ABOUT SKILLS

Unlock the secrets of Phantom Blade Zero's skill system! Learn about skill types, how they level up, proficiency ranks (S-F), and the specific effects of each skill category.

Hey there! So, you're diving into Phantom Blade Zero and wondering about skills? Think of them like your character's special moves and abilities. They're super important for taking down enemies and overcoming challenges. Let's break down how they work so you can start mastering them.

First off, there are seven main types of skills you'll encounter:

• SWORD: These are your bread-and-butter physical attacks.
• FLAMING SWORD: These skills deal energy-based damage.
• LIGHTNING: This category covers elemental magic like Fire, Wind, and Ice.
• PLANT: Think of these as nature-based physical magic skills.
• PURPLE ICON: These are your space-time manipulation skills.
• SKULL: Use these to alter stats, either yours or your enemies'.
• HEART: Essential for keeping yourself and your allies in the fight, these are your healing skills.

Now, how do skills get stronger? It's pretty neat: skills level up just like your characters do! You can see their individual EXP bar on the Status screen. As a skill gains EXP, it levels up, becoming more powerful. The level of the skill is displayed right above its EXP bar. You'll also see a number next to the EXP bar – that's how much SP (Skill Points) it costs to cast that skill once. Keep an eye on that SP cost!

You'll also notice skill ranks, which you can check on the Status screen by pressing Square. You'll see your SP remaining versus the maximum SP for each skill type, and then a letter ranking (S, A, B, C, D, E, F). This letter shows your character's proficiency with that specific skill type. S is the highest, and F is the lowest.

Why does proficiency matter? Well, every time you use a skill of a certain type, that skill type gains EXP. When it levels up, your MAX SP for that skill type increases. Here's the kicker: S proficiency means that skill type levels up *much* faster than, say, an F proficiency. So, if Ash has an E rank for healing skills, it'll take ages to boost his max SP for those. But if he has an A rank for Physical and Energy skills, they'll level up quickly, giving him more SP to use those powerful attacks without worrying about running out.

Pro Tip: Always try to use skills your character is already proficient in! It's way more efficient.

Let's talk about how skills actually deal damage and what effects they have. It depends on the skill type:

• For skills that rely on ATK, DEF, and HP, damage is calculated against the enemy's DEF stat.
• For skills that rely on INT, RES, and SPD, damage is calculated against the enemy's RES stat.
• Skills that specifically mention SPD deal damage based on the average of the enemy's DEF and RES stats.

You'll also see icons next to skills that tell you what they do:

• <1 Person Icon> means it's a single-target attack.
• <2 Person Icon> means it hits multiple targets.
• indicates Poison.
• <2 Z's> means Sleep.
• <2 White Zig-Zags> is for Paralyze.
• causes Amnesia.
• means the target is Dazed.
• <2 Sweat Drops> is a Gamble effect.
• lets you absorb enemy HP.
• unequips the user.
• unequips the target.
• < >>> > is a Knock Back effect, pushing targets away.
• is a Transport skill, changing the user's location.

Understanding these skills and how they grow is key to building a strong team in Phantom Blade Zero. Experiment with different skills and pay attention to your character's proficiencies to really optimize your combat strategy!