, good job man. Did You also beat hell under 3min and the Boss rush under 8?

[@SpindIes]

I did, the boss rush S rank was honestly pretty fun to do. Really love Cave Story overall~ Thanks a bunch

[@Marek.Wisniewski]

@@SpindIes i have A rank in both :/ It's insanely hard

[@Marek.Wisniewski]

Ok so I only miss S rank Boss rush tried like 50 times and this is just impossible

[@DanzTheGB]

holy hell that is dedication

[@kartoffelman1663]

You are such an legend. I knew this game from bevor and now epic games lets me play it in its best version.

[@DeokTheLegend]

Cave story+ is not THE BEST VERSION

[@JuhoSprite]

that thing just looks like the majoras mask + the moon

[@lancelnce]

You're a master at this game

[@EleCyon]

AMAZING RUN.

[@X.A.1]

your body is on fire, you are god. OP.

[@ChasinJason_]

This game is the game ever

[@DaltonGoesSlow]

i cant deal with screen shake in games lol. i am watching this video to learn starts on how to do this myself and im SO glad the version (vita) i am playing doesnt have this. My hands hurt.

[@zeusdeegoose]

if i died at balos in hard mode id just give up tbh. congrats!

[@thisdamnyankee9308]

the Strat for the big crusher is the same I used. My son did cave story + and this part was BRUTAL.

[@JizzburnGigaqueer]

Insane

[@mariogames168]

Now this is what I called: extreme.

[@v.l.thafamkimapachuau5098]

doing a Hard run as well... now I'm stuck on this. with 8HP. Hopefully I can grind it out. But I traded the Blade for Nemesis, hope it's gud enough for the Final Form.

[@davidchirinos1366]

Mad props, dood! Already wanting to do a Hard run of this game on the Switch, plus Hell, only to realize you’re stuck with a measly 3 HP, meaning *anything* can 1 shot you. Already got cold feet thinking about doing Hell like that 😅 Any good tips you can give to an amateur like me? I did notice some, like aiming up with the spur on the falling blocks section, or getting rid of the spawning enemies at the third screen. Anyways, great work!

[@SpindIes]

Near the end of the game, you'll need to ride a rocket up through some presses that try to crush you. On the left side of that rocket, on the way up, you'll see a little dog that you can jump over to and speak to. If you no longer have the Life Pot from Jenka, he'd normally supply you with another, but getting there on Hard Mode will still award you with a Life Capsule (the only one you can still obtain). This means you can do the entire end game with 8HP instead of 3. I didn't take that option here, but if you just want an easier time clearing hell, you can make many things that one-shot you into two-shots instead. Other than that, those things you mentioned help a lot. Remember to level up your blade to 3 on the way to Ballos, it helps a ton on the finale. Hardest part is getting through the block room. Wish you luck! 👍

[@McNibbler]

I’m currently at this part in my first full playthrough of cave story (I realize doing a 3hp run for my first playthrough is extremely masochistic) Any tips on the second room? The falling bricks seem so inconsistent, especially with the angels, and everything kills you in one hit. I was trying to use the bubbler to shield myself, but even that’s a bit luck based.

[@SpindIes]

Your best bet for the falling block hallway is to memorize where the angels spawn. They appear in the same spots every time. If you move forward only when you are ready, you can force them to spawn and be ready to clear them out. If you rush forward too quickly and then let the angels catch up to you, you'll have to dodge both them and the blocks. Try to kill them before spawning too many more. If you haven't already completed it, I wish you luck!

[@envygreen7051]

I have to do this again it's been years

[@davysmith1934]

Well done! I'm going to have to use that strategy of yours with the Blade :D Any tips for beating the Undead Core?

[@SpindIes]

Thank you~ The Undead Core goes most smoothly if you immediately mash Misery to death with the lvl2-Blade. Getting her out of the way as soon as possible will allow you to entirely focus on the Core itself. Just unload every time it opens its mouth, and if you want to, you can take care of Sue between the mouth closings. The Spur makes bursting the mouth much easier, but you can use Missles or the Blade as well.

[@davysmith1934]

hot damm that would have been useful 24 hours ago :D Well, Core is done, I am running into the Blood Stained Sanctuary now :) Advice for getting past crushy-block-corridor? Is there a pattern to the madness??

[@SpindIes]

Nope, say hello to the hardest part of the game! You are entirely at the mercy of the falling blocks. The faster you go, the lower the chance of a bad block arrangement dropping on you. The slower you go, the more you can ease in the spawn locations of the angels to deal with them before too many stack on your screen. Figure out the exact positions in the hallway where the angels spawn ahead or behind you, and be ready to deal with them while advancing. They are the same every time. If you can make it through the block room, you're home free for an attempt at Ballos. Nothing else is as random. Best of luck!

[@davysmith1934]

cheers! Ballos shall fall before me, and I shall rejoice :D

[@davysmith1934]

@@SpindIes It has been a long time....I did defeat the Undead Core...but I grew lax. I didn't beat Ballos. Your advice was invaluable, and today...Today I'm going back. I'm going to defeat Ballos. I have one question for you. If the red archers come from the left,and red butes from the middle, could you sit upon Ballos's right eye socket and simply spam the Blade? The spikes only do 2 damage, so it might be possible to damage boost through them? Regardless, thanks again for all your help- looking back, your advice was incredibly useful to a younger, less grateful me. :( Thank you :)

[@oguzhangungor9117]

This video seems a bit old but I have question about Ballos on easy mode. I am doing my 3 hearts run on easy since there are enemies that only do 2 dmg in easy mode. Anyway my question is, does Ballos' eye do damage to you? You know when you do the damage boost strat (getting hit from the spears). Also do you know how much damage the spears and the eye do (if the eye does any damage anyways) on easy mode? I can, for the most part, get past the falling blocks section and the rest of the stage is basicaly me needing to take my time (I kinda wish that I took the snake but I also don't since the machine gun is really useful for the rest of the run). When it comes to stage only 2 parts give me difficulty, the first is the falling blocks (ugh) and the second is those 2 angels right before the heavy press. However if I can't use the damage boost strategy for the final form of ballos......I don't think I can beat him. At least not with all the stress of doing everything in one go.

[@SpindIes]

If you only have 3 HP, the damage boost strategy isn't going to work out, sadly. You do indeed take contact damage from Ballos after the final phase begins. Did you still have your health pot? If something only hits you for 2 damage, you could get another chance with it, though I am not sure how much the eye will hit for on easy mode. The good news is that you have access to Super Missles on Easy Mode, which is something that gets removed from your inventory in Hard Mode. Even if you can't stand inside of the eye, you can spam a large chunk of Ballos' HP away by emptying your missles into him from a distance.

[@oguzhangungor9117]

@@SpindIes Thanks but I already gotnthebachivement.

[@InfernoSam1904]

I can do up to final form Ballos on hard, but as you can imagine it's difficult to practice to put the whole run together. Do you have any tips?

[@SpindIes]

Sure thing: Without missles, getting blade to lvl 3 works well for the final phase. The most dangerous thing are the Butes with arrows shooting you the entire time. I found it was easier to focus specifically on shooting them with Curly and letting blade do it's thing on its own. The hardest part is still the falling block corridor. The Angels spawn at set locations every time, so even though the blocks are random you can take the room slower and go after the enemies before you spawn too many by advancing. If you rush, you can just luck your way through if the blocks are kind, but that can feel like gambling, so try your best to memorize the spawns. I hope you manage to succeed!

[@AnythingSpark]

im planning on doing this to but would you recommend the weapon set you have?

[@SpindIes]

Blade is your friend, for sure! Level 2 Blade is the most spammable thing you've got without the missle launcher on Hard Mode, and Level 3 Blade works well on large targets like Ballos' last phase.

[@spaalonebabuguuscooties]

I noticed that he doesn't have the missle launcher do you not get that on hard mode?

[@SpindIes]

That's right, they don't give you any missles on hard mode. Prevents you from unloading everything into Ballos at the end.

[@tempori]

if u ever wanna retry, in the beginning once the blocks hit the ground you can pass thru them without taking damage

[@nspj9rh8bdpvpuwu0vs8]

What? I tried and got crushed

[@quercus_opuntia]

Are you supposed to only have 3hp on hard mode? Bc I'm playing hard on cave story 3d but its giving me extra life at certain points even though I don't want it

[@SpindIes]

If I remember correctly, you are given 3 additional HP if you trade in your life pot, but it is skippable. I'm not sure if 3D has a different system for granting HP on Hard Mode, I'm only sure on Cave Story + !

[@fizzyo7]

how long did this take you?! how many hours do you have in this game, this is crazy.

[@SpindIes]

I spent an afternoon grinding over and over until I succeeded. It's really just about learning the falling blocks and Bute spawns, after you figure them out it'll be a lot easier on you!

[@andreleblanc2833]

man, i've 100%ed the game up to this point, and i sTILL can't beat it.

[@kwagar9810]

How do you deal with the falling blocks section? Im stuck on that.

[@SpindIes]

That's the hardest part. The trick is memorizing the exact spots in that hallway where the Angels spawn. When you walk over certain X coordinates in the falling block room, Butes spawn offscreen, either behind or ahead of you. Try to only advance over those spawn spots when you have cleared some of the already existing angels, or when you see a clear gap in the rocks. You can also try going fast, and brute forcing it, but your success rate will be a lot lower without learning the spawn patterns on the Butes first. The blocks are the random part, the angels are the part you need to get familiar with. Wish you luck!

[@tory4410]

finally Someone do it

[@Frostblooper]

Hey, I'm currently working on a video essay of sorts about the Blood Stained Sanctuary and I'd like to ask if I can use this video as footage. This crazy amount of skill encapsulates a point I'm making perfectly about it. No issue if you don't want to let me use it. Thanks!

[@SpindIes]

You most certainly can, best of luck on your video 👍

[@xvstar_]

I just got to the sanctuary, is there even a save before ballos or do I just have to hope

[@SpindIes]

Sorry I'm late replying, but you have to tough out the whole Sanctuary in one try. No checkpoints. You'll get it for sure if you keep trying (Or maybe you already have, by now!)

[@xvstar_]

@@SpindIes I still haven't made it past floor 3 :(

[@heccinv]

Mr. Man Guy you can enter and exit floor 3/2 to make the hearts respawn

[@sethlatronica3525]

@@heccinv Ooh thats useful I don't know why I didn't think of that. I'll try to get to there without using the healthpot and then I can enter ballos with full health and the healthpot

[@Trevowatt]

Currently struggling with this rn. I have 8hp though so I better start hustlin

[@mohammedabd3523]

This is far above hard mode. This is HELL MODE

[@noctarin1516]

Blood stained Keyboard

[@superstinkybeans]

What are those stars flying around you?

[@SpindIes]

Those are from the Whimsical Star. You can obtain them once you have the Spur and return to the Labyrinth Shop.

[@klasni2892]

@@SpindIes what do they do

[@SpindIes]

@@klasni2892 They deal tiny amounts of damage when they pass through enemies. The bigger the foe, the more likely the stars are to overlap and deal multiple hits of damage. They aren't necessary at all, they're just a bonus if you'd like to collect the item.

[@superstinkybeans]

Now, to beat the time

[@theabsolutecat915]

Which did you find harder? B2 or Ballos?

[@SpindIes]

B2 was harder by far. You might notice that the lore textbox appeared after the Heavy Press fight in this video, but not the previous textboxes: that was my first attempt that made it to Ballos in that session. It just so happened to be the only attempt needed.

[@theabsolutecat915]

I've been trying to beat this myself, I got to the normal ending on Hard Mode without any health just fine (the Core was a bitch and a half to do. I think I spent 5 combined hours on it.) but B2 has been kicking my ass, with the rest of the level being tricky, but doable. I mostly trip up before Heavy Press via a straw arrow hitting me. Any other tips you can give to beat this labyrinthine challenge?

[@SpindIes]

@@theabsolutecat915 The arrow shots are always in set arcs, so there are safe spots you can stand where you will never be hit. You can take your time and just kill off all the angels before you move forward if you need to.

[@leoboi4957]

And iam strugling in the long floor

[@moister3727]

It is possible to beat this level with peashooter only?

[@SpindIes]

It would just take longer to clear. Curly has a nemesis she fires along with you, so you always have a certain degree of firepower.

[@ZettaBlitz]

Any tips for passing through B2?

[@SpindIes]

The faster you go, the less you have to deal with the Butes. The slower you go, the easier it is to deal with the falling rocks. You need to find the balance that works for you. The trick is, the Butes spawn in set waves offscreen when you pass certain spawn triggers in the hallway. They are in the same spots every time. Learn where those spots are, and when you pass them, be ready to fire at the enemies offscreen to clean them up BEFORE they reach you in large numbers. If you can thin the wave somewhat, you won't feel trapped when they accelerate toward you while you're trying to dodge a falling rock. Only pass the spawn positions when you are READY to spawn more Butes. If you just rush the whole way, and you get stuck at ANY point (backtracking because a rock formation blocked you) you are going to walk backward into 10+ Butes at max speed, usually meaning you lose. It is possible to rush the whole thing, but it's not consistent for me, and usually just involves getting lucky rocks. Slow it down a little and keep the enemies dead, and that should help you find more time to weave around the rocks. I hope that helps!

[@Nandoclos]

Wow

[@iamthomaschoo]

wow i didn't nkow lv3 king gets through

[@alexdeghost2729]

Okay, I'm new to hard but I no diffed stage 1-3 Ballos easily but dunno the strat to stage 4 yet.

[@herotehdude]

they deadass fake out final boss’d me twice Hell, I died to the 3rd phase, for all I know there’s another phase

[@The_Pear]

Im stuck on b2 :(

[@lavendec]

Maybe try hollowknight pantheon of hallownest

[@localretard3779]

Does he still reply to comments?

[@SpindIes]

👋

[@Nick-of-Time]

Still stuck on Monster X...

[@The_Pear]

Undertandably

[@garchompdude]

Fucking how?!

[@therealstinkgod2604]

Insane