Pair Chainsword with Tape Measure
In the October demo, Chainsword combines with Tape Measure to become Eviscerator Chainsword. Raise Chainsword to level 8, keep Tape Measure equipped, and open an eligible boss chest to claim the evolution.
Start with Malum Caedo
Malum Caedo starts unlocked in the demo and begins every run carrying Chainsword. Selecting him gives you immediate access to the base weapon, so you can concentrate on upgrading it and acquiring Tape Measure. The permanent progression objective associated with this route is evolving Chainsword.
- Choose Malum Caedo to begin with Chainsword already equipped.
- Look for Tape Measure among passive level-up choices and keep it alongside Chainsword.
- Bring Chainsword to its maximum, level 8, before attempting the evolution.
- Prepare to open an eligible boss chest after the weapon and passive are ready.
Recipe items and early support choices
| Item | Role or effect | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Chainsword | Malum Caedo’s starting weapon, with horizontal serrated attacks. | Select Malum Caedo to begin the run carrying it. |
| Tape Measure | The passive paired with Chainsword for this evolution. | Choose it when offered among passive upgrades and keep it equipped. |
| Eviscerator Chainsword | Heavier melee slashes that inflict Bleeding. | Reach Chainsword level 8, carry Tape Measure, and open an eligible boss chest. |
| Boltgun | A ranged weapon to consider alongside your melee attack. | Starts unlocked in the demo and can be selected during level-ups. |
| Nuln Oil | Targets enemy groups and damages them with flammable oil. | Starts unlocked in the demo and can be selected during level-ups. |
Treat the support weapons as options when the opening waves become uncomfortable. Take the attack that helps you maintain room to move, then return your attention to finishing Chainsword. Keep Tape Measure in mind whenever a passive choice appears.
Build toward Eviscerator during the opening waves
- Begin an Imperial Bastion run as Malum Caedo. Chainsword is already in his starting loadout, letting you put your opening upgrade choices toward the evolution route.
- Collect experience while keeping a safe path through the enemies. Level-ups offer weapon and passive upgrades; favor Chainsword upgrades when your immediate survival allows it.
- Take Tape Measure when it appears among passive choices. Keep it equipped while you continue upgrading Chainsword.
- Consider Boltgun or Nuln Oil if you need support to stay comfortable. Both start unlocked in the demo, so they are accessible choices while you work on your main weapon.
- Raise Chainsword to level 8 and check that Tape Measure is still equipped. Approach the evolution chest with both ingredients ready.
- Plan your Imperial Bastion evolution attempt around boss chests from minute 10 onward. Open an eligible chest with the completed pairing to obtain Eviscerator Chainsword.
Understand the passive and follower distinction
The companion item in this recipe is the Tape Measure passive. Allied characters use the separate Keyword system: acquiring a weapon your champion cannot wield brings in a follower who can use it. That follower attacks on your behalf and cannot collect items.
For Malum, Chainsword belongs to his starting loadout, so the Eviscerator route begins immediately. Other weapon choices can involve rescued allies: selecting Lasgun after rescuing Trooper Bartosz Kozlowski can add him to Malum’s squad. Keep that recruitment goal separate from preparing Chainsword and Tape Measure.
Check the loadout when the evolution does not appear
- Read Chainsword’s displayed level. This route calls for level 8 before opening the evolution chest.
- Check that Tape Measure is equipped in the current run. Having access to the passive is separate from carrying the required pairing.
- Check the chest timing on Imperial Bastion. The demo’s later evolution opportunities begin from minute 10.
- Continue toward another eligible boss chest if necessary. Acquiring the passive alone does not complete the weapon-upgrade and chest sequence.
Keep the demo route separate from the full game
This route uses the October demo’s Chainsword recipe. Some weapon pairings differ between the May and October demos, so use the recipe for the build you are playing. Demo progress also does not transfer to the full game.