Soulmask: Complete Strategy Guide

Soulmask is a challenging action RPG that combines fast-paced combat with deep character customization through its unique mask system. Set in the dark fantasy world of Etheria, players take on the role of a Soulkeeper, a warrior with the ability to harness the power of ancient masks that grant unique abilities.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master Soulmask, from basic controls and early-game strategies to advanced techniques and hidden secrets. Whether you're struggling with a particular boss or looking to optimize your build, we've got you covered.

Character Creation

When creating your character in Soulmask, you'll need to choose from one of three Masks :

Basic Controls

Mastering the controls is essential for success in Soulmask:

The Knowledge and Technology system is a core progression mechanic in Soulmask that allows you to unlock crafting blueprints and advance your capabilities. Understanding this system is essential for success in the game.

Accessing the Technology Tree

Press T to open the Knowledge and Technology menu. Here you can unlock crafting blueprints and recipes using Technology Points earned by reading Ancient Tablets found throughout the World Map.

Technology Tiers

The technology system in Soulmask is divided into six progressive tiers, each associated with a specific type of Bonfire that serves as both a crafting station and a technology hub:

Getting Started with Technology

Tier 0 is the foundation of your technological journey in Soulmask. This tier becomes available as soon as you build your first Campfire, representing the very first stage of civilized technology.

Technology Progression

To advance through the technology tiers, you'll need to:

1. Collect Ancient Tablets from exploration and defeating enemies
2. Read the tablets to earn Technology Points
3. Spend these points to unlock nodes in the Knowledge and Technology tree
4. Build the appropriate tier Bonfire to access higher-level crafting
5. Gather the necessary materials to craft items from your unlocked blueprints

Key Technology Nodes

While exploring the extensive technology tree, prioritize these crucial nodes for efficient progression:

Masks and Stats

Discover the unique masks in Soulmask, each with its distinct appearance, attributes, and playstyle. Browse through our comprehensive guide below:

Combat in Soulmask is challenging and requires mastery of several key mechanics. Understanding these systems will help you survive the game's difficult encounters.

Basic Combat Flow

The combat in Soulmask follows a rhythm of attacks, dodges, and ability usage:

• Light Attacks: Quick, low-stamina attacks that can be chained
• Heavy Attacks: Slower but more powerful attacks that consume more stamina
• Dodging: Essential for avoiding damage, provides brief invulnerability frames
• Blocking: Reduces incoming damage but drains stamina while active
• Mask Abilities: Powerful skills that consume mask energy

Stamina Management

Stamina is a critical resource in combat. Every attack, dodge, and block consumes stamina, which regenerates over time. Running out of stamina leaves you vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Tips for effective stamina management:

• Never deplete your stamina bar completely
• Pause between attack combos to allow stamina to regenerate
• Blocking consumes stamina continuously - use it sparingly
• Some masks and equipment can improve stamina regeneration

Creating an effective build in Soulmask involves carefully allocating attribute points and selecting complementary masks and equipment.

Recommended Builds

Ancient Dungeons (not to be confused with Ancient Ruins Dungeons) are instanced, procedurally-generated dungeons that can be accessed via special portals using a variety of crystals and keys. These challenging environments are essential for acquiring rare materials and equipment.

Portal Access

There are three dungeon portal locations, each increasing in difficulty. They are represented on the World Map with a swirl portal icon:

Obstacles

Timers

As soon as the player activates the portal, a countdown will begin. The timer shows at the top of the screen for the duration of the time they are in the dungeon.

• Small dungeons have a 45-minute timer
• Medium dungeons have a 1-hour timer
• Big dungeons have a 1.5-hour timer

A dungeon can be completed before the timer ends, but if the player is still in the dungeon when time runs out, they will be teleported back to the overworld portal.

Enemies

Ancient Dungeons are typically guarded at the entrance by Plunderers. Inside, they are solely populated by Archaic Guardians - robotic Mechanical Core and Slayer type enemies in almost every room.

There are two primary boss fights in each dungeon:

1. A Mechanical Core II or Slayer S with two smaller Mechanical Cores or Slayers on either side. They guard the Prismatic Key needed to reach the second boss.
2. One Terminator Slayer guarding the final room containing a Divine Tablet, an Ancient Hero's Coffin and a Golden Relic Chest with loot, and a return portal.

Traps

The most common traps in Ancient Dungeons are:

• Floor spike plates which trigger when stepped on
• Arrow traps triggered by a single black plate on the floor
• Giant axes swinging from the ceiling
• Flamethrower turrets

Dungeon Keys/Mechanisms

Metal Relic Chests containing Ancient, Archaic, or Mysterious equipment are found behind special doors (called "Mechanisms") that have gold or silver shapes on them. These are locked until a matching key can be found. The keys are easy to spot (large glowing and rotating shapes floating on pedestals), but they are scattered throughout the dungeon - sometimes quite far from the door they open.

There are several types of keys, usually named after shapes. Not all of them will show up in any given instance, with the exception of the Ultimate Key which is required to access the Terminator boss room:

• Triangular Key
• Cruciform Key
• Rhomboid Key
• Prismatic Key
• Ultimate Key

Each key takes up an inventory slot and is not consumed when used, so their matching rooms can be visited repeatedly. However they are all removed from the inventory when using the portal to return to the overworld.

Tips for Dungeon Navigation

Unlike Holy Ruins or Ancient Ruins Dungeons, the fire braziers in Ancient Dungeons are interactable, and can be used to mark rooms you have been in by turning them on or off.

Dungeon Loot Table

Each dungeon area contains specific enemies and loot. Understanding what drops where will help you farm efficiently for the items you need:

Soulmask features powerful Temple Guardians that can be summoned at their respective Pyramids. These challenging encounters require specific strategies and careful preparation, but offer valuable rewards upon defeat.

Summoning Temple Guardians

Temple Guardians can be summoned at their respective Pyramids by crafting either of their gems. Each guardian requires specific materials to summon, which can be found in the regions surrounding their pyramid.

Data Updates and Progression

Each Temple Guardian drops a key that allows access to their pyramid's inner chamber. Inside, you can perform a Data Update that unlocks new mask features:

Once you've mastered the basics of Soulmask, these advanced techniques will help you maximize your effectiveness and discover everything the game has to offer.

Combat Techniques

Advanced Mask Customization

Master technologists can create specialized mask enhancements with unique properties:

Speedrunning Tips

For players looking to complete the game quickly or farm resources efficiently:

• The Explorer mask's enhanced perception can reveal hidden shortcuts in dungeons
• Soul Resonance Points can be activated through walls with the Echo Locator item
• Boss fights can be significantly shortened by using elemental weaknesses and interrupting key animations
• The hidden Chronomancer's Mask (found in the Timeless Void secret area) allows you to slow time for 10 seconds, making difficult platforming sections trivial