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The Relic: First Guardian Character Creator – Builds, Relics & Progression

Learn how The Relic: First Guardian character creator works: no stats, no classes—shape your Guardian through over 70 Relics, 5 weapon types, and 12 skill trees.

Overview

The Relic: First Guardian does not include a traditional character creator with sliders, classes, or stat allocation. Instead, the game replaces character creation and leveling with a Relic-based progression system. You shape your Guardian by collecting over 70 unique Relics—fragments of memory and emotion left by the fallen inhabitants of Arsilthus. Each equipped Relic alters skill behavior, combat tempo, and your overall playstyle. There is no leveling of your character, no character stats, and only one piece of armor to change out. Build variety comes entirely from Relic loadouts, weapon choice, and skill tree investment.

How the Character Creator Works

The "character creator" in The Relic: First Guardian is a system of continuous, equipment-driven customization rather than a one-time menu. You define your Guardian through three core systems:

  • Relics: Over 70 collectible Relics that modify skill behavior and combat flow. Equipping different Relics changes how your abilities function, allowing you to build a playstyle that is entirely your own.
  • Weapon Types: Five distinct weapon types, each with its own moveset and skill trees. Every weapon is a unique, one-of-a-kind artefact with its own inherited history and curse.
  • Skill Trees: Twelve exclusive skill trees tied to the five weapon types. Unlocking skills and abilities adds new offensive options and tactical flexibility.

There is no character leveling, no stat distribution, and no class selection. The game does not feature a light attack / strong attack distinction; you perform a single combo chain that can be augmented by equipped Relics and unlocked skills. Stamina is reserved for defense, and skills have no resource cost, encouraging an aggressive, offensively-focused flow.

What Is Not in the Character Creator

FeatureStatusSource
Character appearance customizationNot presentYouTube preview (10 hours of play)
Class selectionNot presentYouTube preview
Stat allocation (STR, DEX, etc.)Not presentYouTube preview
Armor slots (more than one piece)Not presentYouTube preview
Light / heavy attack differentiationNot presentYouTube preview
Character levelingNot presentYouTube preview

Data Table: Character Progression Systems

SystemDetailsSource
RelicsOver 70 unique Relics that alter skill behavior and combat tempoPerp Games publisher page
Weapon Types5 weapon types, each a unique cursed artefactPerp Games publisher page
Skill Trees12 exclusive skill trees for the 5 weapon typesPerp Games publisher page
SpellsA few spells available (exact number not specified)YouTube preview
Weapon UpgradingPresent; allows leveling up weaponsYouTube preview
ArmorOne piece of armor that can be changed outYouTube preview
Enemy RespawnEnemies do not respawn when restingYouTube preview
Death PenaltyNo currency drop or reclaim mechanicYouTube preview
Healing ReplenishmentOne specific healing item replenishes; no full resetYouTube preview

How to Obtain and Use the Character Creator

The character creator is not a separate menu that you access before starting the game. Instead, it is woven into normal gameplay:

  1. Start the game – You begin as the Guardian of Arsilthus with a default loadout.
  2. Collect Relics – Relics are found throughout the ruined world of Arsilthus. They are fragments of memory left by the dead. The game does not specify a fixed method of acquisition (e.g., enemy drops, exploration, quest rewards); the publisher states only that you "find and use these powerful Relics."
  3. Equip Relics – From the menu (accessed via the Share button on a PlayStation controller, not the Options or PS button), you can equip Relics to alter your skill behavior and combat tempo.
  4. Choose a Weapon – You can wield one of five weapon types. Each weapon has its own skill tree and inherited history.
  5. Unlock Skills – As you progress, you unlock skills and abilities for your equipped weapon type. These skills have no resource cost, allowing you to focus on offensive flow.

Uses and Strategic Considerations

  • Build Diversity: Because Relics change skill behavior, two players using the same weapon can have very different combat styles depending on which Relics they have equipped.
  • No Respec Confirmed: The publisher and previews do not mention a respec option. If you want to change your build, you must find and equip different Relics or switch to a different weapon type.
  • Combat Flow: With stamina reserved for defense and skills costing no resources, the system rewards constant offensive pressure. Parrying is a core mechanic, but there is no critical hit animation or visceral attack after a stagger—you simply continue your normal combo.
  • Limited Customization Scope: There is no way to customize your character's appearance, name, or background. The only cosmetic change available is the single armor piece.

Version Context

This article reflects the pre-release version of The Relic: First Guardian as of July 28, 2026, based on a 10-hour preview build provided to content creators. The game is scheduled for digital and physical release on July 31, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam). The publisher, Perp Games, has indicated that the preview build may differ from the final release. Any changes to the character creator or progression systems after launch are not yet documented.

Related Pages

No related pages are currently available for this wiki. Check back after launch for guides on specific Relic builds, weapon skill trees, and boss strategies.

Sources