Starting your journey in Ash Echoes can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The game’s unique systems and mechanics differ from typical gacha games, which can make the learning curve steep. However, understanding the fundamental elements of the game will not only enhance your experience but also allow you to optimize your progression. This guide will walk you through key aspects such as character progression, gear systems, game modes, and resource management to help you get a strong start in Ash Echoes.
Beginner Guide for Ash Echoes
1. Character System: Ascension and Battle Skills
One of the first things to understand in Ash Echoes is its character system. Unlike traditional RPGs, characters in Ash Echoes do not level up directly. Instead, the game uses two key progression systems: Ascension and Battle Skills.
Ascension is a system that allows your characters to reach higher level caps, boosting their stats as they progress. However, in order to ascend your characters, you first need to level up your main account. Every time your account levels up, you unlock the ability to ascend your characters further.
Battle Skills, on the other hand, consist of both active and passive abilities that can be enhanced as your account level increases. These skills are essential for improving your character’s performance in battle. Upgrading Battle Skills requires materials that can be collected through various game modes. Additionally, the Quick Battle feature can help speed up the gathering of these materials, making it easier for you to upgrade your skills faster.
It’s important to note that in Ash Echoes, your character’s progression is heavily tied to your main account’s level rather than their individual level. Understanding this dynamic will help you focus your efforts on improving your overall account level, which in turn powers up your characters.
2. Gear System: Memory Traces and Tactical Engravings
Ash Echoes also features a unique gear system, with two critical elements: Memory Traces and Tactical Engravings. These systems offer additional ways to boost your characters’ effectiveness in battle.
Memory Traces are special items you acquire in the Nexus mode. Unlike traditional gear that can be directly equipped, Memory Traces influence Tactical Engravings. When characters are used in Nexus mode, these traces provide stat boosts depending on the selected character.
Tactical Engravings are another system designed to enhance your team’s overall power. These engravings provide statistical bonuses to the team based on the character you choose as the leader in battle. Only the leader’s Tactical Engraving affects the entire team, so selecting the right character for this role is essential for maximizing the bonuses. As you continue progressing through Nexus mode, you’ll learn how to use these systems effectively to optimize your team’s strength.
3. Key Game Modes: Nexus, Field Ops, and More
Ash Echoes offers a variety of game modes that are crucial for character progression and resource gathering. Here are some of the most important modes to focus on:
- Nexus: This roguelike mode is essential for gathering Memory Traces and improving Tactical Engravings. It’s a challenging mode where you strive to progress deeper with each attempt, gaining valuable rewards that can significantly boost your characters’ abilities.
- Field Ops: In this mode, you can grind for the resources necessary to upgrade your characters. Here, you’ll spend stamina to fight enemies and collect materials, which are key to character improvement.
- Sky Rift: This is a high-difficulty challenge mode where you must complete missions in a multi-floor building, each with increasingly difficult conditions and modifiers that make the battles tougher.
- Joint Training: A weekly training mode where you complete various sub-missions to earn rewards that can enhance your characters’ stats and abilities.
Each of these modes plays a vital role in acquiring the materials needed for upgrades, so it’s crucial to participate in them regularly. Prioritize completing missions in these modes to maximize your progress.
4. Summon System and Character Collection
As a beginner, one of the most exciting aspects of Ash Echoes is the Summon system. Early in the game, you’ll have the opportunity to summon new characters. There are two main types of banners you’ll encounter:
- Targeted Banner: This banner gives you a higher chance of acquiring newly released characters. It’s the ideal banner to focus on as a beginner, especially if you want to recruit powerful new characters early on.
- Standard Banner: This banner includes older characters, but the chances of obtaining a new one are lower compared to the Targeted Banner.
It’s recommended to focus on the Targeted Banner at the start to maximize your chances of getting strong, new characters. Additionally, after completing a certain number of summons, you’ll receive a selector to choose a character that you want, which can further optimize your team.
5. Resource Management and Character Enhancement
In Ash Echoes, effective resource management is critical to developing your characters. One of the most important resources is Echo Mancer, which is used to train and enhance your characters’ stats.
Make sure to pay attention to the various activities in the Seed Dome, where you can gather essential resources. Each mission and activity provides materials that are crucial for character progression. By efficiently managing your resources and using them strategically, you’ll be able to level up your characters faster and keep your team strong.
Ash Echoes offers a complex yet rewarding gameplay experience. As a beginner, it’s essential to understand the key systems like character progression, gear enhancements, and game modes to make the most of your time in the game. Focus on leveling up your account, enhancing Battle Skills, and participating in game modes like Nexus and Field Ops to gather resources and strengthen your team. By following these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Ash Echoes and enjoying everything the game has to offer.