Vow of Iron is one of the toughest challenges ever added to Deepwoken. This mode changes how you progress, how you survive, and how you fight bosses. Many players get stuck early because they treat it like a normal run. This guide breaks everything down in a simple way, from understanding Vow of Iron rules to beating the Shogun boss without wasting runs. Also check out our Deepwoken Guide for those interested!
What Is Vow of Iron in Deepwoken?
Vow of Iron is a high-difficulty game mode designed to punish mistakes. Death sends you straight to the Depths, banks are disabled, and items cannot be transferred to regular characters. Progression is also locked behind boss fights, not just grinding mobs.
You start with preset builds called Momentos, which define your early stats and talents. Among all options, Berserker is currently the strongest choice due to its high damage and survivability. Other classes were nerfed, making Berserker the safest and fastest option for new runs.
After spawning, you will appear in Cerebral Spire. Here, you receive two key items:
- Edicts Flask: A limited-use healing item that can be upgraded to hold up to five charges.
- Memory Shard: A one-time revive item usable only during memory boss fights.
You can power up by talking to the main NPC using 500 notes per level, but only up to Power 5. After that, a boss must be defeated to unlock further progression.
Best Way to Reach Power 5 Fast
The fastest method is completing Memories, which are harder versions of trials and bosses. There are five total, but the most efficient one is Trial of One.
- Teleport out to Merit Peak Boundary, then return to the spire to unlock it.
- Talk to the power-up NPC and check available memories.
- If Trial of One is not available, wipe and retry.
- Enter portals until Trial of One loads correctly.
Completing Trial of One rewards around 8,000 notes, which is enough to reach Power 5 and buy essential talents.
How to Get All Five Edicts Flask Charges
While optional, flask upgrades make the Shogun fight much easier.
- Songseeker: Inside buildings guarded by strong NPCs (avoid fighting).
- Mini Tiera: Similar structure, quick grab and leave.
- Mount’s Landing (Right Side): Easy to access.
- Star Swype: Closest to the Shogun boss area, best done last.
More flasks mean more healing, which gives you room to learn boss patterns.
How to Beat Shogun Deepwoken Guide:
Before entering the boss arena:
- Set your spawn point near the dungeon entrance.
Make sure you understand attack indicators:
- Green: Parry only
- White: Jump over
- Blue: Block or crouch
- Red: Dodge
Patience matters more than damage here. You cannot brute-force this boss.
1. Shogun Boss Attack Patterns Explained
Only two attacks allow immediate counter damage:
- Blue Slash: Crouch, then M1.
- Regular M1 Chain: Parry or block, then attack.
Other attacks follow fixed sequences:
- Glowing Stomp Combo: Jump → Parry twice → Jump → Counter.
- Delayed Red Slash: Dodge twice before attacking.
- Non-glowing Stomp: Parry → M1 → Prepare for overhead.
- Delayed One-Hand Swing: Dodge → Dodge → Parry → Counter.
- Ultimate Attack: Triggered by a roar. Slide-jump away and get behind him.
Do not rush. Wait for full sequences to end before attacking.
2. After Beating the Shogun
Defeating the Shogun removes your power cap and allows full progression in Vow of Iron. The fight feels brutal at first, but once patterns are learned, it becomes one of the most rewarding boss battles in the mode.
Vow of Iron is not about speed or raw stats in Deepwoken. It rewards planning, positioning, and learning attack patterns. With the right setup, Trial of One farming, flask upgrades, and proper Shogun knowledge, you can progress consistently without endless wipes. Master the basics, stay patient, and the mode becomes challenging but fair.