Builds & Loadouts
The Allocation Matrix forces real trade-offs: every modifier costs slots. You start with 25 slots; 7 Mod Extensions add +10 each (95 before negative mods). Swap loadouts at Network Gates / Overseer Modifier Centres. Cross-check rankings on Tier Lists and the full encyclopedia on All 42 Modifiers. Slot costs below match post-launch wiki data (Patch 1.2 / 2 may tweak feel—see Updates).
Remember: You do not need every recommended mod at once—prioritize what fits your current capacity, then expand with Mod Extensions.
Beginner / Survival Build
Early hours: stay alive and learn patterns. Keep slot costs modest.
Recommended Modifiers
- • Protective Overlay (20): Extra protection layer—get this as soon as you can afford the slots.
- • Analyser (5): Enemy health bars—cheap and excellent for learning.
- • Self-Awareness (5): Default HUD status (usually keep equipped early).
- • Enhanced Dodge (20) when available: more forgiving dodge timing.
- • Maintenance Hack (10) from Mel: free basin repairs once you shop.
Enable Assists if needed (Eroded Bosses / Ground Healing)—no trophy penalty.
Boss Rush / Final Boss Build
Balanced high-end setup for story bosses and Shii. See Tier Lists for alternatives.
Core Modifiers
- • Protective Overlay (20): Mandatory extra layer.
- • Sharpened Hairpin (40): Primary boss DPS (expensive—save extensions for this).
- • Kinetic Thrust (20): Stronger combo finishers.
- • Enhanced Dodge (20): Safer pattern learning.
- • Analyser (5): Track boss phases.
- • Optional: Energy Leecher (20) if you fight in the air a lot.
Keep Protective Overlay on for late bosses. Swap utility in/out around this core.
Glass Cannon Build
High damage, low margin for error. Only if you already know the fight. There is no official modifier named “Shield Sacrifice”—use real high-risk options below.
Core Modifiers
- • The Hand's Greed (20): Damage rises as you lose protection (and benefits from tremor / decayed health after Patch 1.2).
- • Sharpened Hairpin (40): Main damage engine.
- • Wild Cat (20): Heavy strike after Hairpin.
- • Kinetic Thrust (20) or Perfect State (20): Finisher or full-shield DPS.
- • Optional capacity: Oath to Ember (+25 slots, double damage taken) or other negative mods—experts only.
Still learning? Use the Boss Rush build instead. Toggle Eroded Bosses rather than stacking negative mods.
Evasion / Counter Build
Core Modifiers
- • Enhanced Dodge (20): Wider dodge timing.
- • Splintering Dodge (30): Dodge creates Energy Shards.
- • Protective Overlay (20): Mistakes hurt less while practicing.
- • Counter Measures (20): Dodging applies “targeted” status—punish openings.
- • Defense Mechanism (20): Explosion around Mio when hit (panic button, not a projectile shield).
Best for: Learning bosses patiently; pair with Assists if needed.
Aerial Combat Build
Core Modifiers
- • Energy Leecher (20): Energy on hit—stay airborne longer.
- • High-Voltage Discharge (20): Stun opener / group pressure.
- • Bird of Prey (20): Damage while Sail is active.
- • Sunsail (30): Faster glide (higher energy cost)—optional.
- • Black Widow (20): If you fight while Striding walls.
Hit enemies to reset jumps; combine with Hairpin momentum. Great for stylish clears and some platforming shortcuts.
Exploration / 100% / Crucible Prep
Core Modifiers
- • Map via Shii (not a modifier): donate Nacre in Severed Spine for map / portable map access.
- • Alexander's Fate (30): Keep Nacre Droplets on death.
- • Asma's Will (30): Non-boss enemies ignore you until you strike.
- • Portable Crystalliser (10): Convert some drops to Crystallised Nacre (Mel shop).
- • Gratitude (40) + Assists Ground Healing for The Crucible.
- • Afterimage (30): Hairpin decoy—optional distraction / flavor.
Swap back to a combat core before hard bosses. Track totals on the 100% Checklist.
Expanding Your Capacity
7 Mod Extensions (+10 slots each). Community sources place two in the world (e.g. Foundations / Promenade) and the rest in Mel's shop as you rescue Scraplings (SIN / COS / TAN).
- • Prioritize extensions before equipping Sharpened Hairpin (40) + Protective Overlay (20) together.
- • Negative modifiers add more slots at a steep cost—see the Negative section on Modifiers.
- • Trophy Modifier Overload: open at least 100 slots.
Build Tips
- • Swap at every Network Gate for the next challenge (boss vs cleanup vs Crucible).
- • Do not overfill—leave room for Analyser or a mobility pick.
- • Survivability first; glass cannon second.
- • Read in-game descriptions—some older guides used wrong names or slot costs.