Battle System — SOBS Visual Guide

// battle_system · combat_reference · beginner_guide

Battle System

Mechanics · Damage Formulas · Combos · Skills · Status Effects

System Overview

The three party archtypes:Swordsman, Brawler, and Mage, each play fundamentally differently for battle calculations. Type determines your damage formula, movement speed, combo approach, and battlefield role. Know your roster before planning a strategy.

This guide covers core mechanics of the battle system for new players: formulas, damage calculation, combos, skills, and status effects.

Party Type Summary

SwordsmanHigh single-hit damage · Moderate combos

BrawlerSpeed · Easiest 100-hit chains

MageSpells & support · Rear-line only

TOTAL PARTY MEMBERS 12
SECTIONS IN THIS GUIDE 6
GUIDE STATUS COMPLETE

// party_types · encounters · movement · ki · ranges · attack_defense

Party Types

All 12 party members belong to one of three archtypes: Swordsman, Brawler, or Mage. Type determines damage formulas used, movement speed in battle, and combat role.

Type	Members
Swordsman	Ashton, Dias, Ernest, Claude
Brawler	Precis, Bowman, Chisato
Mage	Celine, Opera, Noel, Rena, Leon

Encounters

Battles begin when your character touches a monster icon on the overworld map. How contact happens determines opening conditions: Normal, Ambush, or Pre-emptive strike.

Pre-emptive Strike: Hit the monster with a field attack or ranged-type field action first: Enemy is frozen for ~5 seconds at battle start.

Ambush: A monster hits you from behind — you cannot act until struck by an enemy attack. Approach all enemies from the front.

Movement

Movement speed in battle is fixed by type: Brawlers are ~1.5× faster. Two involuntary movement states exist:

KnockbackHow far the character is blown backward after being hit

StepbackReturning to own side of the battlefield: Left for Enemies, Right for Party Members

Ki (Stamina System)

Each character has a hidden Ki stat (max of 255). Every Base Skill, Special Move, and Technique costs Ki. Ki naturally recovers gradually during non-skill actions, e.g. standing still or guarding.

Fatigue: Depleting Ki can causes Fatigue: you cannot attack until Ki recovers, character art switches to exhausted state, and you cannot control character until Ki returns to 30% of total.

Low Ki also shrinks the combo reception window (The time you have to hit an input after seeing a star): long chains become almost impossible under 30% Ki.

Attack Ranges

All base skills have a range category. Match your range to the monster's distance for the hit to register.

S RangeClose / melee distance

M RangeMid-range strikes

L RangeLong / extended reach

Out RangeIgnores all range checks; attack misses

Attack, Guard & Pierce

▸ Attack

Adjust range to match the monster. The part of the monster you hit is called a Hit Location. Which area of the monster that is targetted depends on range. Mastering range management is the core offensive skill.

▸ Guard

Guard reduces incoming damage but does not eliminate it. It is your only defensive tool in battle: use it whenever you cannot avoid a hit to minimise HP loss. Damage in Stepback state is unguardable. While guarding, a character's HP cannot drop below 1. Note that enemy techniques can bypass guard.

▸ Pierce

Skills marked pierce pass through targets, hitting multiple enemy body parts. Damage drops sharply per hit: 1st ×100%, 2nd ×40%, 3rd ×20%.

// pat · edf · dam · formulas

Basic Attack — Party → Monster (PAT → EDF → DAM)

All basic skill damage flows through three steps: calculate PAT (party attack total), subtract EDF (monster defence factor), apply element/nature modifiers for final DAM (total damage).

Swordsman — Attack Power (PAT)

PAT = (ATK × [HIT%~100%]) +
(TECH × ((HIT%+WPN%)÷2~100%)
× ((ATK+100)÷100))

Swordsmen receive a bonus ATK multiplier the other types do not.

Brawler / Mage — Attack Power (PAT)

PAT = (ATK × [HIT%~100%]) +
(TECH × ((HIT%+WPN%)÷2~100%))

Physical HIT% = AGL−CON×100 · Weapon HIT% = AGL−CON×100

Monster Defence Factor(EDF)

EDF = (Monster CON) ×
(Monster AGL − 100%) × 2

Monster AGL modifies how much of their CON translates to effective defence.

Final Damage (DAM)

DAM = PAT − EDF

Then multiply by element modifier, then nature modifier.

Both PAT and EDF can fluctuate randomly each hit. Balance ATK with DEX for consistent output: a high-variance build can underperform unexpectedly.

Element Modifier

Cross the attack element with the monster's defensive element to get a modifier value, then look it up in the multiplier table below.

DEF↓ / ATK→	Fire	Wind	Earth	Water	Light	Electric	Dark	None
Fire	0	−1	0	+1	0	0	0	0
wind	+1	0	−1	0	0	0	0	0
earth	0	+1	0	−1	0	0	0	0
water	−1	0	+1	0	+1	0	0	0
light	0	0	0	−1	0	+1	−1	0
Electric	0	0	0	0	−1	0	+1	0
Dark	0	0	0	0	+1	−1	0	0
None	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	+1

Element Value	Multiplier
+3	DAM × 3.975
+2	DAM × 2.25
+1	DAM × 1.5
0	DAM × 1.0
−1	DAM × 0.666
−2	DAM × 0.444
−3	DAM × 0.296

Nature Modifier

Each base skill has an attack nature: (Blunt, Slash, Thrust). Cross with the monster's defensive nature for an additional multiplier on top of the element modifier. An enemies defensive nature can be seen in the bestiary

ATK Nature	Monster DEF	Multiplier
Blunt	Any	DAM × 0.3 ~ 0.6
Slash / Thrust	Soft	DAM × 0.8 ~ 1.0
Slash / Thrust	Normal	DAM × 1.5 ~ 1.8
Any	Hard	DAM × 2.0 ~ 2.3

Special Move & Technique Formulas

Special Move — PAT

PAT = (TECH × (HIT%~100%)) × ((MAG+200)÷200)

Special Move — DAM

DAM = (PAT−EDF) × (Monster RES−30)~Monster RES%

Arte — DAM

DAM = PAT × (Monster RES−30)~Monster RES%

Special Moves and Techniques are not reduced by pierce. Nature modifiers do not apply: only element modifiers matter for these skill types.

// combo_flow · range_lock · level_scaling · ki_window · tips

How Combos Work

After a base skill lands a hit, a brief reception window opens. Input another skill before it closes and the next skill fires without its full startup animation. Repeat to build a chain that stunlocks an enemy. Combos are the primary source of high burst damage.

Base Skill HitsAttack connects

▶

Input next skillwithin window

▶

Success (Base Tech)Combo continues

▶

Success (Special)Special fires, combo ends

▶

Miss / TimeoutCombo ends

Range Lock & Skill Level

The range is locked to whatever range the combo starts at. Skills from hit 2 onward in the same range tier gain +1 level per hit. Range shift resets level to 1. Higher level = more damage: stay in one range tier.

Some characters have a stance shift mid-combo that grants bonus levels:

Ki & Combo Reception Window

Every base skill in a combo costs Ki. As Ki drops, the reception window shrinks: making long chains progressively harder. This is the main practical limiter on combo length.

Ki Remaining	Window Reduction
0 ~ 29%	−80% (near impossible)
30 ~ 49%	−60%
50 ~ 69%	−40%
70 ~ 100%	0% (full window)

At 100 hits the combo is force-ended: his is the hard cap. The window minimum is 1 frame, so theoretically you can chain indefinitely before reaching 100.

Practical Tips

▸ End With a Fatigue Special

Finish combos with a skill that inflicts Fatigue on the enemy. After a long chain your character will be exhausted too: but if the monster is also fatigued, neither can act. This gives you time to recover before the next exchange without eating a counter-attack.

▸ Teleport Move to Reposition

Against heavy monsters that wrap behind your character during a combo, end with a teleport-type Special Technique. This repositions you in front of the monster, preventing the unguarded Stepback state where strong enemies will freely punish you.

⚠ The Stepback state has no guard. Any strong enemy that ends up behind you while you Stepback can deal full unblocked damage. End combos early or use teleport reposition techniques to avoid this.

// base_skills · ki_costs · special_moves · knockback

Base Skills

Base skills cost no MP and are the backbone of combos. Up to 12 per character (4 range series × 3 levels). Each use costs Ki. A landing hit opens the combo window.

Swordsmen deal high single-hit damage but chain slowly. Brawlers have lower per-hit damage but chain extremely easily for massive total output. Mages have the weakest base skills: keep them rear and rely on spells for damage.

Swordsman Ki Cost

Level	Ki Cost
Lv 1	15
Lv 2	34
Lv 3	52

Brawler Ki Cost

Level	Ki Cost
Lv 1	10
Lv 2	24
Lv 3	37

Mage Ki Cost

Use Count	Ki Cost
1st use	23
2nd use	50
3rd use+	75

Special Moves/Techniques

Used by Swordsmen, Brawlers, and Opera. Key properties:

Activate instantly on button press: can cancel incoming enemy attacks
Chain at end of combos as powerful finishers for a large final hit
Range may restrict which moves connect: check each skill's range tag
Some require specific trigger conditions or prerequisites to unlock
Cannot be reduced by pierce hit penalties: full damage always applies

Spells

Used by Celine, Leon, Noel, and Rena. Key properties:

Button input triggers a cast delay: fires only after chant completes
Not range-dependent: always connect regardless of monster position (except if monster is submerged)
Many have healing, buff, or status-infliction effects beyond damage
Must be used from mid-to-rear position: front-line casting is interrupted when enemy connects

Keep mages in the rear battle slot at all times. A mage in front will almost always get interrupted mid-cast, requiring the spell to be cast again.

Knockback

Every attack knocks the monster back a little: the duration depends on your ATK power. Sustained knockback prevents monsters from acting, enabling pressure chains.

ATK Power	Knockback Duration
0 ~ 49	1/3 second
50 ~ 99	1/2 second
100 ~ 149	2/3 second
150 ~ 199	5/6 second
200 ~ 255	1 second

Actual Knockback Time

= Listed time − (Monster AGL ÷ 50)

High-AGL monsters recover faster. Don't rely on knockback locking them for long.

Knockback distance is 1 dot per 60 ATK. Higher ATK pushes further, disrupting movement and breaking attack rhythm. Combine with combos for extended suppression.

// all_12_members · playstyle_notes

// swordsmen · high_damage · moderate_combo

Swordsman

CLAUDE

S-range punch techs are short in reach but evaluated at M-range damage. Deceptively powerful up close. Aggressive close-range swordman: get in and stay in. Close quarters is always the answer for Claude.

Swordsman

ASHTON

Piercing Swords techs and fire-press techs have excellent range. Best from mid-to-long distance. Slow movement: plan before closing or use teleport special techniques. Exceptional raw damage output once position is established.

Swordsman

DIAS

Fastest skill start-up in the game: first hits connect reliably. L-range techs have very long activation time, making them hard to chain. Best at S and M range. Strong for opening hits and combo starters.

Swordsman

ERNEST

Whip weapon extends effective reach: M-range damage from S-range positioning. Stance shift significantly changes range profile. Best played at the S/M boundary. The range overlap makes him flexible across more fight scenarios than most swordsmen.

// brawlers · speed · easiest_combos

Brawler

PRECIS

Out-range moves are slightly slower but she uses them for effective distance control. Strong all-rounder: one of the best characters in the game, especially when utilizing Cannon Tech. Requires IC investment in Machinery to unlock full potential

Brawler

BOWMAN

Fast startup, great out-range coverage. S-range Lv3 move has a 16-frame combo window: the longest in the game. Extremely easy to reach 100-hit combos. A top-tier pick for any playthrough.

Brawler

CHISATO

No L-range base tech, very short out-range reach. S-range Lv3 Kamigaryuu Shunsoku can overshoot enemies easily and whiff combos. Requires the battle skill Gust early to compete. Needs more investment than the other fighters but rewards it in later fights.

// mages · spells · support · rear_line_only

Mage

CELINE

Fire, Light, Darkness specialist. Highest MAG ceiling of all mages: the strongest endgame caster. Unlock Meteor and Atomic Dragon for devastating damage. Always worth a slot in the active party once available.

Mage

RENA

Primary endgame healer. Learns most healing techniques earliest, as well as special spells for ki managmenet and raising dead. Raising INT improves both her healing output and offensive light/multi-element spells.

Mage

NOEL

Only healer for half the game and solid offensive spells. Not amazing at either offense or recvoery: a jack-of-all-trades sort

Mage

LEON

Water, Darkness, and support spell specialist. Word of Death is the only instant-KO spell in game: success rate scales on the monster's remaining HP%. Very low MP costs allow heavy spell spam. Good in extended fights and against HP-heavy enemies.

Mage

OPERA

Unique hybrid: Mage-type with Special Moves. Can interrupt attacks like a fighter. Spells have no cast time: treated like swordman/brawler techniques. HP-recovery can be unlocked via item made in IC Machinery.

// status_effects · recovery_times · danger_cases · cures

Status Effect Reference

Status effects are inflicted by monster attacks (or player skills on monsters). Most recover naturally over time: Poison, Petrification, and Battle-Incapacitation require Dispel or items to cure mid-battle. All statuses clear at the end of each battle automatically.

Target	Status	Natural Recovery	Effect
Party	Poison	Does not recover	HP decreases 1 every second
	Mute	20 ~ 40 sec	All actions and arte cast time ×2 slower
	Petrification	Does not recover	Cannot act; takes no damage while petrified
	Confusion	15 ~ 30 sec	D-pad randomized; B triggers a random Special Move
	Sleep	25 ~ 45 sec	Cannot take any action
	Fatigue	5 ~ 15 sec	Cannot act; recovers immediately on taking a hit
	Berserk	30 ~ 45 sec	Attacks become uncontrollable
	Incapacitation	Does not recover	Cannot act — requires Revival spell or resurrection item
Monster	Fatigue	20 sec	Cannot act; recovers immediately on taking a hit
Monster	Silence	60 sec	Cannot use Special Attacks or techniques

Danger Cases

Full Party Petrified = Instant Game Over. All members petrified simultaneously creates a permanent unrecoverable state and will trigger a game-over. Always carry Stone Cure items in dungeons with petrify enemies or equip anti-stone accessories.

Poison in Long Dungeons. Poison does not recover naturally: 1 HP/sec drains add up across a full dungeon. Cure immediately or finish encounter quickly.

Confusion + Strong Enemy. Randomized inputs against a powerful monster almost always results in walking into attacks or wasting skills. Cure as the first priority when confused against any boss-tier encounter.

Recovery & Cures

All status effects auto-clear at battle end: active management only matters mid-battle. The three permanent cases always need items or Dispel.

Recommended Cures