Grist Beginner's Guide

01Before your first run

• Since Hotfix 0.4.01, saves from incompatible older versions will not load. The game asks you to start a new game instead.0.4.01
• If you opt into Steam's public beta branch, your save may stop working on the stable release.Beta
• After a crash, the next launch shows a message with debug information. The developer asks players to screenshot it and post it on the Steam forums or the official Discord.Forum See crash fixes.

02How a run works

The Early Access version is a "roguelike tower". Procedural generation builds increasingly harder levels as you go, and a run can reach the final star cluster and beat the scenario.Steam You move between floors with Elevators, and boss fights are tied to them: since 0.4.026b, an elevator whose boss you have beaten will not spawn a new boss fight if you leave and come back.0.4.026b0.0291

Scenarios are chosen as programs. Completing the first program unlocks DEFRAG, and completing DEFRAG unlocks Death In Green.DEFRAGBeta

03Build your Order Deck

Combat is a turn-based card battle. Your cards are called orders, and your Order Deck is built from who you bring and what equipment they carry.Steam That means party choice is deck-building: each crew member and each item changes the cards you can play.

• Items change orders. The store page says powerful items "can change how orders play and interact".Steam
• Check your synergies. Manage Party → select a unit → Effects lists every card contributing effects to that unit.0.4.02
• Consumables count too. Since 0.4.026 you can use Field Inventory items during combat.DEFRAG

04Positioning & formation

Position matters: the game lets you use it to avoid attacks, gain buffs and out-manoeuvre enemies.Steam Your units sit in a formation with limited slots. Summons such as the Pirate Technic's Autocannon also need a free slot.0.4.02

• Pushing attacks move units. Since 0.4.029 they work correctly against enemies that take up more than one tile.0.4.029
• Some boss mechanics are positional. In the Nightmare Slurry fight, Slurp only hits targets standing in the bile pools.0.4.02 See the boss guide.
• Deployed summons such as Minibots take up formation space too. Leave a slot free if you plan to summon.0.4.020.4.024

05Skill tests

Outside combat, the game "challenges your crew" with skill tests.Studio You choose which crew member attempts the test, and a card sacrifice mode is part of the flow.0.4.02 In the 2023 demo, one example was a rock wall that a stronger crew member could get past.2023 preview

06XP, Boons & permanent upgrades

07Grist, shops & loot

Grist is also the name of the in-game currency you spend on shopping and other expenses. With the Greensward update the developer removed the split between your total Grist and the Grist earned during a mission, so you can spend it more freely mid-mission.Beta

• Megamart shops sell weapons and consumables. Their stock grew in 0.4.026.DEFRAG
• Weapons Cache locations reward character mods.0.4.026
• Some enemies drop gear. Vandals can drop a Sling.0.4.02
• DEFRAG added more ammunition types, plus new items found by exploring, visiting shops and completing sidequests.0.4.026DEFRAG

08Route planning

You plot map routes yourself. The store page lists three reasons to take a detour: levelling, finding advanced weaponry, and sidequests that unlock new items and classes.Steam Steam tags the game as Hex Grid.Steam

09First-run checklist

1. Start a new game and finish the tutorial.
2. Choose your party with the deck in mind. Crew and gear decide your orders.
3. Keep a formation slot free if you plan to summon.
4. Check Manage Party → Effects after picking up new gear.
5. Spend Grist at Megamarts, and visit Weapons Caches for mods.
6. Take sidequests that unlock classes and items.
7. Read the boss notes before the first floor boss.

?Quick answers

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