Episode 1 - Once Upon a Time in Stinking Springs | Walkthrough CoJ: Gunslinger Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
As soon as the cutscene ends, follow the path ahead. You can also go through the demolished building on the left, but you'll end up on the same route anyway.
Once you turn the first corner on the right, you'll hear a conversation between two thugs: this will be your first shootout, and you'll also receive info on gaining experience points. Take the enemies out and move along, past the two horses.
Eventually, you'll reach a gate leading to a ranch, and once you cross it, another gunfight will start, a much bigger one. The game will force you to use Concentration, so just follow the instructions in the tutorial.
Take cover to eliminate all enemies, then move forward until you reach a pathway blocked by wagon. The game will tell you that the only way to get to the other side is to crouch and get through on the left, because the path in the front is blocked.
As soon as you squeeze through the gap, you'll find your first Nugget of Truth and probably spend some experience points on your first level. You can choose between three skill trees: Desperado, Ranger and Trapper.
After leveling up, you'll find yourself on a pumpkin field with bandits all around. Take this opportunity to learn how to use the Sense of Death. Afterwards, there will be two paths to choose from.
You can follow the path and kill the enemies the usual way, or climb up the ladder and take them out from a vantage point. If you choose the latter, you'll be given an opportunity to switch revolvers for Ranger pistols.
Regardless of the path, a few moments later you'll find yourself at the back of the farmhouse, which is also surrounded by enemies. Get rid of them and approach the door to enter.
Inside, go upstairs and collect another Nugget of Truth on the way. When you open another door, you'll trigger a cutscene. Once it's over, you'll be given a rifle and will have to fight back waves of enemies by shooting them from a window. Use Concentration a lot and shoot the exploding barrels, but make sure to step away from the window as soon as you detect death is upon you.
After a while, you'll hear a command to move to the opposite window. The second part of the fun isn't any different from the first; just shoot to kill until you get a sign to escape the house.
As soon as you turn around, you'll learn that one of the bandits had gotten inside, so kill him by pressing the button indicated on the screen.
The task now is to bring the horses. To do that, run down to the ground floor and kick the door. Time will slow for a moment and you'll have a several precious seconds to eliminate most of the remaining enemies. Once you're outside, run left towards the demolished building, from which a man with a shield will emerge. It's best to wait until he leans out and shoot him once he does; better not to waste ammo on attacking the shield.
Enter the building and climb up the ladder. A thug will charge at you, but kill him quickly by pressing "F". Run forward and jump through the gap in the wall.
While in mid-air, press the left mouse button and your gunslinger will automatically aim at and kill enemies.
Back on the ground, follow the path, kill the last bunch of enemies, and go right at the next turn. You'll see the stable from which you need to get the horses.
Before you go inside, approach the scarecrow on the right to find the last Nugget of Truth. Now enter the stable to trigger another cutscene.
After the cutscene, you'll face the Sheriff himself. The duel is divided into two parts. Firstly, keep the crosshairs on the Sheriff's body to fill the Concentration meter and get a better aim. Secondly, keep your eye on the Sheriff's hand, because in the first duel you can draw your weapon only when he draws his first. When both of you do, you have splits of seconds to make the shot. If you fail, you're going to have repeat the whole sequence.
After the duel, make sure to read the tutorial tips displayed on the screen.
When the killing is done, the game will put you back on the path and you'll have to enter the stables again. Do it to finish the episode.