The Thaumaturge organizes Wiktor Szulski's abilities into four categories, representing different Dimensions where he can harness powers. These dimensions, named 'Heart,' 'Mind,' 'Deed,' and 'Word,' are closely tied to the various Salutors Wiktor controls during the game. Acquiring skills from a Dimension not only enhances its power but also boosts Wiktor's proficiency in using it during exploration and battles.
When players decide which skills to learn first in The Thaumaturge, they must weigh strengthening Dimensions against the immediate combat advantages each skill offers. This guide provides general advice for the early game and highlights some particularly beneficial skills to aim for post-Prologue. As the game advances and more Salutors become available, additional skills open up in each of the four skill branches.
Essential Skills in the Prologue
During the Prologue, it's crucial to prioritize obtaining one level of Force in each Dimension by unlocking the initial skill from the Mind, Deed, and Word categories. This step allows Wiktor to uncover Traces related to each Dimension during investigations, a key aspect of completing the Prologue. Fortunately, the Prologue offers ample opportunities to earn EXP by thoroughly investigating all available clues.
Post-Prologue, after acquiring a second Salutor, players can begin to specialize. Since there are four branches to develop, players will eventually need to acquire additional skills not covered in this guide to access later abilities, which are usually well worth the investment.
Fortune (Mind)
Choosing Fortune early on can help reduce damage taken in battles. As the first skill in the Mind Branch, granting Mind Force 1, it also introduces a 50% chance to interrupt an enemy's action with an attack of the player's choice. Placing this skill in Wiktor's primary Quick Attack allows for repeated and reliable use when facing imminent threats.
This versatile skill is recommended for early acquisition due to its benefits and flexibility.
Thief of Thought (Deed)
As the initial skill in the Deed Branch, Thief of Thought shines when Bukavac joins the player's Salutor collection after the Prologue. By inflicting the 'suffering' status on enemies, this skill can be integrated into attacks to exploit the status effect, reducing enemy focus. It pairs well with Influence attacks to amplify Focus damage significantly.
Action-Reaction (Heart)
Unlocked after reestablishing the connection with Upyr during the Prologue, Action-Reaction serves as the next step in Wiktor's Quick Attack Chain. It can be activated following his initial Quick Attack and supports rank 2 upgrades, making it an ideal slot for some of the upcoming enhancements.
Agony (Deed)
Introducing a new attack for Wiktor, Agony enables him to afflict Suffering on both the Target and an additional random enemy. This skill synergizes well with Thief of Thought, weakening groups over time with Damage Over Time effects, making them more vulnerable to Wiktor and his Salutors as battles progress.
Debilitating Wound (Deed)
Accessible after recruiting Bukavac, Debilitating Wound provides a means to inflict the Suffering Status, while also boosting Wiktor's maximum HP for increased survivability in challenging battles. Integrating Debilitating Wound into attacks allows for the application of the Suffering Status on impact, making it a fitting addition to Action-Reaction.
Thoughtful Development (Mind)
As Wiktor's second Planned Attack, Thoughtful Development inflicts significant damage if executed successfully. Despite its execution time challenges, acquiring this skill is essential to unlock the powerful ability 'Icy Armor.'
Icy Armor (Mind)
To access Icy Armor, players must enlist Lelek to their Salutor team, a task well rewarded. This skill applies a protective buff that reduces incoming damage whenever the associated attack is used, proving highly effective in group battles. Incorporating this skill early significantly boosts Wiktor's combat prowess, especially in prolonged engagements.