How Progression Works
Buildcrafting centers on Combat Abilities, Aberrant weapon forms, and Talents that amplify synergy between abilities and melee.
Supernatural Combat Abilities are earned by defeating Resonants (major boss encounters); some offer branching ability choices.
Not everything can be unlocked in a single playthrough; that is intentional.
When stuck, check whether you need a new Combat Ability from a Resonant, a traversal unlock, or simply the next story beat.
Unlocks
Track which menus and traversal tools appear after each major objective. If a zone remains blocked, compare your unlock list to any requirement hint in the mission log.
Upgrades
Prioritize upgrades that shorten fights (stagger, resource generation) or prevent deaths (survivability, recovery). For character upgrade timing, see How to Upgrade Your Character.
Build Planning
Decide whether your next session targets story, optional content, or boss practice—then pick upgrades that match. The Build Guide explains offensive vs defensive tradeoffs without naming unverified gear.
Exploration vs Progression
Exploration pays off when you have the tools to reach rewards; otherwise it becomes backtracking. Return to old zones after mobility or detection upgrades, not before.
New Game Plus carryover
New Game Plus carries over Aberrant upgrades, health and combat ability resource improvements, unlocked supernatural combat abilities, talents, and artifacts.
Traversal abilities do not carry over in New Game Plus because they remain tied to story progression.
How to Avoid Wasting Resources
Confirm respec or refund rules in-game before expensive commits.
Not yet verified Exact upgrade costs and currency names are not listed here until verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do side content before the main story?
Do side content when you have a clear objective or need resources for a known gate. If markers conflict, favor the main story until a system unlocks.
What if I over-invested in the wrong upgrade?
Use in-game respec tools when available and pivot toward one cohesive loop. See the respec guide once you confirm where resets happen in your save.
Sources & Verification
- PlayStation Blog (Remedy Entertainment)Control Resonant: a deep dive into combat, buildcrafting, and player choice
- PlayStation Blog (Remedy Entertainment)Control Resonant: Remedy shares first details on New Game Plus
Last verified: Oct 3, 2026