The Caretaker heals when his attacks connect or summoned spirits reach him. Later, Iris’s nightmares appear as six dormant versions of Olgierd. The story-friendly strategy is different from the achievement challenge.
Caretaker: avoid the long spade wind-up, wait until the tool is stuck, then use that pause. Clear summoned spirits before they reach him. When It’s Many Against One: make all six Iris nightmares active before any is defeated; a separate save is strongly recommended.
Find your next step
Boss reference card
Select which encounter you are preparing for.
Cues and timings may vary with difficulty and combat settings.
Do it in this order
Save before the Caretaker
Use a fresh save and prepare for the mansion grounds encounter.
Watch the long spade animation
Move away when the Caretaker raises his spade; the recovery after a heavy slam gives a clear opening.
Prevent his summoned spirits from reaching him
He can regain health from them. Use movement to keep distance and clear the encounter deliberately.
Restore Iris’s memories in the manor
Follow the quest’s ghostly scenes until you reach her final fear.
Save before entering the final nightmare room
This is the best checkpoint if you want to earn the missable achievement.
For the achievement, awaken all six
Do not eliminate the first nightmare until the other five are active. Otherwise, play them one by one for an easier finish.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get When It’s Many Against One?
Activate all six Iris nightmares simultaneously and finish the encounter.
Can I earn it by fighting one nightmare at a time?
No. All six must be in the encounter together.
What makes the Caretaker recover health?
Successful attacks and summoned spirits can restore his health.
Is the achievement required to finish Hearts of Stone?
No; it is a separate optional trophy.
Sources & further reading
WalkerBex is an independent fan resource. Versions, quest states, New Game+ and localization may change names, levels or rewards. Images are original artistic illustrations, not in-game screenshots.