Phantom Blade Zero offers a martial arts action experience that, while sharing some DNA with souls-like and Sekiro-style games, diverges significantly in its mechanics. Unlike many in the genre, players do not lose their collected souls (Remnant Echoes) upon death, nor do enemies respawn after resting at a bell. While not punishingly difficult on its standard settings, the game rewards a thoughtful approach to combat and exploration.
Navigating the Combat System
Understanding the nuances of combat is crucial. Your regular attacks do not consume stamina, making them a consistent way to chip away at enemy health and break their poise. Conversely, special attacks, known as Sha-Chi combos, expend stamina but deal significantly more damage. These are best employed after a successful parry or when an enemy's guard is broken.
When an enemy attack flashes red, the prompt is to press the right bumper. A blue flash indicates a left bumper input. For those struggling with reaction times, pressing both bumpers simultaneously can also serve as a counter. Additionally, some attacks will emit a smoky black aura, signaling that dodging is more beneficial than blocking to conserve your Sha-Chi.
Utilizing Phantom Edges and Weapons
Phantom Edges are powerful abilities that consume sparks. Unlike some games where these resources are scarce, Phantom Blade Zero replenishes sparks upon resting at a bell. Certain skills and accessories can also help recover them during combat. It is also important to note that some abilities can be used for free when an RT prompt appears on an enemy.
Experimentation with weapons is encouraged. Upgrades are refundable for materials and Remnant Dust up to level 10. Beyond this point, reforging requires a talisman, which are readily available. Each weapon type uses a distinct upgrade material, and some, like Jagged Steel, inflict status effects that are not universally effective. It is advisable to equip weapons of different types, such as one-handed and two-handed options, to diversify your combat approach.
Every five upgrade levels, weapons and Phantom Edges gain new passive or active abilities. Familiarizing yourself with these enhancements is key to maximizing their combat potential.
Exploration and Progression
Exploration is directly tied to character power. Collectibles such as Blackstone, Sha-Chi Amber, and Memory Flowers increase attack power, Sha-Chi, and HP respectively. Thoroughly investigating objects and notes can yield Remnant Dust and potentially unlock new sidequests.
Memory Flowers, introduced in the Crimson Forest, not only provide HP and story fragments but can also alter boss encounters. Collecting all Memory Flowers in a region before facing its boss may unlock an additional phase or a unique reward, such as a new weapon.
Items and Upgrades
Resting at bells replenishes medicine, which is vital for healing and providing temporary buffs like damage negation. Later in the game, in the Pangzheng region, medicine can be upgraded to offer more uses and enhanced effects. Accessories also play a significant role in player builds, particularly after unlocking more slots and receiving buffs in the Village of Lu.
Certain powerful abilities require the Banyan's Heart, acquired by completing combat trials. There are five such trials scattered throughout the game, though some Banyan's Hearts can also be purchased.
Other Considerations
Stealth mechanics are available from the early game and can be initiated at any time. Assassinations are particularly effective, often allowing for a follow-up strike on a nearby enemy. Some quests may be missable, so it is generally advisable to complete any available tracked quests in your current region before progressing. However, the game features few definitive points of no return, allowing players ample opportunity to return to areas and grow stronger. If you find yourself struggling with an optional boss, such as the Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet or the Gold-Masked One, consider revisiting them after strengthening your character.