- Trench Decay Iron Maiden Challenge: A Penance Challenge that locks you at 1 HP with a 20% movement slow.
- How to enter: Wear the Iron Maiden gas mask on the Ossuary map, or unlock it instantly via the Entombed in Steel war bond.
- Objective: Complete a major objective while in the challenge state to earn completion.
- Reward: The golden Iron Maiden mask, a rare cosmetic that showcases your valor.
- Key restriction: You can only complete it in a lobby you host.
What Is the Iron Maiden Challenge?
The Iron Maiden challenge is one of the flagship additions of Trench Decay's Skyfall update, introduced alongside new war bonds, weapons, and the Ossuary map. It is a Penance Challenge — a self-imposed difficulty modifier designed for veteran raiders who want to prove their skill under brutal conditions.
When you start a raid while wearing the Iron Maiden gas mask, your character is placed into the challenge state with two punishing effects:
| Effect | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HP lock | Health reduced to a single point | Any single hit can end your run |
| 20% movement slow | Reduced mobility while the mask is worn | Harder to dodge and reposition |
| Host-only completion | Must be in a lobby you host | No joining friends' raids to earn it |
Video Highlights:
- Full breakdown of the Skyfall update and the Penance Challenge system
- Walkthrough of the Ossuary map and the new Jager boss
- Details on the Entombed in Steel war bond and instant mask access
- Showcase of the golden Iron Maiden mask reward
With only 1 HP, even minor chip damage — gas, fire from incendiary rounds, or stray AoE — will end your attempt. Clear your path before you commit.
How to Unlock the Iron Maiden Gas Mask
There are two paths to obtaining the mask, and each suits a different type of player.
| Method | Cost | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find it on the Ossuary map | Free (in-raid) | Random spawn | Players who enjoy the hunt |
| Entombed in Steel war bond | Premium currency | Instant, permanent | Players who want guaranteed access |
The Entombed in Steel war bond is the most efficient route if you plan multiple attempts. Beyond the mask, it includes two armor sets, two unique gas masks, a new shield, and the instant Iron Maiden access — making it the clear value pick for challenge hunters.
Free Route (Ossuary Spawn)
- No cost, pure in-raid discovery
- Adds tension before the challenge even starts
- Spawn is not guaranteed every raid
Entombed in Steel War Bond
- Instant access to the challenge
- Two armor sets and two extra gas masks
- Includes the new shield weapon
Completion only counts in a lobby you host. If you join someone else's raid while wearing the mask, you can practice — but you will not earn the golden mask. Set up your own session before attempting it for real.
Step-by-Step Completion Guide
Follow this sequence to give yourself the best shot at finishing the challenge on the Ossuary.
Host Your Lobby
Create and host your own raid session. Verify the challenge indicator appears before launching — if it doesn't, the mask isn't equipped correctly.
Equip the Iron Maiden Mask
Wear the mask when starting the raid. Confirm your HP reads 1 and your movement feels slowed by roughly 20%. Both effects signal the challenge is active.
Scout Before You Push
With one hit point, information is survival. Mark enemy positions, watch for the Jager boss (dual Vickers machine guns and a near-instakill AoE charge smash), and avoid open sightlines.
Complete a Major Objective
Secure a major objective — not a minor task — while still in the challenge state. This is the only completion condition for the Penance Challenge.
Claim the Golden Mask
Upon completion, the golden Iron Maiden mask is awarded. Equip it to display your achievement in future raids.
The Ossuary's new boss charges through obstructions and lands a devastating AoE smash. At 1 HP, this is effectively a guaranteed death — break line of sight early and never let it close distance.
Surviving at 1 HP: Loadout Tips
Your loadout matters more in the Iron Maiden challenge than in any standard raid. Use the Skyfall update's new arsenal to compensate for your restrictions.
| Weapon | Ammo | Magazine | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG 08 | Medium | 100 rounds | Suppress enemies from cover without repositioning |
| Double-0 | Light | 14 rounds | Explosive pistol rounds punish rushers who get close |
| Lil Timothy | Light | 40 rounds | Incendiary rounds zone chokepoints — but avoid your own fire |
| Shield | Melee | N/A | Blocks all incoming damage frontally, but slows you 20% more and can break |
| Chauchat | Medium | 20 rounds | Solid medium-range option when holding angles |
Lil Timothy's burning rounds drop to the ground and create fire zones that damage you as well as enemies. At 1 HP, a single flame tick ends the run. Avoid this weapon for the challenge itself.
Cautious Approach
- MG 08 suppression
- Fight from hard cover
- Slow, methodical clears
Defensive Approach
- Shield for damage blocking
- Beware stacking movement slows
- Shield breaks after heavy damage
Precision Approach
- Chauchat at range
- Prioritize headshot elimination
- Never trade damage
Challenge Prep Checklist
Run through this list before every serious attempt.
Before You Attempt the Challenge:
- Host your own lobby (completion is host-only)
- Equip the Iron Maiden gas mask and verify the 1 HP state
- Check your loadout avoids self-damage weapons
- Learn the Jager boss patterns on the Ossuary
- Identify the nearest major objective and plan your route
Completing a major objective in the challenge state grants the golden Iron Maiden mask — a visible badge of honor that shows other raiders you survived the game's harshest self-imposed test.
FAQ
Q: Can I complete the Iron Maiden challenge in a friend's lobby?
No. The Trench Decay Iron Maiden challenge only grants completion in a lobby you host yourself. Joining another player's raid lets you practice with the mask, but the golden Iron Maiden mask reward will not be awarded.
Q: Do I have to buy the Entombed in Steel war bond to try the challenge?
No. The Iron Maiden gas mask can be found as a spawn on the Ossuary map. The Entombed in Steel war bond simply grants instant, permanent access and bundles extra armor sets, gas masks, and a shield.
Q: What counts as a major objective for completion?
You must complete a major raid objective while in the challenge state (1 HP, 20% slow). Minor tasks and partial progress do not count toward the Penance Challenge completion.
Q: Is the movement slow permanent during the raid?
The 20% movement reduction applies while the challenge state is active. Plan engagements around reduced mobility, and avoid stacking it with the shield weapon, which adds another 20% slow while equipped.