Arcane Odyssey is not a game that forgives rushed decisions. Many new players struggle early because they skip side content, ignore settings, or lock themselves into bad builds without realizing the long-term impact. Also check out our Arcane Odyssey Tier List & Codes for more rewards!
With the Full Release update, the game becomes even deeper, making early choices more important than ever. This guide is written to help beginners avoid common mistakes and enjoy a smoother journey through the War Seas.
Optimize Your Settings Before Playing
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is ignoring the settings menu. Bad habits formed early will hurt you later, especially in combat. Key settings you should change:
- Dodge Method: Switch dodge to Shift only. Double-tap dodging causes accidental dodges in the air or Dark Sea.
- Global Messages: Turn them off to avoid screen clutter and distractions.
- Attack Names in Chat: Disable them so text bubbles do not block your view during fights.
- Mouse Icon: Use the pointer instead of the target icon for better aiming.
- Screen Shake: Turn it off to keep enemy positions clear.
- Item Display: Use text mode if you play on a laptop to reduce lag.
- Render Distance: Increase it if your device can handle it, as it helps with ship spotting and exploration.
Taking five minutes to adjust settings will make combat and exploration much easier.
Understanding Stats and Builds
Every level gives you two stat points, and once you invest them, mistakes are hard to fix. The four main stats are:
- Magic – Spells and magic abilities
- Strength – Fighting styles and martial techniques
- Weapons – Weapon skills and weapon scaling
- Vitality (Spirit) – Spirit weapons and Oracle-related builds
Beginner Build Recommendation
For your first playthrough, pure Mage is the safest choice. Mage builds:
- Do not rely on gear or mastery grinding
- Unlock strong ranged spells early
- Perform well in PvE and boss fights
- Are easier to progress with compared to Strength or Weapon builds
Hybrid builds are powerful but risky for beginners. If you invest points incorrectly, you may need to restart your character.
Choosing the Right Magic
There is no single “best” magic, but some are easier for beginners. Good beginner-friendly choices:
- Fire – Balanced, strong damage, easy to use
- Magma – Strong synergy with Fire
- Lightning + Water – Good synergy and control
- Metal – Strong standalone magic, but slower
Avoid choosing magics that rely heavily on synergy early unless you fully understand the system. Poor magic combinations can permanently ruin a build.
Leveling Smart: Side Content Matters
Arcane Odyssey punishes players who rush the main story. Before fighting story bosses:
- Complete all island exploration tasks
- Open every chest
- Finish side quests
These activities give extra levels, gear, and money. They also make bosses much easier. Exploration tasks across a sea unlock the Sea Explorer title, which is useful long-term.
Early Boss Fight Tips
If you are playing Mage:
- Keep your distance
- Use ranged spells
- Dodge projectiles with Shift
- Do not fight bosses at the minimum required level
Being overleveled is never a bad thing in Arcane Odyssey.
Boats and Crew Guide
Boats are your lifeline.
Early tips:
- Buy a sailboat as soon as possible
- Avoid bad ships like the Ketch early on
- Save for better ships like the Brig later
At level 20, you can hire deckhands:
- Speed-focused deckhands are the best
- A full speed crew adds massive travel speed
- Always assign a Navigator and Shipwright
- Avoid low-value roles like Enchanter for ships
Deckhands level up as you sink ships and are a long-term investment.
Gear and Armor Progression
Armor becomes available around level 20.
Beginner advice:
- Do not upgrade armor early at blacksmiths
- Open chests instead to find higher-level gear
- Focus on defense first, damage stats later
Late game builds usually balance:
- Defense
- Attack size or attack speed
- Bonus damage
But early on, survival matters more than damage.
Making Money and Gearing Faster
Best early money sources:
- Selling unused gear
- Opening sealed chests
- Underwater diving (safe depths only)
- Piracy against weaker NPC ships
Avoid deep diving early. Drowning is a common cause of death for new players.
PvP, Bounty, and Illegal Chests
At level 50:
- PvP becomes enabled
- You can activate bounty at Silverhold
Illegal chests are very strong for low-level players and can give gear similar to gold chests. Most players will not hunt low bounties, so do not be afraid to use this system carefully.
Story Choices and Oracle Players
Some story decisions affect:
- Spirit color
- Oracle and Paladin visuals
- Potential future endings
If you plan to play Oracle or Oracle hybrids, research these choices carefully before deciding to spare or kill certain bosses.
Important Story Warnings
There are moments where the game locks you into difficult fights. Key warning:
- Do not rush Tiberia in Chapter 4 unless you are prepared
- Dodge Reflex (unlocked later) is extremely helpful
- Aim for at least 2,000 HP before late Bronze Sea content
For Nimbus Sea progression, buy a strong ship like the Brig before advancing.
Arcane Odyssey rewards patience, planning, and preparation. Rushing the story, copying outdated builds, or ignoring exploration will only make the game harder. Take your time, choose a simple build for your first run, and always prepare before major fights. With the right approach, the Full Release update offers one of the most rewarding progression systems on Roblox.