Are you ready to finally put an end to the menacing Steiner in Call of Duty: Vanguard's campaign? This isn't your typical run-and-gun mission; it's a tense, cat-and-mouse game that requires stealth, patience, and a bit of a devious mind. We're going to break down exactly how to take him down, step by step, and show him who's the true predator in this war-torn apartment building.
Step 1: The First Takedown - The Element of Surprise
Let's begin! You've just entered the building, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. Steiner is somewhere in this labyrinth of mannequins, furniture, and haunting shadows. Your primary weapon for this fight is not a gun, but your knife and your wits. You can't just charge at him. If you do, he'll likely shoot you, and you'll be starting over.
Listen for his taunts: He's a talker. Listen for his voice. He'll call out to you, trying to lure you out. Use this to your advantage to pinpoint his general location.
Use the environment: This room is a perfect playground for a stealthy takedown. It's cluttered with mannequins and furniture, providing ample cover. Use every piece of it. Crouch and move silently through the clutter.
Find a crawl space: The key to the first takedown is to find one of the crawl spaces. These are little openings in the walls or floors that allow you to slip through and get behind him.
Attack from behind: Once you have a clear path to get behind him, get in position and execute a stealth takedown. This will trigger a brief cutscene and deal the first bit of damage.
Step 2: The Second Takedown - Luring the Prey
You've got him on the run now. He's no longer so easy to find. The challenge intensifies, but so does your resolve. Now, you need to be a bit more cunning.
Silence the noise: You'll hear a record player blaring music in one of the rooms. This is your next key to success.
Turn off the gramophone: Find the gramophone and turn it off. The sudden silence will pique Steiner's interest, and he'll come to investigate.
Find your hiding spot: As soon as you turn off the music, quickly find a crawl space or a secure hiding spot. He will rush to the source of the noise.
Strike again: Once he's distracted and investigating the gramophone, emerge from your hiding spot and attack him from behind for the second takedown. This will again trigger a cinematic and wound him further.
Step 3: The Final Blow - Following the Trail
He's wounded, he's frustrated, and he's desperate. He's also now a little bit easier to track.
Follow the blood trail: After the second takedown, he'll flee, leaving a trail of blood. This is your cue to become the hunter.
Be patient: He's still armed, so don't just run blindly after him. Follow the blood trail carefully, using cover and staying low.
The last attack: The trail will lead you to a broken room where he is slumped against a wall, near death. This is your final opportunity. Approach him, and the final cutscene will play out, allowing you to deliver the fatal blow and complete the mission.
This can be a tough fight, and you might need to try it a few times, but remember the core principles: stealth, patience, and using your environment to your advantage.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find Steiner in the first phase of the fight? Listen for his taunts and dialogue. He will call out to you, giving away his general position. Use the cluttered environment and crawl spaces to sneak up on him.
How to defeat Steiner without a gun? This boss fight is designed to be a stealth and melee encounter. You only use your knife for takedowns, so your primary weapons are stealth and environmental manipulation.
How to turn off the gramophone to attract Steiner? Locate the room where the music is playing and interact with the gramophone. It's a simple button press, but you need to be quick to get to a hiding spot after you do it.
How to find a good hiding spot during the fight? Look for the various crawl spaces in the walls and under furniture. These are your best bet for staying hidden and getting into position for takedowns.
How to avoid getting shot by Steiner? Stay in cover at all times. If he sees you, he will open fire. Use the mannequins and furniture as shields and don't linger in open spaces.
How to know if I've wounded Steiner enough? You need to perform three successful takedowns. After each of the first two takedowns, a brief cutscene will play, confirming that you've done damage.
How to follow Steiner's trail after the second takedown? After the second takedown, he will leave a visible blood trail on the ground. Simply follow the blood until you find him in the final room.
How to make the fight easier on a lower difficulty? Even on lower difficulties, the core mechanics of stealth and takedowns remain the same. The main difference is that Steiner might be less aggressive or his shots will do less damage if you are spotted.
How to deal with the mannequins in the room? The mannequins are just part of the environment. They can be knocked over and can sometimes obstruct your view, but they are primarily there for atmosphere and as a visual distraction.
How to trigger the final cutscene with Steiner? After the third successful takedown, follow the blood trail. Once you reach him in the final room, simply approach him to trigger the concluding cinematic.
