Combat Mechanics Explanation

Learn the Scarlet Nexus combat system, including psychokinesis, SAS abilities, Brain Crush, and character differences between Yuito and Kasane.

Gameplay centers on landing weapon attacks and following up with a psychokinesis (PK) attack, repeating this cycle. As you upgrade your Brain map, you can increase base stats, add to existing combos, and unlock new moves. Yuito tends to learn skills that expand his moveset and melee abilities sooner due to their proximity on the Brain map and lower Brain Point (BP) cost. These include various air combos, increased melee attack counts, and more consecutive rush attacks. You can also learn and upgrade a charged version of the Area of Effect (AOE) melee skill. Be mindful of your surroundings when using PK, as larger objects deal more damage. Some special objects trigger Quick Time Events (QTEs) when used, offering varied effects that can turn the tide of battle. Enemies whose crush gauges are depleted to 0 can be Brain crushed for an instant kill. If multiple enemies have depleted crush gauges within your line of sight, you can Brain crush them simultaneously.

As you progress, you will acquire new combat tools: SAS (Supportive Arts System) abilities borrowed from your party members, which allow Yuito to use their powers for a limited time. As your bond with allies grows (based on Bond level, not Bond episode number), SAS abilities gain improvements. Beyond unique enhancements, common new abilities include increased SAS active time or faster recovery. Guardian Vision nullifies damage when you are attacked by showing an ally's vision. Combo Visions allow you to summon ally visions for attacks, consuming part of the SAS gauge but usable with melee combos and other Combo Visions. Assault Visions are similar but more powerful, do not consume the SAS gauge, and occur randomly during attacks.

From the Brain map, you can gain boons for SAS, such as restoring the SAS gauge when active after a Brain crush. The most significant boons allow using multiple SAS abilities at once: one skill unlocks up to 2, and another (requiring the first) increases this to 4, enabling powerful combinations. Note that Pyrokinesis and Electrokinesis cannot be used simultaneously.

Yuito and Kasane Combat Differences

Yuito wields a sword, with many close-range attacks and combos. His Brain map prioritizes melee skills, learning them faster than PK or aerial skills. He also learns Multi SAS skills later. Yuito's attacks heavily focus on damaging the crush gauge. His core combos are simple, featuring a standard attack combo and a chargeable AOE melee skill that recharges his PK gauge, capable of immense damage when fully upgraded.

Kasane, conversely, is a ranged fighter using numerous small knives for distant attacks. While she can recharge her PK gauge, her method lacks an AOE. Her attacks are fast but generally less powerful, dealing damage quickly. Kasane's Brain map allows her to learn evasion and movement skills, improve aerial attacks, and learn PK and SAS skills sooner than Yuito. She also has a variety of aerial attacks with PK follow-ups. Kasane starts strong and learns powerful skills rapidly but eventually plateaus, requiring a focus on PK and SAS tactics to compensate for her weapon attacks' lower damage.

Hanabi (Pyrokinesis)

Hanabi's SAS ability applies a fire effect to your weapon and thrown PK objects, which can burn enemies, especially those covered in oil. Her ability also increases melee AOE. Later levels add an aerial attack to main melee combos and a flamethrower after the 4th melee attack (if unlocked). She also allows you to completely negate burn effects on yourself.

Tsugumi (Clairvoyance)

Tsugumi's SAS ability allows you to see cloaked enemies or through thick mists. It also makes perfect dodging easier and enables Read attacks (immediate attacks after perfect dodging). Higher bond levels unlock armor-destroying Read attacks, PK Read attacks, and significantly increase the Crush gauge depletion rate while active.