So, you've been grinding for hours and you're finally ready to tackle the project slayers final selection to become a full-fledged demon slayer. It's easily the most iconic part of the game's early progression, mirroring the intense entrance exam we saw in the anime. But if you walk in there unprepared, the demons are going to chew you up and spit you out before you even see the sun rise.
Passing this test isn't just about clicking your mouse as fast as you can; it's about timing, stamina management, and knowing exactly what the game expects from you. Let's break down everything you need to know so you don't end up having to restart the whole process.
Getting Started and Requirements
Before you even think about heading toward the gates, you have to meet the basic requirements. The game won't even let you start the project slayers final selection unless you are at least Level 15. Now, technically, you can try it the second you hit 15, but honestly? That might be pushing it if you aren't comfortable with the combat system yet. I usually recommend people get a few extra levels or at least make sure their stats are somewhat balanced.
You also need to have a Breathing Style. Whether you went with Water, Thunder, Wind, or something else, you need those skills bound to your keys and ready to go. Trying to punch your way through the final selection is a one-way ticket back to the spawn point. Once you're level 15 and have your breathing moves, you need to head over to the Final Selection area. It's located at the very edge of the map, usually identified by the glowing purple trees (wisteria) that keep the demons trapped inside.
The Quest Structure
When you arrive, you'll see the two twin NPCs standing there. Talk to them to start the quest line. The project slayers final selection isn't just one big fight; it's actually a series of tasks that take place over a specific timeframe.
First, you'll be tasked with surviving for a certain amount of time while fending off waves of demons. Then, you'll usually have to hunt down a specific number of demons scattered throughout the forest. It sounds simple on paper, but the forest is dark, crowded, and those demons hit surprisingly hard when they swarm you.
The final part of the trial is the real challenge: defeating the Hand Demon. If you remember the show, this guy is a beast. In the game, he's a massive boss with a lot of health and some high-damage moves that can break your guard if you aren't careful.
Combat Tips for Survival
The biggest mistake I see people make during the project slayers final selection is getting overconfident and jumping into the middle of a pack of demons. Even the low-level mobs in here can stun-lock you if they hit you at the same time.
Watch your stamina bar. This is the golden rule. If you burn all your stamina using breathing moves or sprinting, you won't be able to block or dodge when a demon lunges at you. I like to cycle through my moves and then back off for a second to let the bar refill.
Another trick is to use the terrain. There are plenty of trees and rocks you can use to bottleneck the demons. If you can get them to line up in front of you rather than surrounding you, your AOE (Area of Effect) attacks will be way more efficient.
Taking Down the Hand Demon
The Hand Demon is the "final boss" of the project slayers final selection. He has a few moves you really need to look out for. His reach is insane because, well, he's made of hands. He can grab you from a distance, and that move does a chunk of damage while leaving you vulnerable afterward.
When you fight him, patience is your best friend. Don't just spam your M1 attacks. Wait for him to finish a move, then dash in, hit him with a combo or a breathing technique, and dash back out. If you have a friend with you, it's much easier since one person can take the aggro while the other deals damage from behind. But even solo, it's totally doable if you don't get greedy with your hits.
What Happens After You Pass?
Once you finish the final quest and talk to the twins again, you'll officially be a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. This is where the game really starts to open up. Passing the project slayers final selection gives you a few immediate rewards:
- Your Slayer Rank: You'll start at the lowest rank (Mizunoto), and you can work your way up from there.
- The Slayer Uniform: You finally get the iconic look.
- A Crow: You'll get a Kasugai Crow that delivers missions to you. This is how you'll find most of your work going forward.
- Nichirin Sword: You get to choose the color of your ore, which determines the look of your blade.
It's a great feeling of accomplishment when that "Quest Completed" text pops up. You've gone from a random person wandering the woods to a protector of humanity. Plus, the rewards actually make you significantly stronger for the mid-game content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen a lot of players fail the project slayers final selection for really silly reasons. One big one is forgetting to set your spawn. If you die and your spawn is set halfway across the map, it's a long, annoying trek back to the wisteria forest.
Another mistake is ignoring your health. Make sure you have some food or a way to heal between fights. The trial is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to last the full duration, and if you enter the Hand Demon fight with 10% health, you're going to have a bad time.
Also, pay attention to the time of day. While the wisteria keeps the demons in, the trial itself is much easier to navigate when you have a bit of light. If it's pitch black and you can't see the demon's animations, you're much more likely to miss a dodge.
Is It Worth Doing Early?
People often ask if they should rush the project slayers final selection as soon as they hit level 15. Personally, I think it depends on your gear. If you've managed to get some decent drops from lower-level bosses, go for it. But if you're still wearing basic clothes and using a starter sword, you might want to spend an extra thirty minutes grinding some better equipment.
The jump in difficulty from regular map mobs to the demons inside the selection area is noticeable. They are more aggressive and have more health. However, getting the Slayer rank early is beneficial because it allows you to start ranking up your mastery and earning better rewards from missions sooner.
Final Thoughts on the Trial
The project slayers final selection is really the first "skill check" the game throws at you. It's designed to make sure you've actually learned how to play and aren't just coasting. It can be frustrating if you fail, but don't let it get to you. Every time you go in, you learn the enemy patterns a bit better.
Once you've cleared it, the rest of the world feels a lot more accessible. You'll have your crow, your uniform, and the respect of being a slayer. Just remember: keep an eye on that stamina, don't let the Hand Demon grab you, and make sure you're at least level 15 before you try to talk to the twins. Good luck—you're going to need it in that forest!