How to Progress as a Soul Reaper in Paradox: A Complete Guide

Are you ready to dive into the world of Paradox, the newly released Bleach-inspired game? Whether you’re new to the game or looking to level up your character as a Shinigami, this guide is here to help you progress smoothly and efficiently. In this article, we’ll break down everything from the early steps as a trainee to advanced stages like unlocking your Shikai and completing the Visored quest. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do and how to excel as a Soul Reaper. Let’s get started!

Starting Out as a Trainee

When you first enter the game, you’ll spawn in as a trainee with zero potential. Potential is crucial in Paradox, as it dictates how far you can progress through your Shinigami journey. So, what’s the first step? Simple: visit the Division Trainer. They will be your primary guide as you begin your ascent. You’ll need to complete quests to earn potential, and these quests are the key to unlocking new stages of your progression.

Best Quests for Early Progression

There are three main quests you should focus on during the early stages:

1. Takedown Assault – This quest involves combat, where you’ll need to defeat NPCs. It’s great for learning the game’s parrying system, which can be tricky at first but becomes second nature with practice.
2. Scavenger Hunt – In this quest, you collect items scattered across the map. It’s quick and doesn’t involve combat, making it an easy way to farm potential.
3. Transport the Buyer – Here, you’ll escort an NPC to a designated location. Like the scavenger hunt, it’s a relatively low-stress quest.

These missions are repetitive but necessary. You’ll continue completing them until you reach 75 potential. Unfortunately, there’s no in-game counter for potential, so you’ll need to return to the lobby to check your progress manually. A more intuitive way to track potential would be a nice addition to the game, but for now, keep grinding those quests!

Becoming a Shinigami: The Shinigami Exam

Once you’ve hit 75 potential, it’s time to take the Shinigami exam. This exam is a crucial milestone that allows you to officially join the ranks of the Soul Reapers.

How to Find the Exam Hall

To find the exam hall, follow these steps:

• Start from the Division Trainer.
• Head straight until you find a building that resembles a school. This is the exam hall.
• Enter the building, take a seat in the classroom, and speak to the professor.

Now, the exam itself isn’t too challenging, especially if you’re a Bleach fan. Here are the questions and answers you’ll need:

1. How many captains are there in the Gotei 13? Answer: 13.
2. What is the first evolution of a Zanpakuto? Answer: Shikai.
3. What is Zangetsu? Answer: A Zanpakuto spirit.
4. What is the primary duty of a Soul Reaper? Answer: To protect the Living World from Hollows.
5. Where do Soul Reapers live? Answer: Soul Society.
6. Who is the creator of the Hōgyoku? Answer: Kisuke Urahara.

Once you’ve completed the exam, you’ll officially be a Shinigami. Congratulations! But the journey is far from over. Now, it’s time to unlock your Shikai and reach your next potential milestone: 200.

Unlocking Your Shikai: The Meditation Mini-Game

After becoming a Shinigami, your next task is to continue earning potential, this time aiming for 200. Once you’ve reached this goal, you’ll unlock the ability to meditate, which is key to obtaining your Shikai.

The Meditation Process

To meditate, press the “N” key. This will trigger a mini-game where you’ll need to press certain keys in sequence, similar to rhythm-based games like Osu! The mini-game consists of three stages:

1. Stage One – A simple rhythm-based task where you press single keys.
2. Stage Two – A bit more complex, requiring you to press two keys simultaneously at times.
3. Stage Three – The final challenge, where you’ll face off against your inner Shikai spirit in a boss fight.

Don’t worry too much if you fail the mini-game. You can always retry without losing progress. After completing these stages, you’ll unlock your Shikai, a powerful evolution of your Zanpakuto.

Defeating Your Inner Spirit: The Shikai Boss Fight

The final stage of unlocking your Shikai involves a boss fight against your inner Zanpakuto spirit. This battle can be tricky, but with the right strategy, you can come out on top.

Tips for the Shikai Boss Fight

• Learn to Parry – The parrying system in Paradox is critical during this fight. Timing is everything, so practice against NPCs beforehand to master it.
• Use Your Skills – By now, you should have unlocked a few useful skills. Don’t forget to use them strategically in combat.
• Stay Calm – The boss will mimic your own moves and even use Shikai halfway through the fight. Keep your cool, watch for patterns, and strike when the opportunity arises.

Once you’ve defeated your inner spirit, you’ll unlock the ability to use your Shikai in battle. Simply press the “V” key to activate it. Each Shikai comes with its own set of moves, typically bound to Z, X, and C. Experiment with your new abilities to find a playstyle that suits you best!

Reaching Higher Potential: From 200 to 375

After unlocking your Shikai, the next potential milestone is 375. This requires completing more missions and continuing to grind potential. Yes, it’s a bit tedious, but this is where the game’s grind-heavy nature shines through. Stay focused, and you’ll reach the goal in no time.

The Visored Quest: Farming for the 3% Drop

Once you’ve reached 375 potential, you’re eligible to begin the Visored quest. This questline is notoriously challenging due to the low drop rate of key items (3%), which can make the grind feel endless. However, if you’re determined to unlock your Visored abilities, it’s a necessary step.

Entering the Dungeon

To start the Visored quest:

• Speak with Cody, who will guide you to the Eternal Flame.
• Enter the dungeon and begin farming for the required drop.

This part of the game requires patience and perseverance. The drop rate is low, so it may take multiple attempts to collect the necessary items. If you’re not interested in the grind, you can always skip the Visored quest, but many players find it rewarding in the end.

Progressing as a Shinigami in Paradox

Paradox offers a rich and immersive experience for fans of the Bleach universe, especially those who enjoy a challenge. While the grind can be daunting at times, the satisfaction of unlocking your Shikai and progressing through the ranks as a Soul Reaper makes it all worthwhile.

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore grinder, this guide should help you on your journey through the world of Paradox. Good luck, and may your Zanpakuto grow stronger with each battle! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow Soul Reapers. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and updates as the game evolves.