Sword of the Vagrantis technically not a new game as it first launched on PC back in 2018. 2022 will mark the game’s debut on consoles though, across all major platforms. While the game may look like a Vanillaware title, it’s actually from an obscure Beijing-based studio called O.T.K Games.
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They draw inspiration from Vanillaware if the art wasn’t obvious as it screamsDragon’s CrownorOdin Sphere. The studio wasinterviewed on the website Deepmotionin 2018 and O.T.K Games did say the entire team was inspired by Vanillaware while makingSword of the Vagrant. Backstory aside, let’s learn some tricks to get started.
6Things To Know From The Start
There are a few things players should know before starting upSword of the Vagrantas well as options they need to be aware of. First, there are four difficulties in the game: Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Lunatic. Even though it says Normal, this is the easiest mode in the game. It doesn’t exactly compare to an Easy mode like inother action RPGsas things can still be quite tough.
Players should know the game is a bit of a grind, evenby RPG standards, before jumping in. Another option players can change is Vivian’s appearance in the game. Her default clothing is rather revealing which may not be for everyone. That’s seemingly why a feature was included to cover her up. Finally, the first boss players will run into will be a fake out. Don’t waste items on them as players are destined to lose.
5What To Buy
There are two types of currencies inSword of the Vagrantand both are precious resources. First, let’s talk about gold. Players will begin in a hub village wherein they can buy equipment, potions, meals, and so forth. The golden rule for this game is to not buy anything unless necessary. Things are expensive, especially gear, and often these items require materials too. Players should be able to find good enough equipment in dungeons instead and that goes for items like potions too.
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What players should focus their money on is cooking, which is a simple enough process and is not a mini-game like in someother cooking titles. Buying a meal at a shop will have Vivian learn that recipe for good. Having a good assortment of recipes on hand will be strategic for boss fights. Some bosses may require extra speed while other battles could do with a little more power. The game does warn players when they are about to walk into a boss’ lair. If that happens, go back to a campfire, eat a meal, and then tackle that boss.
4Pay Attention To Duplicates
In many RPGs, picking up duplicate sets of armor or weapons will result in the same stats. InSword of the Vagrant, loot will often have a different bonus feature attached. For example, the starting gear, Leather Armor, could have a bonus to HP on one set while another could increase critical hit power. Don’t go selling duplicate sets of gear at random thinking there aren’t any differences.
Players can also enhance equipment by opening up slots and adding different traits. A player could have a set of Leather Armor with boons to both increase critical attack power and HP. Stats can be raised as well. However, doing so too often will waste materials and other currencies, so it might be best to wait to enhance anything. Upgrading a rare piece of gear, for example, would be an acceptable strategy.
3The Skill Tree
Players will not level up Vivian inthe traditional RPGsense going from level 1 to level 2, for example. The other set of currency will inSword of the Vagrantbe in Mana drops which look like gems. Mana can be spent to enhance weapons, but more importantly, it can be used to buy skills and stat boosts for Vivian permanently.
Before buying anything, make sure to look down each branching path and take note that some skills require items to level up. The first increase for HP requires Holy Water, for example. The healing track has a lot of good upgrades including one that will heal players upon picking up gold. Another good early skill is due south of the starting point and it will give Vivian the ability to jump twice. A double jump is a good mechanic to have in platformers, but it’s great in action RPGs too.
2Smash Everything
Enemies will drop the most amount of items from potions to gold. However, there are tons of things to smash in the environment as well including pots and boxes. There are less obvious things to break too such as piles of rocks or hives hidden in the trees.
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The nice thing about destructible objects inSword of the Vagrantis that they respawn. It might be a good idea to take note of a particular spot on the map if an object rewards players with rare items. For example, one reoccurring mound may sprout a certain material like ore used for crafting. The map is one big interconnected maze akinto a Metroidvania, making it easy for players to keep track of areas if they take manual notes, which is encouraged.
1Dodge Toward Attacks
The best offense turns out to be a good defense inSword of the Vagrant. Vivian is a bit slow as afemale action hero, but she does have the ability to dodge. She can dodge roll through most enemies unless they have a shield. That’s where the double jump ability comes into play.
If players can’t dodge roll through an enemy and then counter them from behind, they should jump over them instead. Most enemies with shields can be broken through given enough hits, but using the back attack tactic is a wiser move. For bosses, it may be obvious to say, but studying their attack patterns first before trying to land a single hit will prove fruitful.
Sword of the Vagrantwas released on July 20, 2025, and is available to play on PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. It was originally released in 2018 on PC.
