Whether you’re under-leveled, low on supplies, or just tired of Thomas Richards sending you back to the respawn screen, the community has found a way to level the playing field. In the world of Windrose, some boss fights are a test of skill – others are a test of how well you can exploit the environment.
Through the Wall: The Windrose Thomas Richards Group Exploit
If you’re struggling with the Richards encounter, this “Group Cheese” method (confirmed working as of late April 2026) allows you to bypass the difficulty by using the arena’s own geometry against it.
The Strategy: The “Inside-Out” Tag Team
The core of this exploit relies on the fact that Thomas Richards can be damaged through the boss room door once it locks. By splitting your group into two distinct roles, you ensure the boss stays focused on players who are technically “outside” the fight.
Phase 1: The Setup
Before you step into the cave, a little preparation goes a long way:
- The Safety Net: Build a tent right outside the cave entrance. Every player must interact with it to set their revival point.
- Gear Check: While this is a cheese, the “Attackers” should still bring food and decent weapons.
- The Divide: Decide who will be the Survivors (those getting the campaign credit) and who will be the Attackers (the bait).
Phase 2: Defining the Roles
To pull this off, your group needs to act in sync. This isn’t a standard “tank and spank” fight.
The Survivors
- Goal: Stay alive at all costs to prevent the boss encounter from resetting.
- Position: As soon as the fight starts, run to the pile of boxes opposite the entry door.
- Note: Survivors get the campaign progression, but the Attackers do not. You will need to swap roles later!
The Attackers
- Goal: Maintain aggro and deal damage through the environment.
- Position: Initially inside the room, then eventually outside the locked door.
Phase 3: The “Door Cheese” Execution
- Initiate: Start the fight. Attackers engage Richards while Survivors get into position on the boxes.
- The Lockdown: Once an Attacker dies, the entry door will slam shut, locking the remaining players inside.
- The Breach: The dead Attacker respsawns at the tent and runs back to the closed door.
- Wall Clipping: The Attackers still inside must lure Richards close to the entrance. The player outside can then swing their weapon through the door to hit Richards.
- The Aggro Loop: Once the player outside draws Richards’ attention, the “death loop” begins. Any Attacker who dies simply respawns, runs back to the door, and continues the assault from the safety of the hallway.
⚠️ Pro-Tip: Richards isn’t completely helpless here. His attacks and bombs can clip back through the door. Stay alert, even when you’re outside!
Phase 4: After the Fight
Once Richards falls, the Survivors will receive the campaign progression credit. However, since the Attackers spent the end of the fight outside the encounter zone, the game doesn’t count it for them.
To make sure everyone progresses:
- Interact with the Trial Object in the cave to reset the encounter.
- Swap roles: The previous Survivors become the Attackers, and vice versa.
- Repeat the process.
Is it worth it?
While some players, like community member FooFoosStrange, have noted that Richards can be beaten at Level 4 on Normal difficulty with minimal potions, not everyone has the same build or playstyle.
If you find yourself stuck, low on bandages, or just want to guarantee a win for your whole squad without the stress, the Door Cheese is your best bet. Grab your crew, set your tents, and happy hunting!
Last Updated on May 1, 2026
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