Pretty sure my pet Spardel should be able to beat him but not managed it so far. Any strategies or advice?

The hustler is tricky because of the large spread of icons he can do based on all the weapons he has. Blasting is no good because of his large variety of weapons so that leaves you with freezing, stealing or blocking. Stealing is tricky because you could steal junk or you could get lucky and steal his emo spork or a high tier weapon you could use to beat him quicker. Just don’t use the spork if you steal it.

Chain freezing is your best option. Your pet is tier 7? You can freeze him first turn with weapons like the gorgun and deluxe death shard. From there you will want to attempt to chain freeze him using shriek of despair, psycho smasher or cold blast scrolls. Unless he uses the spork first turn, he won’t be able to hit you.

Freezing scrolls can be expensive so your other option is to defend and heal. Cobalt eternal and sancturia exodin are good blocking scrolls. The turkey quill is an especially nice weapon for him since it has the potential to heal you for a lot and generates steal fodder since he can steal your weapons.

Oooh thank you. I normally freeze first go but could do with some chain freezers and might try the quill. Thank you for your help