Weapon mastery is its own progression track: use a category, unlock its attacks and combos, and layer class skills on top. The preview build shows four categories. The bow is being reworked before launch.
The Sword is the default melee read in the preview build: supported attack strings, bleed-oriented mastery nodes, and a straightforward way to learn the two-button combo flow.
Combo note: Start with light strings, then weave the heavier finisher once the enemy commits. The exact inputs are shown in your own Masteries panel and can differ by build.
Best for: First-time players and anyone learning enemy tells.
The Bow showed quick, charged, multiple, and split-shot development in the preview. The studio later named bow combat as one of the systems being reworked before Early Access.
Combo note: Bow combat is the least settled weapon on this list. The January 2027 build is expected to differ from the October 2026 demo, so test the current input chain before committing to a ranged plan.
Best for: Players who want spacing and a safer first read of a fight.
Knuckles lean into rapid strikes, kicks, stun, and attack speed. The preview tree frames it as a pressure weapon rather than a single big hit.
Combo note: Stay in the pocket long enough to chain, then leave before the enemy armour check. The weapon rewards reading a stagger window, not mashing through it.
Best for: Players who like close-range pressure and fast reactions.
The Magic Staff mixes melee strikes, arcane projectiles, and kymia-related upgrades. It is the natural pairing for a caster class once that class is unlocked.
Combo note: Use the staff’s ranged option to open a fight, then switch to its close string when the enemy closes the gap. Mana and kymia costs were not final in the demo.
Best for: Players who want a hybrid caster with a melee escape hatch.
| Layer | Advances from | Unlocks | Separate from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon mastery | Using that weapon category | Attacks, combos, weapon passives | Class tree |
| Armour mastery | Using that armour category | Defence and movement profile | Weapon mastery |
| Class | Class XP and quests / rescues | Active and passive class skills | Weapon attacks |
| Life skills | Gathering and crafting actions | Recipes, blueprints, proficiency | Combat level |
Source: official feature messaging, September 2026 preview build, and the demo masteries panels. Exact XP curves are not published.
Cygnus Cross delayed Early Access from October 27, 2026 to January 7, 2027 and named bow combat as an example of a system that needed more time. Any bow combo route recorded in the October demo is provisional. Re-test the current input chain before you commit a build to it.