For most new Valor Mortis players, spend your first point on Maximum Endurance. Endurance is the shared resource behind attacks, blocks and dodges, so increasing its maximum gives every weapon style more room to act. If incoming hits are killing you before stamina is your problem, take Maximum Health first instead.
After that, buy the defensive node that matches your weapon: Blocking Impact for a Saber guard build or Parrying Impact for a Rapier and timing-focused build. Follow with Melee Damage and Melee Endurance Cost. Keep narrow status, headshot, ammunition-drop and resistance upgrades for later, when your regular combat loop consistently benefits from them.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The best opening sequence for most players
Your first few points should make ordinary encounters more forgiving rather than committing you to every weapon family. Use this order as a baseline:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Maximum Endurance, unless you are dying in a few hits.
- One defensive specialization: Blocking Impact for guard play or Parrying Impact for parry play.
- Melee Damage to improve the damage of the attacks you use most often.
- Melee Endurance Cost to make repeated melee actions easier to sustain.
- Maximum Health when enemy damage starts making mistakes or missed defensive timings end attempts.
This is a priority order, not a requirement to use exactly five points this way. The key is to improve survival and your chosen defensive action before buying conditional bonuses that only work in specific situations.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why Maximum Endurance is usually first
Endurance is shared by attacks, blocks and dodges. A larger maximum therefore helps both offense and defense: you can attack without immediately exhausting the resource needed to evade, or hold enough in reserve to block after an exchange. It is useful regardless of whether you favor a Saber, Rapier, firearm or a power-oriented build.
Take Maximum Health instead when the practical problem is incoming damage rather than resource capacity. If a normal enemy can end an attempt before you have time to spend your available endurance, extra health gives you a larger margin for learning attack patterns, recovering from a missed parry or surviving an unavoidable hit.
A simple first-point test
- Choose Maximum Endurance if you regularly run out of endurance while attacking, blocking or dodging.
- Choose Maximum Health if you still have endurance available when a hit kills you.
- If both problems occur, take one of the two, then make the other your next survivability purchase rather than jumping to a specialized damage node.
Match the second purchase to your defense
Blocking Impact for Saber guard play
Blocking Impact belongs early in a Saber build that solves encounters by holding guard, absorbing pressure and creating openings from a block. It strengthens the defensive action you are deliberately practicing, so its value appears in many ordinary fights rather than only in a rare situation.
Parrying Impact for Rapier and timing-focused play
Choose Parrying Impact when your plan is to answer attacks with timed parries, particularly with a Rapier. The upgrade is valuable only when you are attempting that timing consistently. If missed parries are ending attempts, add Maximum Health after the initial defensive and damage choices; the extra buffer lets you learn timings without abandoning the build.
Do not buy both defensive-impact nodes just to cover every possibility. Early points are limited, and splitting them between blocking and parrying delays the improvement to the action you actually use.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When to buy melee damage and endurance-cost upgrades
Melee Damage
Melee Damage is the first broad offensive purchase after your initial survivability and defense. It benefits the attacks that form a Saber or Rapier loop and does not depend on a narrow status effect, weapon matchup or special trigger. Buy it once you can reliably survive long enough to make use of your chosen defense.
Melee Endurance Cost
Melee Endurance Cost is the complementary efficiency choice. It addresses the endurance demanded by melee attacks, which matters when a fight repeatedly leaves you unable to dodge or block after attacking. Buying it after Maximum Endurance gives you both a larger resource pool and a more sustainable attack pattern.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The exact node costs and balance values can change with patches. The ordering is based on practical build value, not a promise that every character will unlock the nodes at the same level or price.
Recommended orders by build
| Build or play style | Suggested opening order | When to adjust it |
|---|---|---|
| General beginner | Maximum Endurance → defensive skill → Melee Damage → Melee Endurance Cost → Maximum Health | Start with Maximum Health if incoming damage is already ending attempts. |
| Guard-focused Saber | Maximum Endurance → Blocking Impact → Melee Damage → Melee Endurance Cost | Add Maximum Health when blocked hits or mistakes leave too little room to recover. |
| Parry-focused Rapier | Maximum Endurance → Parrying Impact → Melee Damage | Add Maximum Health when missed parries are the main cause of failed attempts. |
| Fire or Transmutation build | Maximum Health or Maximum Nephtoglobin → Nephtoglobin Sufferance → Transmutation Damage | Use this route early only if the build is deliberately centered on that power system. |
| Firearm-focused build | Maximum Health → Ammo Restock → Maximum Endurance | Continue into firearm-specific nodes once ammunition access and survival are stable. |
Fire, Transmutation and Nephtoglobin priorities
A power-focused character can justify a different opening. The recommended route is Maximum Health or Maximum Nephtoglobin, followed by Nephtoglobin Sufferance and then Transmutation Damage. Start with Maximum Nephtoglobin when that resource is central to the way you deal damage; choose Maximum Health when surviving contact is the limiting factor.
This route is not the default for a character who still fights mostly with ordinary melee attacks. If your encounters are being decided by endurance, blocks, dodges or parries, the general melee sequence gives a more immediate benefit. Move into the Nephtoglobin and Transmutation nodes when you have committed to that power-focused loop rather than purchasing them as speculative bonuses.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Firearm-focused spending
Firearm users have a different early constraint: ammunition. Ammo Restock belongs near the start of a firearm build, after or alongside the health investment that keeps you alive while creating distance. The suggested sequence is Maximum Health, Ammo Restock, then Maximum Endurance, followed by firearm-specific nodes.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Maximum Endurance still matters for a firearm character because dodging and other actions use the shared resource, but ammunition access and basic survivability are the more immediate priorities when your damage plan depends on shots. If you are frequently forced into melee, reassess whether the build is truly firearm-focused before spending on narrow firearm bonuses.
What to postpone
Early points are less effective when spread across every weapon family. Choose the weapon and defensive action you use most, then make that loop dependable before branching out.
In the current balance described by the available guides, postpone these categories unless your build already triggers them regularly:
- Status-effect upgrades that require a particular ailment or setup.
- Headshot bonuses when you are not consistently landing headshots.
- Ammunition-drop improvements before ammunition is actually the bottleneck.
- Resistance nodes aimed at threats you are not routinely facing.
- Other conditional bonuses that apply only to a narrow enemy, attack or circumstance.
These upgrades are not permanently bad. They become more attractive after your core resource, defense and damage choices are in place, or when a specific encounter makes their condition easy to satisfy. They are simply weaker first purchases for a character still learning the basic combat loop.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A practical decision process after every skill point
- Review the last few attempts. Identify whether failure came from running out of endurance, taking too much damage, missing a defensive timing or lacking damage.
- Fix the largest repeated problem. Endurance problems favor Maximum Endurance or Melee Endurance Cost; damage taken favors Maximum Health; a chosen defense favors Blocking Impact or Parrying Impact.
- Check whether the node works every fight. Prefer broad upgrades over a status, headshot or ammunition condition you rarely meet.
- Stay within one weapon plan. Do not pay for several weapon trees while your primary weapon still lacks its basic survivability and damage support.
- Reconsider only after the loop is stable. Once you can handle routine encounters, add power, firearm or conditional nodes that support the way you actually play.
Can you respec skill points?
Yes. The skill-tree guidance states that you can respec at a Lantern for a fee when changing weapons or defensive style. That makes experimentation possible, but it is a safety valve rather than a reason to spend randomly. The fee amount is not established here and may change with the game’s balance or progression.
Before paying to respec, write down what you want the new build to do: for example, move from Saber blocking to Rapier parrying, or replace melee damage with a Transmutation-focused route. Make sure the replacement nodes support that complete plan. A respec is most useful when your play style has genuinely changed or a chosen defense is not working for you, not when you are trying to recover from one difficult encounter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Skill points and Amber slots are different systems
Amber slots provide passive bonuses and abilities, but they are separate from the first skill-point priorities. PC Gamer reports that a new Amber slot unlocks every ten levels and lists five slots overall at levels 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45. Those unlocks do not replace the need to spend early skill points on endurance, health, defense and core damage.
Plan around both systems: use skill points to establish a reliable combat foundation, then treat the Amber slots as additional passive or ability choices as they become available. The slot schedule is progression information, while the best Amber contents depend on what is available to your character and build; do not delay a necessary survivability node while waiting for an Amber milestone.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCommon early-spending mistakes
Buying offense before you can stay alive
A damage node has little value if a missed dodge or parry ends the attempt before you can attack again. Take Maximum Health or Maximum Endurance first when survival or resource capacity is the clear failure point.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Investing in both blocking and parrying
Two defensive styles split your early points and practice. Pick the action your weapon and habits support, then respec later if you deliberately change style.
Chasing conditional bonuses
A headshot, status or ammunition-drop node can look powerful on paper while contributing nothing to fights where its condition is absent. Broad, repeatable upgrades are more dependable during the opening portion of the game.
Assuming a respec makes every purchase free
Respec costs a fee at a Lantern. Use it to correct a real change in weapon or defensive style, and treat each early purchase as a choice worth testing in normal encounters.
Recommended Free Tools
How balance changes affect this advice
The priorities above are current guide-based build advice, not independently measured rankings. Patch balance, node costs and respec fees can change. If a future update changes the endurance economy, defensive-impact effects, ammunition availability or the value of conditional nodes, judge the same principles against your latest in-game experience: invest first in the resource and defense that determine whether your chosen combat loop functions, then add broad damage and efficiency, and only afterward specialize.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
