Progression, practical choices and current mode rules.
Open a practical setup
Each setup covers equipment, learning order, target ranks and sequences for different openings.
Dual Wield: Fallen Guardian → · Greatsword: Crimson Fiend → · Spear: Fallen Lord →
Diagnose the problem first
Identify whether the issue is damage, stamina, defensive timing or overcommitting. Stats, gear and skills solve different problems.
These are practical editorial build directions, not a single optimal answer. Allocate attributes using your current weapon scaling and survival needs; there is no invented universal level-by-level point plan.
Dual Wield: reliability before longer strings
Early: use short strings and leave stamina for evasive movement. Invest in moves you can reliably connect.
Midgame: choose a main Spirit damage skill before its set, such as Master of Chaos for a Phantom Sword Dance direction or Unending Tragedy for Crimson Tempest.
Later: match gear options to the chosen skill, then test stamina after a full string. Shorten unsafe strings before adding more damage.
Greatsword: earn the opening
Early: learn charge length and recovery. Use shorter attacks in small openings, reserving Savage Momentum or Mortal Blow for longer ones.
Midgame: inspect Crimson Fiend for charged attacks, or Fugitive Mage for an Armor Breaker / Heart Piercer direction after consistent guard timings.
Later: coordinate openings, stamina damage and burst. A demonstration combo is not a mandatory sequence; recover stamina and positioning when interrupted.
Spear: confirm hits before spending resources
Early: use reach to maintain spacing and learn Moonlight without chasing beyond useful range.
Midgame: compare Golden, Fallen Lord and Deep Shadow against your chosen skills before changing an established rotation.
Later: build around a confirmed Trance hit and Spirit follow-ups, retaining resources for recovery. Follow current balance rules rather than obsolete descriptions of repeated chaining.
Sources and version notes
Checked on 2026-10-21. Recommendations are editorial; patch-specific rules are identified in the text.