Exploration skills | Gameplay basics Torment: Tides of Numenera Guide
Last update: 28 February 2017
Exploration skills provide bonus to all actions and challenges by increasing their success chance. Some of them provide additional profits like increased health or number of ciphers you can safely equip. Below is a list of available exploration skills with a description of their usefulness.
Skill name | Description | Usefulness |
Smashing | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 2/5, you can use this option rarely. |
Quick Fingers | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 3/5, you can use this option from time to time. |
Running | Bonus to move range during each crisis. | 1/5, although additional movement can be useful |
Endurance | +5 health points per level. Inability reduces health by 2 points. | 4/5, additional health points are always useful. |
Stealth | +15% bonus per level while using stealth. Available only during a crisis. | 2/5, hiding isn't useful too frequently. |
Persuasion | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 4/5, a very useful skill, especially for players focused on diplomacy. |
Lore: Natural | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 2/5, you can use this option rarely. |
Lore: Machinery | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 2/5, you can use this option rarely. |
Healing | You regenerate +5 health points per level when using healing items. | 4/5, additional healing is definitely useful. |
Deception | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 4/5, a very useful ability, especially for players who prefer diplomacy. |
Concentration | Reduces penalties for equipping bonded items. Maximum level enables the player to equip bonded items in both slots with no negative penalties. | 5/5, one of the most important skills. Bonded items are very useful and it's good to be able to use them with no stat penalties. |
Perception | Unlocks dialogue options and provides +15% bonus per level for performing hard actions related to this ability. | 4/5, a very useful skill which unlocks new dialogue options. |
Lore: Mystical | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 2/5, you can use this option rarely. |
Intimidation | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 3/5, you can use this option from time to time. |
Cypher use | Increases the limit of cyphers a character can equip by 2 per each level. Inability decreases the limit by 1. | 5/5, the cyphers are definitely making the game and combat easier. You should acquire them when you can, giving you something to choose from later on. |
Anamnesis | +15% per level for performing hard actions related to this skill. | 5/5, one of the best skills. It is useful during the whole game and using it enables the player to gain additional experience points. |
Tidal Affinity | Unlocks harder options for Tidal Surge. | Ability obtained during the plot, it unlocks unique options of interacting with other characters. |
Additionally, each skill has two levels of proficiency that additionally increase specialization. Frequently, it isn't profitable to maximize the level of ability - additional 15% chance of succeeding isn't worth it. Because of that, you should plan the development of your character and focus on versatility. You should also make each party member specialize in different exploration skills.