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This question started out asking whether a no-magic, no-upgrades pacifist and ghost runs are possible at all, but now that it seems to be confirmed as impossible, I'm expanding the scope to be more specific.

How many points are there in the game that absolutely require the use of magic (notably blink) or any of the mobility-enhancing upgrades, such as Agility, to progress?

In addition to the above, how many runes, bone charms and Sokolov paintings require such to obtain, as well?

And finally, how many points are impossible to slip past the guards unnoticed without such methods?

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Well, there's an achievement for it, so I'd hope it can be done... – LessPop_MoreFizz Dec 2 '12 at 22:15
@LessPop_MoreFizz I think he's asking something slightly different. I believe the achievement is for no magic other than Blink 1. Pvt. Grichmann seems to be asking if it's possible to not even use Blink 1 (after the section where you get it). – Sterno Dec 2 '12 at 22:35
Oh, silly me. Should've looked through the achievements first. If only they didn't spoil things... Okay, minimal magic is confirmed. Pacifist/ghost compatibility with that is still on the table, or complete no-magic run, still on the table. – Pvt. Grichmann Dec 2 '12 at 22:38
@Pvt.Grichmann By "...can be beaten without using magic (after the sequence where you first get blink)", do you mean without using even Blink I after that sequence? I'm asking because the ‘Mostly Flesh and Steel’ Achievement/Trophy can be achieved even if you use Blink I throughout the game (but not Blink II). – galacticninja Dec 3 '12 at 5:34
@galacticninja Yes, not using Blink, any other magic power or passive rune upgrade. The achievement proves that the game can be beaten without buying any additional powers, but otherwise irrelevant. – Pvt. Grichmann Dec 3 '12 at 6:31
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2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

I'm pretty sure you can't. During the start of the Flooded District area you have to use Blink to escape a pit (it's a very confined area, there definitely isn't another way out) and I'm pretty sure it's impossible to scale the water lock in the level previous without Blink as well. Several areas are designed quite deliberately with Blink in mind. The other upgrades and spells are totally superfluous though.

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Thanks, that more or less matches my own playthrough, which I'm going to post as my own answer. I'm going to expand the question's scope somewhat, as well: see comments to the question. – Pvt. Grichmann Jan 31 at 3:35
+1 2 good examples – Alex Jan 31 at 9:33
up vote 0 down vote

My own "dirty" (most spells and all upgrades were obtained, but seldom used where applicable) run seems to indicate that to complete the game, you have to use Blink or high jump granted by Agility twice, both times to get to an otherwise inaccessible ridge at the beginning of a level.

In addition to that, only one Sokolov painting in the Flooded District seems to be inaccessible without the use of Blink (possibly Blink 2). All runes and bone charms seem to be accessible.

Bypassing (not neutralising) guards can usually be accomplished by distracting them with thrown items and crossbow bolts. I've only needed to actually blink past or possess guards twice - once to reach a lever at the bridge level, and once to clear a narrow hallway in the Flooded District.

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