Stellar Blade has been taking gamers by storm ever since its release. Some people are deciding to enjoy the game for the great action RPG it is while others are choosing to focus on more negative aspects. It’s a shame because this title is one of the more interesting IPs to have been released in the last few years and with its success it is sure to spawn sequels in the coming years. That being said, the game isn’t easy, it isn’t Dark Souls by any means but it is a tad bit harder than your average action game. Luckily, players have many options to make their experience much more enjoyable. One of those options is choosing an optimal build to take with you into the crazy, post-apocalyptic world of Stellar Blade. Here are ALL the best skills, players should be aware of.
©Stellar Blade Screen Shot
The Best Early Game Skills
Stellar Blade‘s early game takes some getting used to but it’s the easiest point by a mile. The skills below will cost a total of 16 Skill Points and players should prioritize the following before reaching Xion in the game’s story:
Shield Breaker
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: 2
- Skill Type: Beta
This attack delivers a sudden strike. Stuns hit enemies and deal high damage to their shields. Attack Power increases when used after charging. This skill is useful throughout the entire game but will be especially good in the early game. Quickly taking down an enemy’s shield can turn a long grueling skirmish into something much more manageable, especially when it comes to the first few bosses of the game.
Ambush
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Attack
This attack is pivotal for players with a stealthier playstyle but can be useful no matter what. It executes an enemy from behind. However, it can only be used on enemies that aren’t in combat. This attack gets better and better as you unlock boosts to your attack power. This can completely remove a difficult enemy from a bunch making a group encounter much easier.
Beta Chain
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: 1
- Skill Type: Attack
Beta Chain strengthens the last blow of some of your combos. It deals higher damage, stuns the enemy, and recharges Burst Energy if the attack hits the target. You’re going to be doing combos to deal damage anyway so why wouldn’t you push for the maximum damage per second? Beta Chain is a must-have skill, and most people will have it before they roll credits.
Reflection I
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: 1
- Skill Type: Survival
Reflection I can only be used upon successful perfect dodges of enemy attacks. The skill counters and stuns the enemy, and temporarily increases EVE’s attack speed. This is a Combo Attack Skill meaning it will gain the benefits of combo boosts. Players who came from other action games such as Nier Automata, Bayonetta, and even the Souls series will be used to dodging. This skill allows for a great follow-up after a dodge allowing you to keep up the offensive.
Reflex Boost
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Survival
This is a simple skill as it just makes it easier to use Perfect Dodge. Stellar Blade plays similarly to other action games but its timings are a tad different. This skill is perfect for anyone struggling to get the timing down.
Double Dodge
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Survival
Another straightforward skill that’s a complete game changer. I would argue that the game’s combat doesn’t feel as good and responsive until you get this skill. Being able to dodge twice in a row will help dodge those pesky AOE moves. It’s also pivotal for repositioning in the heat of the moment.
Threat Detection
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Survival
Similar to the Reflex Boost skill, this one just makes it easier to use the Blink and Repulse mechanics. This skill is strong for the same reasons as Reflex Boost. People who prefer a much more difficult game might want to skip these two skills because it makes the game that much easier.
Repulse
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Survival
Repulse can only be used when an enemy is attempting a fatal attack. It pushes the enemy away and moves the player back, temporarily increasing ranged Attack Power. It also reveals the weaknesses of certain enemies, allowing for a devastating ranged counterattack. At this point in the game, your only ranged attack will be the Slash Beta Skill but it is affected by the increased ranged attack power. Be sure to take advantage of it. Later in the game, you’ll receive an actual ranged weapon.
Focus Boost
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Survival
Another simple skill that makes it easier to Perfect Parry. This skill will be much stronger in boss fights than in normal encounters. This skill is for those who like to stay in their enemy’s face and keep up offensive pressure.
Counter I
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: 1
- Skill Type: Survival
Counter I can only be used when you successfully Perfect Parry an enemy’s attack. This skill repositions EVE behind the enemy to counter, as well as stun the enemy. On top of all that, this skill counts as a Combo Attack Skill meaning it will get benefits from combo boost skills and gear.
The Best Mid-Late Game Skills
Stellar Blade‘s mid and late game is where the game stops pulling its punches. By the time you make it to this point, you should have built up a good muscle memory, as well as an understanding of the game’s mechanics. But just in case you haven’t the skills below will cost a total of 27 Skill Points and will help you steamroll any challenge the game throws at you. It would be best to get these skills before going to Matrix 11. If you do the side quests in Xion it should be easy for you to accumulate the points:
Dual Breaker
- Skill Point Cost: 5
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Beta
This skill increases the charge speed of the shield breaker skill. It strikes multiple times and downs enemies hit when using Shield Breaker after charging. Shield Breaker is one of the best skills in the game and when paired with this you can very quickly take out the tougher enemies of Stellar Blade.
Quadruplet
- Skill Point Cost: 3
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Beta
This skill is an upgrade of the Beta Skill Triplet. This skill is my personal favorite as it’s a really good follow-up to crowd control. With the Quadruplet upgrade, it becomes a lot stronger and can be used for setup with its stun.
Aerial Blow
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Attack
This skill has a pretty niche use case but it’s so good when the stars align for it. The skill hits the enemy with an aerial strike before landing. What makes this skill so good, is the fact that it ignores enemy guarding AND it’s a Combo Attack Skill. As the game goes on the enemies become a bit more aggressive and defensive so this is perfect for getting past annoying blocking enemies.
Lightning Rush
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Attack
This skill increases the charging distance and Attack Power of the Rush skill. Rush initially allows for EVE to quickly close the gap between her and an enemy. This skill just makes it a lot better. If you’re struggling with landing the other reposition abilities with one held-down button, you can advance and keep up the offensive.
Rush Chain
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Attack
This skill charges at the enemy and deals with additional attacks. It allows you to seamlessly combo into your rush skill and continue attacking your target. A simple but very effective skill.
Beta Energy Recharge II
- Skill Point Cost: 2
- Beta Energy Cost: N/A
- Skill Type: Attack
Beta Energy Recharge II recharges more Beta Energy when an attack lands. The game’s combat truly doesn’t come online until you’re weaving the beta and burst skills into your combos. This skill helps keep your Beta Energy up while barraging foes with attacks.
Tempest
- Skill Point Cost: 1
- Burst Energy Cost: 4
- Skill Type: Burst
One of the most cool-looking moves in the game just happens to be one of the best as well. This skill unleashes a devastating storm of blades upon enemies around you. It has a high cost to use but it can completely wipe rooms with the press of two buttons. A perfect farming skill if you have the resources for it.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Logo Artwork of Stellar Blade.