Duskfade does not use a normal experience bar that increases Zirian's level after enough fights. Progress comes from items found while exploring, including Upgrade Gears and Clock Heart Pieces. In the released game, take Gears and shards to the upgrade shop in Tick Town. The skill-tree descriptions and early potion details below refer to the demo.

What Upgrade Gears Do

In the demo, Upgrade Gears are spent on skill trees covering Minutero, Zirian's abilities and gadgets, and support skills connected to Cuckoo. You choose which part of Zirian's kit receives attention first.

The released game sells upgrades and new combat actions at the Tick Town shop. Purchases require Gears as well as currency, so check both costs before choosing. Read each available upgrade and choose one that helps with the enemies or obstacles giving you trouble.

Zirian standing before a glowing crystal formation in Duskfade
Optional routes and large rooms are worth checking for items before moving to the next region.

An Early Upgrade Gear in Erazus Forest

From the first checkpoint in Erazus Forest, climb the stone steps and pass through the cavern. An Upgrade Gear is above the building directly ahead when you emerge. Look above the roof before continuing along the main route.

Minutero Is More Than a Basic Sword

Minutero belonged to Zirian's grandfather and works as the main combat weapon. Its wide attacks can move between nearby enemies, and a well-timed swing can deflect some projectiles. Upgrades connected to Minutero improve the part of the game you use in almost every fight.

Do not assume every Minutero upgrade only increases damage. The skill trees can include new moves and changes to how attacks work. Check the description before spending a Gear, especially if the demo does not allow you to undo the choice. Check whether the upgrade menu offers a refund before committing your Gears.

Collect Three Clock Heart Pieces

Clock Heart Pieces increase Zirian's health. You need three pieces for the health increase, so finding one piece does not immediately change the health display. Keep exploring until the set is complete.

Clock Heart Pieces are especially useful before the Wrath fight because the boss can punish a missed dodge quickly. Search side paths, raised platforms, and routes that become reachable after receiving the hook-shot.

Zirian holding an item in Duskfade
Duskfade places useful items and story objects throughout its optional routes.

Healing Potions and Refills

Zirian receives a healing potion early in the demo after opening a chest with Minutero. Refills can be found in the world. Use healing when you have enough room to finish the action safely; trying to recover while enemies are already attacking can cost the health you just restored.

Before entering a boss arena or a difficult combat room, check the nearby path for a refill. Do not use healing only because a small amount of health is missing. Saving it for a dangerous section can be more useful than entering the next fight without an option to recover.

Star Shards, Echoes, and Flasks

Boxes and defeated enemies can drop Star Shards. Shards are currency used alongside Upgrade Gears for purchases at the Tick Town upgrade shop. Echoes provide story and world information rather than a direct health upgrade.

Dye Flasks let you change the colors of Zirian's costumes. Each recolor costs a flask as well as money. Keep these cosmetic purchases separate from the Gear upgrades and Clock Heart Pieces used to improve your abilities and health.

Explore Again After Getting the Hook-Shot

The hook-shot can open routes that were not reachable earlier. When the game gives you the gadget, think back to high platforms and visible items you could not reach. Revisiting an area can be more productive than searching the same ground-level route again.

Upgrade Checklist

  • Spend Upgrade Gears on a problem you can identify, not an untested online build.
  • Collect three Clock Heart Pieces to receive the health increase.
  • Check side paths before leaving a biome.
  • Save a healing refill for difficult rooms or the Wrath fight.
  • Revisit unreachable routes after receiving the hook-shot.

Duskfade is available now. For early exploration, prioritize reachable side paths and return when a new gadget lets you reach an item you passed earlier.

For movement and early combat tips, read our Duskfade beginner guide.