Turn Order Window

Confused by Phantom Blade Zero's turn order? Learn how item effects and spells can change turns mid-battle and how the window updates to keep you ahead.

Hey there! So, you've probably noticed that the Turn Order Window in Phantom Blade Zero can be a little… surprising sometimes. It might show one thing when you start a stage, but then the actual battle plays out a bit differently. Don't worry, it's not you – it's just how the game handles things behind the scenes.

The thing is, the game decides the turn order before all the objects and characters are actually placed on the battlefield. This means that if something unexpected happens right at the start, like an item falling on an enemy, it can mess with the initial turn order you saw. The window doesn't always update to reflect these immediate changes until the next battle turn kicks in.

Let me give you an example. Imagine you load into a stage and see an enemy holding a 'Misc Weed'. You check the Turn Order Window, and it looks like Marona gets two turns before this enemy gets a chance to move. You finish Marona's turn, feeling pretty good, but then suddenly, the enemy moves and attacks Marona! What happened? Well, the 'Misc Weed' the enemy was holding actually boosts their speed. However, this stat change isn't registered and shown in the Turn Order Window until the second battle turn begins – which is right after Marona finishes her turn. So, always be a little cautious and don't assume the initial window is set in stone.

Here's another common situation. You might cast a 'Speed Up' spell on one of your characters, expecting them to jump ahead in the turn order. You look at the window, and… nothing seems to have changed. Their turn still appears at the same spot. This is the same kind of delay we saw before. The Turn Order Window won't update to show your character's increased speed until you finish the turn of the character who cast the 'Speed Up' spell. Once that turn ends, the window will refresh, and you'll see your boosted character's turn coming up sooner.

Key Takeaway: The Turn Order Window is a guide, not a guarantee, especially at the start of a stage or immediately after using buffs. Keep an eye on what's happening on the field, and be prepared for the order to shift as the battle progresses!