Most people looking up how to beat anxiety are stuck on one specific moment rather than the whole encounter, so the phases below are split accordingly.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well.

The short answer

The encounter is built around one punishing phase; prepare specifically for that phase and the rest is manageable.

Before you start the attempt

People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Give the first attempt an honest try before deciding the method does not work. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill.

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt.

Phase by phase

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill.

  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
  • Keep a spare loadout for the attempts that go badly.
  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Restart fully after a change rather than trusting a quick reload.

What to do when it goes wrong

Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. Resources spent in the first phase are resources you will badly want later. If an attempt is clearly lost, ending it early is faster than seeing it through.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be done at a lower level?

Yes, and people do it regularly. It takes longer and leaves less room for mistakes, but nothing about the encounter requires overleveling.

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

Do I need any add-ons or third-party tools?

No. Everything described here works with the game as installed, which also means nothing breaks when the next patch lands.

Bookmark this if you expect to look up how to beat anxiety again after the next update.