Whereas some RPGs are almost completely freeform, allowing the player to customize their characters in whatever direction they wish, others cast characters in specific roles. Healers and support characters give aid from the back lines, while tanks protect vulnerable damage-dealers in the heart of the battlefield.
Though The DioField Chronicle gives players a degree of freedom when developing their characters, characters serve best in the roles for which they are intended. One of the best examples is Fredret Lester, a Cavalier who uses his high health and mobility to draw aggro away from more his more fragile friends. Which of Fredret's abilities should the player focus on upgrading to get the most value from him early on?
Build Concept
Fredret Lester has two abilities that are available for upgrade at the start: HP Boost and Strong Constitution. The former grants players a flat increase to Fredret's HP, enabling him to endure more attacks in combat, while the latter increases the efficacy of healing, allowing Fredret to recover from his injuries more quickly. HP Boost is more important for keeping Fredret alive in the absence of a healer, while Strong Constitution is more important with a healer present.
To make the most of Fredret's early ability upgrades, it's important to equip him with the Silver Lance. This weapon grants him the Full Frontal Assault skill, which is invaluable for his role as a tank. Full Frontal Assault causes Fredret to execute a damaging charge, repositioning himself and causing enemies to turn to face him. This draws aggro onto Fredret and leaves the enemies' backs exposed to his teammates for Backstab damage.
Early Abilities
It's convenient that HP Boost and Strong Constitution are Fredret's first two abilities, since they are the one's that players will want to lean into the most. Fredret serves as a phenomenal tank, drawing aggro from enemies and helping keep high DPS characters like Andrias alive long enough to take enemies down. As with any tank, Fredret needs the ability to withstand numerous enemy attacks. That's just what HP Boost and Strong Constitution grant him.
Which of the two abilities is best to upgrade first, however? The answer depends in part on the player's strategy. In general, it's a safe bet to upgrade those two abilities in tandem, alternating which one the player is improving at any given time. Keeping Fredret alive is a top priority in battle, since he is the wall that stands between enemies and more fragile characters.
Though later in the game Fredret will gain access to abilities such as Insult to Injury, Royal Disposition, and Relapse (all of which improve his DPS potential), Strong Constitution and HP Boost are both more important, both in the early game and through The DioField Chronicle. By striking a balance between higher survivability (via HP Boost) and better recovery (via Strong Constitution), the player can ensure that Fredret will always live to fight another day.
The DioField Chronicle is available for the PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.