How to Complete the Pacifist Challenge in Megabonk

The Pacifist challenge in Megabonk is one of the most unique quests in the game. To complete this challenge, you must defeat every stage boss without using any weapons. This quest tests your resilience and offers a great opportunity to farm Silver and unlock the rare Pacifist achievement.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to successfully finish the Pacifist challenge in Megabonk.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Character

Before beginning the Pacifist challenge, pick a character. Although all characters in Megabonk are balanced, some have better utility that can increase your chances of success.

Since you’re restricted from using weapons, you’ll have to rely on items, abilities, and the Thorns passive stat. A great choice is Tony McZoom, whose Zap ability deals area-of-effect damage by moving around enemies, effectively harming multiple targets without relying on weapons.

To maximize your Thorns stat, level up the Thorns Tome. This powerful item boosts your Thorns stat and is unlocked by blocking 250 attacks with the Aegis item.

Best Items for the Pacifist Challenge

Items play a crucial role during the Pacifist challenge. Some deal damage without needing to hit bosses directly, while others require physical contact with the target.

Items That Do Not Trigger by Hitting the Enemy:

Bob (Dead)
Big Bonk
Ice Cube
Holy Book
Cursed Doll
Ghost
Electric Plug
Toxic Barrel

Items Triggered by Hitting the Enemy:

Shattered Knowledge
Quin’s Mask
Cursed Grabbies
Power Gloves
Lightning Orb
Dragonfire
Soul Harvester
Slutty Cannon
Joe’s Dagger
Moldy Cheese
Cactus
Thunder Mitts
Unstable Transfusion
Moldy Gloves
Slurp Gloves

Best Upgrades for the Pacifist Challenge

The Toggler upgrade is highly recommended. It allows you to choose which items and tomes will not appear as upgrade offers. This is especially useful since some upgrades are disabled at the start of the quest or unavailable to certain players.

Since this challenge forbids weapon use, make sure to disable all items and tomes that boost weapon stats using the Toggler upgrade.

Items to Disable Before Starting the Challenge:

Turbo Skates
Battery

Tomes to Disable Before Starting the Challenge:

Duration
Chaos
Quantity

How to Upgrade Your Character Without Weapons

Without weapons, leveling up your character can be challenging. The best way to gain experience is by scavenging resources such as pots and shrines. Track these by following the green and white markers on your mini-map.

Pots contain XP points, gold, and silver. Shrines provide valuable stat upgrades. Additionally, keep an eye out for NPCs who sell useful items that can aid you during the challenge.

Megabonk Pacifist Challenge Gameplay Tips

When you can’t use weapons, success often depends on luck and RNG. Be mindful of the types of items you pick up, as you may face shortages of critical tomes or items right before a boss fight. Sometimes, your strategy may need to adapt based on what you find.

For example, if you choose a character like Bandit—known for high attack speed and a crit-focused setup using CL4NK’s revolver bursts—you might rely on the Black Hole item for crowd control. This item pulls in hordes of enemies, making farming easier. In such cases, adapting by acquiring the Agility Tome for better kiting and repositioning is essential, allowing you to farm XP more efficiently through constant enemy clusters.

Conclusion

The Pacifist challenge in Megabonk is difficult but rewarding, testing your strategic skills and adaptability. By carefully selecting your character, items, and upgrades—and by scavenging resources wisely—you can conquer every boss without using weapons and claim the coveted Pacifist achievement.