Progression & Unlocks

Progress in Sifu by unlocking new combat Skills and permanently improving your fighter. Learn how to gain new abilities and manage your age.

As you progress through Sifu's challenging world, you'll discover various ways to enhance your combat prowess and unlock new abilities. Progression in Sifu isn't solely tied to your character's age; it's also about acquiring new skills and permanently improving your fighter's capabilities.

Unlocking Skills

The primary method of progression is through unlocking new Skills. These are special moves and techniques that can be purchased using "Experience Points" (XP). You earn XP by defeating enemies, completing objectives, and finishing levels. The more XP you accumulate, the more skills you can unlock. Skills are categorized into different trees, such as "Combat," "Defense," and "Tools," each offering unique advantages.

Skill Trees and Permanent Unlocks

When you first encounter a new Skill, it will be marked as "Locked." You can purchase a single use of this skill by spending XP. However, to permanently unlock a skill, you must purchase it multiple times (typically 5 times). Once a skill is permanently unlocked, you will have access to it in all subsequent playthroughs, even after your Death Counter resets. This makes investing in permanent unlocks a crucial part of long-term progression.

Key Skills to Prioritize

While all skills offer benefits, some are more impactful early on. Consider prioritizing skills that:

• Enhance your Structure Break: Skills that increase your Structure damage or allow for quicker Structure recovery are invaluable.
• Improve your Takedowns: Skills that make Takedowns faster or grant new Takedown options can significantly speed up combat.
• Offer Defensive Advantages: Skills that improve your blocking, parrying, or dodging capabilities will help you survive longer.
• Provide Utility: Skills that allow you to use environmental objects more effectively or grant new ways to control crowds can be game-changers.

XP and Progression Management

Managing your XP is key. Decide whether to spend it on temporary skill uses to overcome immediate challenges or save up for permanent unlocks that will benefit you in the long run. It's often a good strategy to focus on unlocking a few key skills permanently before branching out too widely. Remember that XP is earned throughout your entire run, so even if you fail a level, the XP you've accumulated will still be available for future attempts.

Talismans and Permanent Buffs

Beyond skills, you can also find "Talismans" within the game's levels. These are rare items that provide permanent, passive buffs to your character. These buffs can range from increased health and defense to improved XP gain or reduced aging. Collecting and utilizing Talismans is another vital aspect of Sifu's progression system, offering a tangible advantage that carries over between runs.