⚔️ Combat Mastery

Build Strategies

Complete builds with spark allocations, skill priorities, stat distributions, and equipment recommendations. Find your path to victory.

📚 Skill Reference ⚔️ Full Builds 🐺 Transformations 💡 General Tips

Skill Reference

All skills organized by stance with spark costs and priority ratings.

Skill Type Sparks Priority Description
Resolute Strike Core 1 ✦ Essential Basic heavy attack combo. Foundation of Smash Stance.
Charged Smash Core 2 ✦ Essential Hold attack for devastating overhead slam. Breaks guards.
Sweeping Force Combo 2 ✦ High Wide arc attack hitting multiple enemies. Great for crowds.
Ground Pound Finisher 3 ✦ High Leaping slam with AoE damage. Staggers most enemies.
Fury Strike Focus 3 ✦ Essential Consumes Focus for massive single hit. Your biggest damage.
Iron Will Passive 2 ✦ High +15% Smash Stance damage. Always active.
Unyielding Force Passive 3 ✦ Medium Charged attacks gain hyperarmor. Can't be interrupted.
Crushing Blow Mastery 4 ✦ High Charged Smash deals +40% posture damage.
Skill Type Sparks Priority Description
Flurry Strikes Core 1 ✦ Essential Rapid multi-hit combo. Builds Focus quickly.
Piercing Thrust Core 2 ✦ Essential Quick forward lunge with good range.
Whirlwind Combo 2 ✦ High Spinning attack that hits all around you.
Swift Strike Finisher 2 ✦ High Dash attack that covers distance quickly.
Storm of Blows Focus 3 ✦ Essential Multi-hit Focus attack. Great sustained damage.
Flowing Water Passive 2 ✦ Essential +20% attack speed in Thrust Stance.
Chain Lightning Passive 3 ✦ High Perfect dodges extend combos.
Endless Assault Mastery 4 ✦ High Combo finishers restore stamina.
Skill Type Sparks Priority Description
Stone Guard Core 1 ✦ Essential Defensive stance that blocks incoming attacks.
Counter Sweep Core 2 ✦ Essential Counterattack after successful block. High damage.
Iron Fortress Defense 2 ✦ High Perfect blocks restore health.
Immovable Mountain Defense 2 ✦ High Reduces stamina cost of blocking by 40%.
Retribution Focus 3 ✦ Essential Focus attack that scales with damage blocked.
Stone Skin Passive 2 ✦ Essential +25% defense while in Pillar Stance.
Vengeful Spirit Passive 3 ✦ High Counter damage +50% after blocking 3 hits.
Unbreakable Mastery 4 ✦ Medium Cannot be guard broken while stamina > 50%.
Spell Cooldown Sparks Priority Description
Immobilize 25s 2 ✦ Essential Freezes enemies in place. Creates damage windows.
Cloud Step 15s 2 ✦ Essential Dash with invincibility frames. Great mobility.
Ring of Fire 30s 3 ✦ High AoE fire damage around you. Good for crowds.
Spirit Clone 45s 3 ✦ Medium Creates a decoy that draws aggro.
Thunderbolt 20s 3 ✦ High Lightning strike on single target. High damage.
Shrink 30s 2 ✦ Medium Become tiny to dodge attacks. Unique mechanic.

Complete Builds

Detailed builds with spark allocations, skill order, equipment, and rotations.

💥

Havoc Striker

Maximum Damage Build
Smash Stance Beginner
01

A devastating build focused on raw damage output. Perfect for players who like to end fights quickly with powerful, heavy-hitting attacks. This build excels at breaking enemy guards and staggering bosses.

Playstyle: Aggressive, High Damage, Guard Breaking

📊 Stat Priority

Primary Stats
Strength Primary Increases all physical damage
Stamina Secondary Allows more heavy attacks
Secondary Stats
Defense Low Priority You'll be dodging, not tanking
Spirit Minimal Focus on physical combat

✦ Spark Allocation (35 Total)

Smash Stance 20 Sparks
Resolute Strike (1)Charged Smash (2)Ground Pound (3)Fury Strike (3)Iron Will (2)Unyielding Force (3)Crushing Blow (4)Sweeping Force (2)
Spells 7 Sparks
Immobilize (2)Cloud Step (2)Thunderbolt (3)
Thrust Stance 5 Sparks
Flurry Strikes (1)Piercing Thrust (2)Flowing Water (2)
Passives 3 Sparks
Staff Mastery (2)Focus Generation (1)

📈 Skill Priority Order

Early Game (1-10 Sparks) Resolute Strike → Charged Smash → Iron Will → Immobilize
Mid Game (11-20 Sparks) Ground Pound → Fury Strike → Cloud Step → Crushing Blow
Late Game (21-35 Sparks) Unyielding Force → Thunderbolt → Thrust basics for variety

🎽 Equipment

Weapon Volcanic Staff or Dragon's Fury - Look for +Smash Damage and +Critical Hit
Armor Warrior's Set for +15% Strength or Berserker Set for +20% damage when below 50% HP
Accessories Ring of Might (+10% physical damage), Amulet of the Bull (+Stagger damage)

🔄 Combat Rotation

  1. Open with Charged Smash to break guard
  2. Follow with Resolute Strike full combo
  3. Use Ground Pound for AoE or repositioning
  4. Save Fury Strike for stagger windows
  5. Immobilize → Charged Smash for guaranteed damage

⚔️ Matchups

✓ Strong Against Slow bosses, armored enemies, groups of weak mobs
✗ Weak Against Fast bosses with short windows, flying enemies
💡 Counter Strategy Use Immobilize to create openings against fast enemies

💡 Pro Tips

  • Always fully charge your heavy attacks - half-charged hits waste stamina
  • Fury Strike has hyperarmor, use it to trade with boss attacks
  • Learn which attacks can be interrupted vs which need dodging
  • Ground Pound's leap gives i-frames at the start
💨

Wind Dancer

Speed & Combo Build
Thrust Stance Intermediate
02

A fluid build emphasizing mobility and sustained damage through long combo chains. Rewards players who enjoy rhythmic combat and staying in the flow. Great for learning boss patterns safely.

Playstyle: Mobile, Combo-Focused, Sustained DPS

📊 Stat Priority

Primary Stats
Agility Primary Faster attacks and dodges
Spirit Secondary More spell usage
Secondary Stats
Stamina Medium Need some for extended combos
Luck Optional Crit builds benefit

✦ Spark Allocation (35 Total)

Thrust Stance 22 Sparks
Flurry Strikes (1)Piercing Thrust (2)Whirlwind (2)Swift Strike (2)Storm of Blows (3)Flowing Water (2)Chain Lightning (3)Endless Assault (4)Combo Extension (3)
Spells 8 Sparks
Cloud Step (2)Immobilize (2)Ring of Fire (3)Shrink (1)
Smash Stance 3 Sparks
Resolute Strike (1)Charged Smash (2)
Passives 2 Sparks
Dodge Mastery (2)

📈 Skill Priority Order

Early Game (1-10 Sparks) Flurry Strikes → Flowing Water → Piercing Thrust → Cloud Step
Mid Game (11-20 Sparks) Storm of Blows → Chain Lightning → Whirlwind → Immobilize
Late Game (21-35 Sparks) Endless Assault → Swift Strike → Ring of Fire → Combo Extension

🎽 Equipment

Weapon Wind Cutter Staff or Serpent's Fang - Look for +Attack Speed and +Combo Damage
Armor Shadow Set for +Dodge Distance or Wind Walker Set for +Attack Speed
Accessories Ring of Swiftness (+15% attack speed), Jade Pendant (+Spirit regen)

🔄 Combat Rotation

  1. Start with Piercing Thrust to close distance
  2. Chain into full Flurry Strikes combo
  3. Weave in Whirlwind for AoE
  4. Use Swift Strike to reposition or chase
  5. Storm of Blows for burst during openings
  6. Perfect dodge → extended combo with Chain Lightning

⚔️ Matchups

✓ Strong Against Aggressive bosses with predictable patterns, humanoid enemies
✗ Weak Against Enemies with long invincibility phases, one-shot mechanics
💡 Counter Strategy Build Focus quickly and save Storm of Blows for damage windows

💡 Pro Tips

  • Never stop attacking - pausing breaks your combo and DPS
  • Perfect dodges are crucial for Chain Lightning procs
  • Use Cloud Step offensively to maintain pressure
  • Flowing Water passive makes this build's speed insane
  • Ring of Fire while in melee does massive damage
🏛️

Pillar Master

Counter-Attack Build
Pillar Stance Advanced
03

A technical build centered on defense and powerful counter-attacks. Rewards patient players who master enemy patterns. The safest way to learn new bosses while dealing massive counter damage.

Playstyle: Defensive, Counter-Attack, Punish-Focused

📊 Stat Priority

Primary Stats
Defense Primary Better blocks and damage reduction
Stamina Primary More blocks before breaking
Secondary Stats
Strength Secondary Counter damage scaling
HP Medium Survivability buffer

✦ Spark Allocation (35 Total)

Pillar Stance 22 Sparks
Stone Guard (1)Counter Sweep (2)Iron Fortress (2)Immovable Mountain (2)Retribution (3)Stone Skin (2)Vengeful Spirit (3)Unbreakable (4)Perfect Counter (3)
Spells 6 Sparks
Immobilize (2)Cloud Step (2)Spirit Clone (2)
Smash Stance 5 Sparks
Resolute Strike (1)Charged Smash (2)Ground Pound (2)
Passives 2 Sparks
HP Recovery (2)

📈 Skill Priority Order

Early Game (1-10 Sparks) Stone Guard → Counter Sweep → Stone Skin → Iron Fortress
Mid Game (11-20 Sparks) Immovable Mountain → Retribution → Vengeful Spirit → Cloud Step
Late Game (21-35 Sparks) Unbreakable → Perfect Counter → Smash basics → Spirit Clone

🎽 Equipment

Weapon Iron Mountain Staff or Guardian's Duty - Look for +Block Efficiency and +Counter Damage
Armor Stone Guardian Set for +40% block efficiency or Turtle Shell Set for HP regen on block
Accessories Shield of Ancestors (+Block strength), Ring of Vengeance (+Counter damage)

🔄 Combat Rotation

  1. Stay in Pillar Stance, wait for enemy attacks
  2. Perfect block → immediate Counter Sweep
  3. After 3 blocks, Vengeful Spirit activates → big counter
  4. Use Retribution when Focus is full
  5. Switch to Smash for Charged Smash during long stuns
  6. Spirit Clone for breathing room in multi-enemy fights

⚔️ Matchups

✓ Strong Against Bosses with clear attack patterns, heavy hitters, multi-hit combos
✗ Weak Against Grab attacks (unblockable), magic damage, DoT effects
💡 Counter Strategy Use Cloud Step for unblockable attacks, Spirit Clone to reset

💡 Pro Tips

  • Perfect blocks have a larger timing window than dodges
  • Counter Sweep does 3x your normal damage on perfect blocks
  • Retribution's damage scales with recent damage blocked
  • Don't be afraid to take chip damage - Iron Fortress heals you
  • This build trivializes most bosses once you learn patterns
✨

Spell Weaver

Magic & Transformation Build
Any (Spell Focus) Advanced
04

A spellcasting build maximizing Spirit abilities and transformations. For players who want to fully embrace the supernatural powers of the Destined One. High skill ceiling with incredible burst potential.

Playstyle: Magic, Transformation, Burst Windows

📊 Stat Priority

Primary Stats
Spirit Maximum More spells and transformations
Wisdom Primary Spell damage and duration
Secondary Stats
Stamina Medium Still need basic attacks
Agility Medium Kiting while on cooldown

✦ Spark Allocation (35 Total)

Spells 18 Sparks
Immobilize (2)Cloud Step (2)Ring of Fire (3)Thunderbolt (3)Spirit Clone (3)Shrink (2)Spell Mastery (3)
Transformations 10 Sparks
Wolf Lord (3)Red Loong (4)Transformation Duration (3)
Thrust Stance 5 Sparks
Flurry Strikes (1)Piercing Thrust (2)Flowing Water (2)
Passives 2 Sparks
Spirit Regen (2)

📈 Skill Priority Order

Early Game (1-10 Sparks) Immobilize → Cloud Step → Ring of Fire → Spirit Regen
Mid Game (11-20 Sparks) Thunderbolt → Wolf Lord → Spirit Clone → Spell Mastery
Late Game (21-35 Sparks) Red Loong → Transform Duration → Shrink → Thrust basics

🎽 Equipment

Weapon Celestial Staff or Sage's Wisdom - Look for +Spirit Damage and +Cooldown Reduction
Armor Sage's Robes for -25% spell cost or Celestial Set for +30% Spirit damage
Accessories Orb of Wisdom (+Spell damage), Ring of the Cosmos (+Spirit capacity)

🔄 Combat Rotation

  1. Open with Immobilize for safety
  2. Ring of Fire + Thunderbolt combo
  3. Transform when Spirit is full
  4. Use transformation's unique abilities
  5. Spirit Clone to stall while recovering Spirit
  6. Thrust combos between spell cooldowns
  7. Shrink to dodge dangerous attacks

⚔️ Matchups

✓ Strong Against Any enemy with good transformation counters, elemental weaknesses
✗ Weak Against Spirit drain enemies, anti-magic bosses
💡 Counter Strategy Save transformations for key phases, don't waste on adds

💡 Pro Tips

  • Spirit management is EVERYTHING - never run empty
  • Each transformation has different strengths - learn them all
  • Wolf Lord is best for sustained damage
  • Red Loong is best for burst
  • Immobilize + Transformation = massive free damage
  • Monkey Wine potions are essential for this build
☯️

Balanced Sage

Jack of All Trades
Rotation (All Stances) Expert
05

The ultimate flexible build utilizing all stances and abilities. For veteran players who've mastered every aspect of combat. Highest skill ceiling but can handle any situation.

Playstyle: Adaptive, Stance-Switching, Maximum Flexibility

📊 Stat Priority

Primary Stats
Balanced All Stats No dump stats, everything useful
Secondary Stats
Priority Situational Adjust gear per boss

✦ Spark Allocation (35 Total)

Smash Stance 8 Sparks
Resolute Strike (1)Charged Smash (2)Fury Strike (3)Iron Will (2)
Thrust Stance 8 Sparks
Flurry Strikes (1)Piercing Thrust (2)Storm of Blows (3)Flowing Water (2)
Pillar Stance 8 Sparks
Stone Guard (1)Counter Sweep (2)Retribution (3)Stone Skin (2)
Spells 8 Sparks
Immobilize (2)Cloud Step (2)Ring of Fire (3)Shrink (1)
Passives 3 Sparks
Stance Mastery (3)

📈 Skill Priority Order

Early Game (1-10 Sparks) Core skill from each stance → Cloud Step → Immobilize
Mid Game (11-20 Sparks) Focus skills from each stance → Ring of Fire → Stance Mastery
Late Game (21-35 Sparks) Passive damage boosts → Remaining utility spells

🎽 Equipment

Weapon Ruyi Jingu Bang (if available) or any staff with balanced stats
Armor Harmony Set for bonuses when switching stances or mixed set with best individual pieces
Accessories Rotate based on the fight - keep multiple sets

🔄 Combat Rotation

  1. Assess the boss's current state
  2. Smash for guard breaking and stagger
  3. Thrust for extended damage windows
  4. Pillar when learning new attack patterns
  5. Swap stances mid-combo for optimal damage
  6. Use spells to create openings for any stance

⚔️ Matchups

✓ Strong Against Everything - you have tools for every situation
✗ Weak Against Nothing specifically, but execution errors are punishing
💡 Counter Strategy The counter IS your adaptability

💡 Pro Tips

  • This build requires mastery of all three stances
  • Stance switching mid-combo does bonus damage
  • Match your stance to the boss's current phase
  • Keep multiple gear sets for different situations
  • This is the 'correct' way to play but hardest to master

Transformations

Vessel spirits you can channel for powerful temporary forms.

Wolf Lord

3 Spirit 30s

Fast melee attacker. Great sustained damage and mobility.

Best For: Extended fights, mobile enemies

Red Loong

4 Spirit 25s

Fire dragon form. Devastating AoE and single target damage.

Best For: Burst damage, groups of enemies

Whiteclad Noble

3 Spirit 35s

Defensive form with crowd control abilities.

Best For: Surviving dangerous phases

Cloudy Mist

2 Spirit 20s

Evasion focused. Nearly untouchable.

Best For: Learning attack patterns

Stone Vanguard

4 Spirit 40s

Massive defense boost. Slow but nearly unkillable.

Best For: Tanking big hits

General Build Tips

🎯 Spark Economy

You earn about 35-40 sparks in a full playthrough. Plan your build before spending! Respec is possible but costs resources.

📊 When to Respec

If you're stuck on a boss, don't immediately respec. Learn the fight first. Only respec if your build fundamentally doesn't work for your playstyle.

⚡ Essential Skills

Regardless of build, always get: Immobilize (2 sparks), Cloud Step (2 sparks). These are universally useful and worth the investment.

🔄 Hybrid Builds

It's okay to mix builds! Many players start with Pillar Master to learn, then respec to Wind Dancer or Havoc Striker once they know the fights.