One of the first things new players discover in Gothic Remake is that the Colony is not interested in helping them survive. You start the game with almost nothing, and unlike many RPGs, the first decent weapon isn’t handed to you after a short tutorial. If you walk straight into combat without preparing, even basic enemies can kill you in a matter of seconds.
Fortunately, there’s a sword available very early in the game, and grabbing it should be one of your first priorities before making the journey to the Old Camp.
Talk to Diego
After the opening sequence, you’ll meet Diego, who acts as your first guide through the Colony.
Spend some time talking to him and asking questions. During the conversation, he can point you toward a nearby mine if you’re looking for a weapon.
While the information isn’t entirely straightforward, it does lead you toward your first useful piece of equipment.
Pick Up the Pickaxe
Follow the path away from the Exchange Point and look for the abandoned mine.
You won’t be able to enter the mine itself, but that’s not the important part.
Near the entrance you’ll find a Pickaxe lying on the ground. Pick it up immediately.
The Pickaxe isn’t a great weapon, but it’s much better than fighting with your bare hands and will help you survive the next encounter.
Cross the Bridge
After grabbing the Pickaxe, continue along the nearby path toward the hanging bridge.
Crossing this bridge takes you toward an area where a much better weapon is waiting.
Keep your eyes open as you move forward because you’ll soon encounter your first real threat.
Find the Sword
Not far beyond the bridge, you’ll spot a sword stuck in the ground.
This is one of the earliest swords available in Gothic Remake and a major upgrade over the Pickaxe.
Unfortunately, there’s a catch.
A Molerat is guarding the area.
Deal with the Molerat
The Molerat may not look dangerous, but early-game enemies in Gothic Remake hit surprisingly hard.
If you decide to fight it, use the Pickaxe and play patiently.
A good strategy is to:
- Wait for the Molerat to attack.
- Move out of the way.
- Land a single hit.
- Back away immediately.
Trying to trade blows usually ends badly when you’re still at level one.
Another option is to lure the Molerat away from the sword and quickly grab the weapon before finishing the fight.
Equip the Sword
Once you’ve picked up the sword, equip it right away.
Compared to the Pickaxe, it offers a much smoother combat experience. Attacks feel faster and more reliable, making future encounters far less frustrating.
It’s not the strongest weapon you’ll find in the Colony, but it’s a huge improvement over your starting equipment.
Head to the Old Camp
With a proper weapon finally in your hands, continue following the road toward the Old Camp.
This is where you’ll begin taking on quests, earning ore, and finding stronger gear.
Just because you have a sword now doesn’t mean you’re ready for every fight, though. The Colony is still dangerous, and reckless decisions can get you killed quickly.
Getting your first sword in Gothic Remake is one of the most important early-game upgrades.
The process is relatively simple: grab the Pickaxe near the abandoned mine, cross the hanging bridge, deal with the Molerat, and claim the sword waiting beyond it.
Doing this before reaching the Old Camp makes the opening hours considerably easier and gives you a much better chance of surviving the challenges waiting deeper in the Colony.