When you first spawn in, the game doesn’t really hold your hand. You’re thrown into classes, stats, and systems all at once. So let’s simplify it step-by-step.
Choosing Your First Class (Don’t Overthink This)
You’ll start with a few classes, and honestly, your first pick isn’t permanent—so focus on what feels comfortable.
Executioner (Best Beginner Sword Class)
- Good damage + tankiness
- Has a guard break that can’t be dodged (only parried)
- Great for learning combat basics
Manipulator (Mage Playstyle)
- Uses ranged attacks like Red / Blue
- Safer playstyle but needs positioning
Constructor (Hybrid Fighter)
- Uses ranged moves to set up melee combos
- Slightly harder to master early
Projector (Aggressive Fist Class)
- Multiple gap closers + mobility
- Good if you like constant pressure
Ravager (Combo + Grab Focused)
- Has iframes dash + grab
- Strong but requires timing
Beginner Tip:
Go with Executioner or Projector if you’re new. They’re the easiest to learn.
First Thing You Should Do (Settings & Controls)
Before anything, fix your setup:
- Set a comfortable lock-on key
- Enable parry macro if you struggle with E + F
- Learn these core mechanics:
- M1 + Cursed Energy timing = stun (very important)
- Holding M1/M2 = stronger delayed hits
- Shift + M1 = free combo starter
This game is heavily timing-based. If you ignore this, you’ll struggle in every fight.
Understanding Combat
The entire combat system revolves around one thing:
Cursed Energy Timing (Black Flash Mechanic)
- Press M1 + Cursed Energy at the same time
- This causes a hard stun
- Lets you extend combos
If you don’t time it:
- Enemy can parry or escape
Key Mechanics You MUST Practice
- Parry (E + F) → drains enemy stamina
- Curse Dodge (E + Q) → safer than normal dodge
- Block + punish timing
- Cancel parry endlag with M1
Real Advice:
Spend 10–15 minutes in training dummy. It will save you HOURS later.
Stats Explained
You’ll sit at a chair to level stats. Here’s what actually matters:
- Durability → Health (BEST early game)
- Physicality → Melee damage
- Output → Technique damage
- Efficiency → Stamina
- Awareness → Block + Black Flash boost
- Dexterity → Movement speed
Best Beginner Build
- Dump most points into Durability early
- Then mix in:
- Physicality (if melee)
- Output (if using techniques)
Why?
You’re squishy early game. Surviving = faster leveling.
Leveling
The game doesn’t use normal XP.
Instead, you farm:
1. Time (Main XP)
- Used to upgrade stats
- Found in:
- Caches
- Missions
- Exploration
2. Gear XP
- Levels your skills
3. Cursed Technique XP
- Used later when you unlock CT
Fast Leveling
Don’t try to be a hero early. Do this instead:
- Enter expedition
- Loot caches + items
- Convert items into Time
- Leave once you hit ~100 Time
Repeat this loop.
Why this works:
- Low risk
- Fast leveling
- No unnecessary deaths
Later (mid-game), you can aim for 500+ Time runs
Missions, Veils & Exploration
During expeditions, you’ll see:
- Veils → Spawn enemies (good rewards)
- Caches → Give items/time
- Evac Points → Safe exit
You don’t need to complete everything.
Smart play:
Take what you need → leave safely
How to Heal
Some maps have hidden healers.
Example:
- Interact with NPC
- Sometimes requires a code word (like “machine”)
- Costs currency (Shine)
Always carry some currency if you plan long runs.
Unlocking New Classes
If you don’t like your starter class:
- Go to shops in cities (like Shabuya area)
- Buy new classes using Shine
Secret Classes
- Hidden rooms (break walls)
- Underground areas
- Example:
- Interceptor (300 Shine)
- User (500 Shine)
There’s also:
- Hydra Class → found in sewers
When You Unlock Your Cursed Technique (IMPORTANT MILESTONE)
At Grade 4, you unlock CT.
How to Get It:
- Collect 3 shards
- Convert into crystal
- Consume it
Now you unlock your blue bar (CT energy)
Upgrading Your Cursed Technique
You’ll get points to upgrade:
- Potency → More damage
- Haste → Lower cooldown
- Efficiency → Less energy cost
Some techniques also evolve later.
Cybernetics (Free Stat Boosts)
You’ll find cybernetic items during runs.
Equipping them gives:
- Bonus stats (like +Physicality)
Always equip them—even small boosts matter early.
Grade Exams (Progression Boost)
Every hour:
- You can enter 1v1 tournament
Rewards:
- Rank up
- Increase overall power
If you’re confident, this is HUGE for progression.