In Hyper Light Breaker, every character possesses two distinct SyComs, each offering unique abilities that allow you to tailor your gameplay experience. This feature is crucial, as it significantly influences how you play. Players are encouraged to utilize SyComs strategically and enhance them to permanently improve their characters.
Currently, there are three characters available in Hyper Light Breaker, resulting in a total of six SyComs to experiment with. Each SyCom is designed to complement the playstyle of its character. At the outset, **you will only have access to Vermillion until you unlock the other two characters**. Consequently, you may find yourself experimenting with a SyCom upgrade or exploring the capabilities of the second SyCom early on, provided you know the steps to do so.
Strategies for Maximizing and Upgrading Every SyCom
Leveling Up Each Character to Their Full Potential
When you first start the game, it might be unclear how to upgrade the SyComs. To do this, navigate to the character’s loadout screen and focus on the left section of the screen, where you’ll find the SyCom box displaying the initial SyCom. By clicking on “Modify Loadout” and selecting the SyCom box, you’ll notice a second, currently locked, SyCom option.

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Just below the SyCom box on the left, you’ll find specific stats for each SyCom. Initially, it may appear that these are simply the character’s stats, but once you’ve unlocked the additional SyComs and start switching between them, you’ll notice clear differences in the stats. For example, Vermillion’s HP is significantly affected by the SyCom you choose, which impacts how much healing you’ll need during gameplay.
To unlock the second SyCom, you will require a Golden Ration, which you can earn at the end of each Cycle based on your performance. You can unlock it on the character screen by selecting the SyCom box.
When it comes to upgrading the SyComs, you’ll need to locate Cores in the Overgrowth. After finding them, you can hit the “Upgrade” button and cycle through choices on the left. Each SyCom has lines below indicating how many upgrades you can perform. As you scroll through, costs will be displayed. While many upgrades require just 1 Core, some might need additional materials as well.
Select the upgrade you can afford with your materials and unlock it. There have been suggestions that SyComs would only be enhanced for a single Cycle, but based on my experience, the upgrades have persisted. Since unlocking the second SyCom costs a Golden Ration, it’s logical to assume these upgrades will remain available. Generally, the most effective upgrades typically align with the materials you possess, but increasing HP and damage is consistently reliable.
Six Distinct Gameplay Approaches
Fundamentally, the SyComs offer six different ways to engage with the game. Each character comes with a range of options, though some are more advantageous than others. Certain SyComs alter the functionality of your weapons, while others provide healing or damage mitigation abilities. Vermillion’s second SyCom, for instance, increases damage after executing a parry in Hyper Light Breaker. You can find all the abilities listed below.
Character |
SyComs |
Ability |
---|---|---|
Vermillion |
Gunslinger |
When a Rail deals a critical hit, the next shot will also be critical. |
Tank |
Parrying temporarily increases your Armor. |
|
Lapis |
Lightweaver |
Boosts Rail damage following a Battery pickup. |
Warrior |
Enhances Core stats during upgrades. |
|
Goro |
Astrologer |
Accelerates Blade skill charging while shooting. |
Sniper |
Increases the frequency of critical hits. |
Vermillion is notably balanced and versatile, making him an excellent choice for players just starting out. In contrast, Lapis can grow stronger with every upgrade or increase Rail damage, particularly appealing for those who prefer ranged combat. Goro excels with dual weapons, as one of his SyComs amplifies blade damage when alternating between the Rail and blade often. Alternatively, he can also serve as a proficient sniper. Personally, I tend to favor fast weapons with a ranged option, which makes Goro a solid pick for my playstyle.
Once you identify your preferred character, focus on investing in that SyCom for upgrades. Gathering materials can be quite challenging, so it’s wise to prioritize upgrading your primary character. Typically, players will unlock a few upgrades for Vermillion before gaining access to the others. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to team up with friends for co-op play in Hyper Light Breaker to collect materials and improve your SyComs.