How do Traits work?
The official FAQ describes Traits as additional skills unlocked through play. Published examples include becoming faster, carrying more, improving combat and increasing stealth. The official wording does not describe a traditional free-form skill-point tree, so this Wiki treats Traits as unlockable Loadout choices until the interface is captured directly.
What does leveling unlock?
XP progressively levels a Pioneer, with level 30 currently described as the maximum. More play unlocks additional Traits. XP earned during an expedition can be lost when a Pioneer is injured, which makes successful survival and extraction part of the progression plan.
Do not confuse three layers
A Pioneer’s published base abilities, Traits unlocked through leveling and physical equipment placed in a Loadout are related, but they are not the same system.
A practical four-part Loadout
Mining, gathering, combat scouting or a mixed survival run should lead to different choices.
Support a low-Health or low-Energy Pioneer before stacking more of an existing strength.
Movement and recovery matter twice: once going out and again when extraction begins.
Extra carrying ability matters only if the Loadout does not consume the capacity first.
Starter build directions
| Direction | Useful Pioneer evidence | Loadout question |
|---|---|---|
| Ranged mobility | Clara publishes ranged, movement, sprint, dodge and stealth bonuses. | Can distance and ammunition efficiency offset her lower base margin? |
| Close-range generalist | Wyatt publishes high base stats, ranged damage and Justice. | What protects the reload and keeps an exit route open? |
| Mining haul | Russell publishes mining speed and 120 Encumbrance. | How much recovery is needed before using the pack advantage? |
| Melee survival | Wade publishes melee damage and defense, but only 60 Energy. | Which choice reduces route friction instead of adding more damage? |
What Loadout data is still missing?
The public FAQ does not list every Trait name, unlock level, numerical effect, slot count, respec rule or stacking behavior. Build pages should remain directional until those fields are captured from the live game.
- Trait name and exact description
- Required Pioneer level
- Number and type of Loadout slots
- Whether Traits stack with base abilities
- Whether choices can be changed freely before each expedition
- Current game version and capture date
Progression, level cap, Loadout prompt and Trait examples checked against the official FAQ. Pioneer bonuses checked against official profiles. Illustration is original and unofficial.