Wayward Souls may seem, at first glance, very simplistic and bland. However, playing the game will actually reveal it to be quite deep and encompassing. Players can use different character classes that will significantly alter your experience each time you go on a quest, and the ever-changing environments will ensure that each and every playthrough will never be the same. This is a roguelike adventure that you should definitely experience, as although the game is pretty easy to pick up, Wayward Souls will definitely challenge even the best players out there. Here’s our guide on how you can make the most out of this title, at least until the next permadeath occurs.
Gameplay
Wayward Souls is a roguelike dungeon exploration game where in players can get to control different classes as they enter dungeons and defeat monsters and enemies within. Environments change with each playthrough, and the game also employs permanent death when in all items and progress earned will be gone once the player has been killed. The game, however, allows for players to upgrade their characters with permanent boosts using coins earned during quests.
Currencies
Gold is the main currency within Wayward Souls. Gold cannot be acquired in any other way aside from regular gameplay. This resource can be collected as loot from fallen enemies, and once in a while players will also be able to get them from chests which can be found in dungeons. Coins can be used in order to boost the abilities of each character, and this resource is shared among all classes regardless of who acquired the gold in the first place.
Characters
Players can portray and control different character classes, with each having their own play style as well as strengths and weaknesses. For example, the warrior is slow but powerful, while the mage is quick but has limited health. In addition, some classes will require energy, which regenerates over time, in order to perform some types of attacks while others do not. Extra character classes may be unlocked once specific criteria has been met.
Character classes may be upgraded in several fields using coins earned. Your coin pool is shared across all classes, which means that you can use one character type to earn coins and then spend these in order to upgrade another character. Take note also that some upgrades will require players to purchase lesser upgrades first before they become accessible.
Controls
Controls within Wayward Souls are pretty basic. Players can move and face a certain direction using the left side of the screen, while attacking and, to an extent, aiming, is used using the right side. Players would also gain access to their inventory on the upper right of the screen, and it is also here where their ammo and current items are displayed. Players can change the settings of the game so that a virtual analog stick would be displayed. This will allow players to have a visual aid to help them see where they are guiding their character.
It is also important to note that characters can also perform special attacks, of which there are three types. Swiping up and swiping down will perform special attacks that are mostly of the ranged variety, while holding and then releasing the right side of the screen will cause damage to enemies within the vicinity as well as knock them back. Take note that certain attacks will require resources such as ammunition or, in some cases, energy. Ammunition can be picked up in dungeons while energy regenerates over time.
Equipment
Players will be able to acquire different items the more and the deeper that they get to explore the dungeons. Not only will these change your character’s appearance, but this will also allow you to have better attributes such as attack and health. Some items are consumable such as ammunition, potions, and powerups, while some would be more permanent additions and can be equipped and removed at will.
At times, players will be able to see forges where in they can upgrade their equipment. Not only will these items be more powerful, but some upgrades will also allow for some special effects that can benefit you in battle. However, take note that upgrades and all other equipment acquired will be gone once players die.
There are also altars that players can access, and oftentimes these would provide players with boosts like increased speed or damage for a limited time. With that, don’t forget to scour areas for forges, chests, or altars so that you would not miss out on any precious equipment or upgrades. Keep in mind also that you have limited slots for your inventory, so don’t horde items especially during boss battles as you might not have enough space to keep better ones later on.
Tips and Tricks
Trying to manage your health is the most important thing that you will need to do. With that, make sure that you do not get surrounded by enemies and that you have enough ammunition or energy to do attacks that can hit those behind you if you do get surrounded. Don’t forget to move around and to avoid enemies if they are already preparing to attack. Players can also pre-empt enemies’ movements should they prepare to strike, but this is only applicable if you can knock them back or if they are close to death. Otherwise, moving out of the way is the best solution.
Always spend your coins to upgrade the character that you will be using. Any upgrade will work towards improving your character, which would mean that he or she would have a higher chance of surviving. Whenever possible, look towards upgrades that focus on health, as equipment that you will be able to pick up later on can handle offensive upgrades.
Lastly, try out other character classes as well. You might find that a certain class would better suit your style of play than the one that you are currently using. Try out a class once it has been unlocked and upgrade accordingly all around once you have already maxed out your current class of choice’s abilities.