Traits in Void Bastards Void Bastards guide, tips
Last update: 06 June 2019
On this page of the guide to Void Bastards, we discuss the topic of unlocking Traits which can be defined as skills. You will learn how to unlock new Traits and in what cases they can be lost.
What are the Traits?
- Traits are simply skills. Thanks to them, the controlled character can become stronger or, for example, get new abilities. The current list of active Traits is displayed in the BIO tab - check the lower left corner of the screen (example in the picture).
- Traits aren't permanent. You may lose them or replace with others yourself or as a result of random events during the game. In addition, Traits are assigned only to the current character. If your current character dies and you take control of another prisoner, that person won't be able to use the same Traits.
- At any time, the character can have a maximum of three Traits. After reaching this limit, each new Trait can only replace one of the three you already have.
- Traits can be positive or negative (they can work as a curse). Unfortunately, it is not always possible to immediately get rid of a negative Trait and you may be forced to play a series of missions by having it set as active.
What Traits should I use?
The answer to this question is problematic. Traits, either found or obtained at the beginning of the game, are always random. There are several dozen Traits in the game - your chances of getting the best ones quickly are slim. All characteristics can easily be lost, and it is not necessary only as a result of death.
A universal hint is that you should always get rid of negative Traits fast. You can ignore only those negative Traits that aren't too troublesome. Once you no longer have any negative Traits on the list, it would be good to build a set consisting of 3 positive ones. This will allow you to have the maximum number of active positive Traits at the same time.
During the game, we advise you to look carefully for two specific Traits:
- Brawny - Provides extra points of health and reduces the risk of death, especially during the exploration of large ships.
- Shallow Breather - Increases your oxygen supply, making you more focused on the exploration. You won't have to rush to ATMO rooms.
We have repeatedly encountered each of the Traits in the early stages of subsequent campaigns. Therefore, there is a chance that these Traits are rather common.
How to get new Traits?
Each prisoner gets their first Trait / Traits - they can be positive or negative.
The most popular way to obtain Traits is to visit GENE rooms on the ships. There, you will find machines that can add new traits/genes. You can only choose 1 Trait out of the 3 available. Always read carefully the on-screen description. The selected Trait can replace one of the currently owned - it can't be placed in any of the free slots.
If you want to choose another Trait immediately, you can use authorization on the machine. This process, by default, costs 30 credits (Merits), but the price will rise as the campaign progresses. The game will allow you to choose one Trait out of the three offered. However, you will choose from different Traits.
The last way is to interact with the Gene Twister object on the galaxy map. It adds one random Trait but simultaneously removes one of the available skills.
When can I lose Traits?
The most obvious reason for losing Traits is death. Another prisoner picked by the game will have different Traits. That character gets a new Trait (or Traits), and they won't necessarily be positive.
The second way is to use the gene machine in the GENE room. It allows you to completely get rid of the existing negative Traits or replace one of the current positive Traits with a different one.
The last way is to interact with a Gene Twister on the galaxy map. It removes one random Trait and unfortunately, you can't protect from it. If you don't want to risk drawing random Traits then try to avoid Gene Twister by choosing a different path to get around it (or use a Warp Key).