Mastering Vampire Survivors: The Ultimate Upgrade Guide

The burning question every new (and even seasoned) Vampire Survivors player asks is: What should I upgrade first? The answer, while seemingly simple, is nuanced and depends on your playstyle and goals. However, if you’re looking for a rock-solid foundation for consistent success, focus on these powerups early on:

1. Revival: This is hands-down the most important early upgrade. Having a second chance, especially when learning the ropes, is invaluable. It lets you experiment, make mistakes, and still push further into runs, unlocking content and discovering powerful strategies. The fact that the Awake Arcana gives you three revives at the start will only serve to make this even more of a priority.

2. Amount: More projectiles equal more damage and better crowd control. Increasing the number of projectiles for each weapon significantly boosts your damage output, allowing you to clear waves more effectively and survive longer. This is especially crucial in the early game when your weapons are weaker.

3. Cooldown: Faster weapon firing rate translates directly to increased damage per second (DPS). A reduced cooldown allows your weapons to attack more frequently, overwhelming enemies and preventing them from getting too close. This will help you build a sustainable offense.

4. Might: Plain and simple, more damage is always a good thing. Might directly increases the damage your weapons inflict, making your attacks more potent and allowing you to eliminate threats more quickly. This is essential for scaling your damage output as enemy health increases.

5. Armor: Reducing incoming damage enhances your survivability. Armor decreases the amount of damage you take from enemy attacks, making you more resilient and able to withstand prolonged encounters. This is particularly useful against enemies that inflict rapid or continuous damage.

While these upgrades are crucial, remember that Vampire Survivors is all about experimentation and adaptation. Don’t be afraid to adjust your upgrade priorities based on the weapons you acquire, the challenges you face, and the stage you’re playing. The goal is to discover what works best for you and refine your strategies over time. Also, experiment with Arcanas, because they are the most game-changing upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vampire Survivors Upgrades

What is the best character for beginners in Vampire Survivors?

Imelda Belpaese is an excellent choice for beginners. Her starting weapon, the Magic Wand, is reliable and auto-targets enemies, allowing you to focus on movement and positioning while learning the game’s mechanics.

What are Arcanas, and why are they important?

Arcanas are powerful passive abilities that can significantly alter your gameplay experience. They unlock after reaching certain milestones and offer diverse effects, from increasing damage output to granting extra lives. Arcanas can define your entire run, so experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle. Awake is especially recommended for beginners, as it gives three free revives and some stat boosts while reviving.

What are the best weapon evolutions in Vampire Survivors?

Several weapon evolutions stand out as particularly powerful:

• Bloody Tear & Crimson Shroud: Great Combo for defense and offense.
• Death Spiral & Phieraggi: Insane Damage Output.
• La Borra: Excellent for crowd control.
• Fuwalafuwaloo: Another top-tier choice for damage and area coverage.
• Unholy Vespers: Provides a protective barrier and deals damage.
• Thousand Edge: Great damage output and range.

Experiment with different weapon combinations to discover your personal favorites.

How do I unlock new characters in Vampire Survivors?

New characters are typically unlocked by completing specific challenges, such as reaching a certain level with a particular character or defeating a specific boss. Check the game’s achievements or online guides for details on unlocking specific characters.

What is the most overpowered character in Vampire Survivors?

Red Death is often considered one of the most overpowered characters due to his high movement speed, health, and bonus damage.

What is the purpose of the Curse upgrade in Vampire Survivors?

Curse increases the number, speed, and health of enemies. While it makes the game more difficult, it also increases experience gain, allowing you to level up faster and acquire more powerful weapons and upgrades. Curse is for advanced players looking for a challenge and a faster progression pace.

Is Luck a worthwhile upgrade in Vampire Survivors?

Luck increases the chance of favorable events, such as triggering special effects on weapons or finding rare items in chests. While its effects are somewhat random, Luck can significantly impact your run by providing additional resources and opportunities.

How do I survive past 30 minutes in Vampire Survivors?

Surviving past 30 minutes requires a well-optimized build and skillful positioning. Focus on acquiring powerful weapon evolutions, maximizing your defensive stats, and utilizing the environment to your advantage. Some players position themselves behind the table on the other side of the clock.

What is the best weapon in Vampire Survivors for clearing the screen?

Greatest Jubilee is considered one of the best screen-clearing weapons in the game due to its ability to create vertical lines of damage that eliminate enemies in its path. Also, experiment with area and might upgrades to maximize its effectivity.

Is Greed a necessary upgrade in Vampire Survivors?

Greed increases the amount of gold you earn. While it’s not essential for completing runs, it helps you accumulate wealth faster, allowing you to purchase permanent upgrades and unlock new content more quickly.

What are the best passive items to focus on in Vampire Survivors?

Critical passive items include:

• Empty Tome: Reduces weapon cooldown.
• Bracer: Increases projectile speed.
• Clover: Increases Luck.
• Crown: Boosts experience gain.
• Stone Mask: Increases gold gain.
• Armor: Reduces incoming damage.

The specific passive items you prioritize will depend on your chosen weapons and strategy.

How do I evolve weapons in Vampire Survivors?

To evolve a weapon, you typically need to max out the weapon’s level and possess a specific passive item. When you open a chest after 10 minutes in a stage, the game will often prompt you to evolve the weapon. Refer to online guides or in-game tooltips for specific evolution requirements.

What is the secret menu in Vampire Survivors?

The secrets menu is unlocked after obtaining the Forbidden Scrolls of Morbane. It provides hints for unlocking secret characters and allows you to cast spells.

How many playable characters are there in Vampire Survivors?

There are currently over 50 playable characters in Vampire Survivors, including secret and DLC characters. Each character offers a unique starting weapon and passive bonus, encouraging experimentation and diverse playstyles.

Where can I learn more about the educational applications of games like Vampire Survivors?

The Games Learning Society is a great resource to explore the educational potential of video games. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about how games can be used for learning and development.