I've spent over 50 hours in Phantom Blade Zero—here are my top 20 tips to conquer the Wulin

Phantom Blade Zero diverges from typical soulslikes by not penalizing players with lost souls upon death and by not resetting enemies after resting. Instead, collectibles such as Blackstone, Sha-Chi Amber, and Memory Flowers permanently increase attack power, stamina, and HP. The game’s combat emphasizes aggressive play, with regular attacks chipping away at an enemy’s stamina without costing your own, allowing for sustained pressure.

The game introduces a stamina-based parry system where attacks flash red or blue, requiring precise counterattacks with the right bumper. Sha-Chi combos, which cost stamina, deal higher damage and are particularly effective after breaking an opponent’s stamina or landing a parry. Dodging is often preferable to blocking to conserve stamina, especially against bosses like Peng Meng, who emit smoky black auras during stamina-draining attacks.

Weapons and the Phantom Edge can be upgraded using materials and Remnant Dust, with refunds available for a cost after Level 10. Each upgrade level grants new abilities, and resting at bells replenishes healing items and spark uses for Phantom Edges without resetting enemies. Accessories, particularly in the Village of Lu, play a significant role in builds, offering powerful buffs and additional slots.

Stealth mechanics, including assassinations, provide strong tactical advantages, allowing players to chain kills on nearby enemies. Optional bosses like the Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet or Gold-Masked One can be revisited later, as the game lacks many points of no return. Completing side quests before leaving a region is advisable, though some may fail or require revisiting later.