Guts Blackpowder San Sebastian Walkthrough

San Sebastian drops your squad into a Spanish fortress overrun by the blight �?Shamblers, Runners, Bombers, Zappers, Igniters, and Cuirassiers included. The map blends exploration, multi-step engineering puzzles, and one of Guts & Blackpowder's most memorable finales: a player sacrifice at the winch so survivors can board HMS Undaunted. This walkthrough covers every segment from the opening gunpowder shed to the beach holdout, with role assignments and holdout tips tied to real mechanics. New players should complete Vardøhus Fortress first; veterans comparing urban campaigns should read the Leipzig guide and London guide afterward.

Opening: Fortress Exit and Gunpowder Shed

Players spawn atop the hill fortress and descend toward the town below. Early combat introduces standard horde clearing �?focus Bombers at range before they reach melee clusters. You will reach a gunpowder shed that must detonate to progress. Shoot the explosives to blow the structure, then collect planks from the debris to bridge a spike pit. Assign two players to plank carrying while others suppress zombies on the bridge approach.

This section sets the tone: San Sebastian punishes teams that send everyone to the objective without a rear guard. Keep at least one Infantry player covering approaches while builders handle planks.

Capstan Section: Barrels and Hay Bale

The capstan is San Sebastian's signature mechanic. One to four players push the revolving cylinder with movement keys to raise and lower a cargo platform on the fortress exterior wall.

Step 1 �?Raise Three Gunpowder Barrels

Wind the capstan until the platform lifts three explosive barrels to the top. Press interact to knock each barrel over, then push all three against the fortress wall. When positioned correctly, shoot the barrels to detonate them and blast a hole through the stone. Coordinate capstan operators with barrel rollers �?communication prevents half-raised platforms and wasted time under zombie pressure.

Step 2 �?Lower and Raise the Hay Bale

Descend the lift, retrieve the hay bale from the platform bottom, and raise it again. Push the hay bale through the breached wall to create a safe descent ramp into the main city. This step requires minimum two players: one on the capstan, one pushing the bale. Solo completion is impossible here by design.

Zombie types escalate during capstan work. Post Sappers with stakes at capstan approaches per our Sapper build guide. Water Buckets help if Igniters appear in later revisits.

City Progression and Locked Gate

After descending into Donostia-San Sebastián, fight through streets toward a locked gate leading to the final cargo holdout area. Clear Shamblers and priority targets methodically �?burning through grenades here leaves fewer for the finale. Open the gate as a team and prepare for the Barry sequence.

Barry, the Lift, and the Holdout

Barry, a young British soldier of the 5th Regiment of Foot, operates across a metal grate from your team. He fires an emergency flare rocket to signal HMS Undaunted offshore, then mans a cannon with round shot, canister shot, and a swab while zombies assault the fortress walls.

Barry raises the wooden platform so players can board. During the ascent, survive an intensifying horde �?every zombie type appears. Sappers should fortify the platform approach; Surgeons heal chip damage; Infantry deletes Runners before they reach Barry's side or yours.

When the platform reaches the top, Barry shouts for players to board. Wait on the platform while he prepares to lower it toward escape level. Do not jump early �?timing matters.

The Sacrifice: Winch Operator

Barry's story ends tragically. Runners ambush him; a Bomber detonates, killing Barry and blasting open the grate access. With no operator, the platform stalls. One player must climb the metal grate to the winch and manually lower the platform for remaining survivors.

The sacrifice player cannot follow �?jumping down breaks their legs instantly. They face an overwhelming zombie horde in a small row area until death or until teammates successfully escape. If at least one player reaches the boat, the sacrifice still wins the match and earns the Vos Enterrement badge.

Volunteer early if your loadout is expendable or you already have the badge. High-value one-life badge hunters should stay on the platform. Communicate clearly: "I take winch" prevents three players climbing simultaneously.

Beach Holdout and Boat Escape

Survivors drop to the beach where an old sailor from HMS Undaunted awaits. Hold the shoreline until the rescue boat arrives �?another timed horde with full zombie roster. Stay out of deep water; it kills instantly. When the boat reaches shore, board quickly. The sacrifice player's fate is sealed, but the campaign completes for everyone who escapes.

Recommended Team Setup

• Two Sappers �?capstan area and finale holdouts
• One Surgeon �?attrition across long map
• Remaining Infantry �?DPS and capstan labor
• One designated sacrifice volunteer for the winch

Francs earnings include map completion plus sacrifice bonus. Spend on Infantry upgrades before repeat runs for the Forlorn Hope one-life badge.

Common Mistakes

• All players crowding the capstan while zombies flank from behind
• Shooting barrels before all three reach the wall
• No volunteer for winch �?platform stalls while horde overwhelms
• Standing in beach water during final holdout
• Wasting grenades before Bomber-heavy finale waves

Frequently Asked Questions