Secret World Legends: Story Guide

Understanding the Storyline in Secret World Legends#

So, you’ve entered the crazy, mysterious, and supernatural world of Secret World Legends, and everything feels a bit overwhelming, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Grasping the storyline can be tricky, but with a bit of guidance, you’ll piece it all together like a detective cracking a case. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the narrative without spoiling the fun twists and turns.

The World is Not What it Seems#

In Secret World Legends, the world might look familiar, but it’s crawling with hidden dangers and ancient secrets. Imagine every conspiracy theory, urban legend, and myth you’ve ever heard of. Now, imagine they’re all true. Vampires, zombies, and other supernatural entities really do exist, and secret societies have been battling for centuries to control them—or hide them from the public.

The Three Factions#

You start by choosing one of three secret societies: the Templars, the Illuminati, or the Dragon. Each faction has its own goals, beliefs, and methods, but they all play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of this secret world.

Templars: Based out of London, they’re all about tradition, honor, and fighting evil head-on.
Illuminati: From their secretive New York base, they prefer manipulation, power, and staying behind the scenes.
Dragon: Operating from Seoul, they embrace chaos and unpredictability to achieve their goals.

Your choice here won’t affect the main storyline too much, but it will color your perspective and provide unique faction-specific missions and rewards.

Agartha: The Hub of Everything#

Agartha is the central hub you’ll visit frequently. It’s an otherworldly place connecting all the different regions you’ll explore. Picture it as a mystical subway system where you can travel to places like New England, Egypt, Transylvania, and more. Each region has its own storyline, tied together by the overarching plot.

The Filth: A Common Enemy#

One of the main antagonists you’ll face is “The Filth”—a dark, corrupting force spreading like a plague. It twists and perverts everything it touches, posing a significant threat to the world. Stopping The Filth is a core part of your mission, and as you explore, you’ll learn more about its origins and the entities behind it.

Engaging with NPCs and Lore#

You’ll meet a colorful cast of characters throughout your journey. Pay attention to what they say because conversations are packed with lore and clues. NPCs (non-playable characters) will guide you, share secrets, and sometimes deceive you.

Also, keep an eye out for lore pieces scattered around the world—these glowing icons provide background stories and enrich the game’s universe. Collecting them is a fun way to deepen your understanding of the game’s rich history.

The Main Quest Line#

The main story arc is divided into several missions that will send you all over the globe:

Kingsmouth Town: Your first stop, a seemingly quiet New England town with a dark secret.
Savage Coast: Uncover the mysteries of a creepy amusement park and a haunted mansion.
Blue Mountain: Delve into Native American legends and confront more chaotic filth.
Scorched Desert: Travel to Egypt, where ancient gods and dark rituals pose new threats.
City of the Sun God: Continue in Egypt with stories of forgotten deities and powerful cults.
Transylvania: Face vampires, werewolves, and more in this gothic landscape.

Each mission hinges on clues, puzzles, and combat, building up the overall narrative and pushing you closer to understanding the true nature of the world you’ve been thrust into.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Storyline#

Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the main quests. Soak in the details and explore side missions to fully appreciate the lore.
Talk to Everyone: Engage with NPCs. They provide context and sometimes foreshadow future events.
Read Everything: Check out all the books, documents, and lore you come across. Every piece adds another layer to the narrative.

Enjoy uncovering the dark secrets and hidden truths of Secret World Legends. With these tips, you’ll feel more connected to the storyline and better prepared for the eerie adventures that lie ahead. Keep your wits about you, and remember, everything is true.

Key Missions and Their Challenges#

Secret World Legends is packed with intriguing missions that unravel the deep lore of its world. Not only do these missions offer engaging stories, but they also throw some tricky challenges at you. Here’s a breakdown of key missions and the hurdles you’ll face.

1. The Kingsmouth Code#

Location: Kingsmouth Town
Mission Type: Investigation
Objective: Decipher a series of cryptic clues.

Challenges: The Kingsmouth Code is one of the first missions where you’ll need to flex both your brain and your browser. This mission plunges you into cryptic puzzles and makes you use real-world references, like Morse code and biblical texts. If you’re struggling, it’s totally okay to pause and look up some hints online. But if you love a good puzzle, enjoy the challenge.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the smallest details in your environment. Sometimes the answers are hiding in plain sight.

2. The Vision#

Location: Savage Coast
Mission Type: Story
Objective: Follow visions to uncover the fate of a missing person.

Challenges: In The Vision, you’re guided by eerie premonitions that lead you through dangerous terrain. This mission tests your ability to interpret mysterious symbols and visions. You’ll also battle tough enemies along the way, so be sure to upgrade your gear before diving in.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the key locations in the mission. It’s easy to get lost if you’re not paying close attention.

3. The Pickup#

Location: Egypt, Scorched Desert
Mission Type: Action
Objective: Rescue a group of survivors from hostile elements.

Challenges: The Pickup is a combat-heavy mission that throws waves of enemies at you. It’s a good test of your combat skills and your ability to manage multiple foes. Expect ambushes and be prepared to think quickly on your feet. Timing your attacks and managing cooldowns will be essential to surviving this ordeal.

Pro Tip: Equip healing items and abilities to ensure you can weather the relentless attacks.

4. The Last Train to Cairo#

Location: Egypt, Scorched Desert
Mission Type: Action-Packed Cinematic
Objective: Stop a train carrying a deadly cargo.

Challenges: Unlike other missions, The Last Train to Cairo is full of high-octane action sequences. You’ll need to jump between moving train cars and battle well-armed enemies. The mission incorporates quick-time events (QTEs) that require fast reflexes. Missing a single QTE might mean game over, so stay on your toes!

Pro Tip: Memorize the button combinations for QTEs ahead of time. This will help you react quickly when the time comes.

5. Black Sun, Red Sand#

Location: Egypt, City of the Sun God
Mission Type: Multi-Stage Story
Objective: Thwart an ancient cult from summoning a dark deity.

Challenges: This mission tests your endurance with a series of intense battles and intricate puzzles spread across multiple stages. It’s long and can be draining, with each stage presenting a new set of hurdles. Stay patient and methodical.

Pro Tip: Stock up on supplies before beginning this mission, and make use of safe zones to regroup and plan ahead.

6. The Orochi Group#

Location: Kaidan, Tokyo
Mission Type: Investigation & Combat
Objective: Investigate the mysteries surrounding the Orochi Group.

Challenges: Kaidan’s missions are some of the most difficult in Secret World Legends. You will encounter strong enemies, complex puzzles, and detective work that ties to the overarching story. The Orochi Group mission requires attention to detail and a readiness for tough boss fights.

Pro Tip: Use the in-game notes feature to keep track of clues and important information.

Diving into these missions will ensure an engaging and challenging experience. Don’t forget to embrace the storyline and lore, which are incredibly rich and rewarding. Whether you’re solving puzzles or battling foes, Secret World Legends ensures every mission is an unforgettable adventure.

Happy adventuring, and remember: Double-check your character build and stock up on supplies before starting any difficult mission!

Using Abilities Effectively#

So, you’ve started your adventure in Secret World Legends and you’re ready to unleash some serious powers. But hold up! Before you start mashing buttons, let’s talk about how to use your abilities effectively. Trust me, knowing how to handle your skills can make all the difference between kicking butt and getting your butt kicked.

Understanding Your Abilities#

First things first, you’ve got to know what your abilities do. Each weapon in Secret World Legends has its own set of skills, and mastering them is essential. Abilities are divided into categories:

Basic Abilities: These are your bread and butter. They’re low-cost and great for consistent damage.
Power Abilities: These pack a punch but require resources like Energy or Rage.
Elite Abilities: Think of these as your game-changers. They often come with cooldowns, so use them wisely.
Special Abilities: Unique skills tied to specific weapons or scenarios.

Building a Balanced Deck#

Don’t just stick to the flashy stuff. A good mix can be more powerful than relying on one or two high-damage abilities. Here’s how to balance your deck:

Basics for Consistency: Make sure to have a couple of Basic Abilities in your rotation. They help build resources and keep your damage steady.
Powers for Impact: Include Power Abilities that you can use when you’ve built up enough resources.
Elites for Emergencies: An Elite Ability can turn the tide during a tough fight. Keep it ready for critical moments.

Example: If you’re playing with a Blade, mix your Ritual of Pain and Spirit Blade (Power Abilities) with basic attacks like Keen Edge for a balanced approach.

Resource Management#

Your abilities often depend on resources like Energy, Rage, or Chi. Managing these resources is key to keeping the damage output high.

Energy: Used by most weapons, Energy regenerates over time but using Basic Abilities helps build it faster.
Rage: Blades and Hammers use Rage, which builds up as you fight. Keep those meters filled to unleash your Power Abilities.
Chi: Fists use Chi, a resource that builds naturally but can also be enhanced with specific abilities.

Tip: Watch those bars! Overusing Power Abilities can leave you resource-starved. Balance is your best friend here.

Combos and Synergies#

Combos aren’t just for fighting games! In Secret World Legends, certain abilities work better when used in a specific sequence. This can supercharge your effectiveness.

Blade Example: Start with Keen Edge to build Rage, then unleash a Spirit Blade for massive damage. Follow up with a healing ability if you’re getting low on health.
Assault Rifle: Begin with your basic Burst Fire to build Energy, then use Incendiary Grenade for DoT (Damage over Time). Wrap it up with a leeching shot to recover some health.

Pay attention to tooltips and in-game info. They often hint at which abilities work best together.

Positioning and Movement#

Don’t be a sitting duck! Effective use of abilities also means knowing when and where to use them.

Kiting: If you’re a ranged attacker, keep moving to avoid damage while still attacking. A hit-and-run style works wonders, especially for fragile characters.
AOE Attacks: Abilities that hit multiple enemies are great for crowded fights. Position yourself to get the maximum number of targets.
Avoiding Telegraphed Attacks: Higher-level enemies often show areas where they’re about to attack. Use your movement abilities to dodge these zones.

Practice Makes Perfect#

It’s cliché but true. The more you play, the better you’ll understand which abilities work best in different situations. Head to training areas or take on smaller challenges to perfect your rotation and get a feel for your timing and resource management.

In the world of Secret World Legends, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s survival. So, get out there, practice, and soon you’ll be slaying monsters like a pro.

Managing Resources and Gear#

In Secret World Legends, managing your resources and gear is a big part of staying alive and kicking butt. Whether you’re smashing through dungeons or tackling story missions, keeping your inventory in check and your gear up to date is key. Here’s how to stay on top of things like a pro.

Know Your Resources#

You’ll have a few different types of resources to keep track of. Here’s a quick rundown:

Anima Shards: These are your basic currency. You’ll use them to upgrade gear and get stuff from vendors.
Marks of Favour: You get these from daily and weekly challenges. They’re good for important purchases in the auction house.
Anima-Energised Materials: These are special upgrade items. They come in different levels of rarity and are used to upgrade your gear.
Distillates: These are also for upgrading gear. You get them from missions and region bosses.

Keeping a good balance of these resources is important. Don’t blow them all in one place; you’ll need them as you progress.

Gear Basics#

Your gear in Secret World Legends is going to be your best friend, so keeping it in top condition and at the highest level possible is crucial. Here’s the lowdown on managing your gear:

Weapons: Make sure to equip weapons that match your playstyle. Pistols, swords, shotguns—find what you like and stick to it.
Talismans: They come in head, major, and minor varieties and give you stat boosts. Always keep an eye on them and upgrade regularly.
Glyphs and Signets: These add extra buffs to your weapons and talismans. They can be a bit confusing at first, but they’re worth investing in.

Upgrading Your Gear#

You’ll be upgrading your gear a lot. Here’s how to do it without going broke:

Gather Distillates: You’ll find these in dungeons, missions, and from region bosses. They’re used to level up your gear.
Use Fusion: Once you’ve maxed out the level of a piece of gear (you’ll need Distillates for this), you can fuse it with another piece of the same type to increase its overall quality.
Prioritize Upgrades: Focus on upgrading the gear that makes the most difference first. Usually, this means your main weapons and head talisman.

Selling and Buying in The Auction House#

The auction house is where you can buy and sell items with other players using your Marks of Favour. Here are some tips:

Sell Extra Gear: If you find gear you don’t need or duplicates, sell it for extra Marks of Favour.
Buy Smart: Look for upgrades in the auction house if you’re having trouble finding the gear you need in the game.

Inventory Management#

Inventory space can get tight, so managing it well will save you lots of headaches:

Use Sorting Tools: The game has built-in tools to sort your inventory. Use them to keep things tidy.
Claim Daily Rewards: Some daily rewards increase your inventory space temporarily, so always grab them when you can.
Destroy Junk: Don’t hold onto low-level items you don’t need. Destroy them to free up space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

Hoarding Low-Level Gear: Don’t keep everything. Low-level gear won’t be useful for long, so either use it for upgrading or sell it.
Ignoring Glyphs and Signets: These can make a big difference in your performance. Make sure you’re equipping the best ones you have.
Spending Resources Unnecessarily: Save your Anima Shards and other resources for when you really need them. Plan your upgrades accordingly.

Final Tips#

Daily Logins: Log in daily to get bonuses and extra resources. Even if you don’t play every day, grabbing the login goodies can give you a nice boost.
Plan Your Builds: Decide what kind of build you want early on. This will help you focus on the right gear and upgrades without spreading yourself too thin.
Get Social: Joining a cabal (basically, a guild) can give you access to more resources, group activities, and help if you get stuck.

Upgrading your gear and managing your resources is a major part of Secret World Legends. By keeping an eye on these elements, you’ll not only survive but thrive in the secret world. Happy hunting!

Strategies for Completing Story Content#

So, you’ve plunged into the deep and mysterious world of Secret World Legends and you’re ready to tackle the story content head-on. Awesome! This game is massive, with tons of twists and turns, so having a good strategy can make your journey smoother. Here are some tips and tricks to help you conquer the story missions and unravel the secrets of this compelling world.

1. Don’t Skip the Tutorial**#

Before you jump into the main storyline, make sure you’ve gone through the tutorial. It might seem a bit dull at first, but it’s super helpful. The tutorial walks you through the basics like controls, combat mechanics, and the game’s unique ability system. Trust us, mastering these early will help you later on when the challenges get tougher.

2. Take Your Time and Explore#

Secret World Legends is filled with hidden lore and secrets. Don’t rush through the zones or missions. Take your time to explore and interact with the environment. You’ll find hidden missions, lore pieces, and interesting NPCs that add depth to the story. Plus, exploring can sometimes give you hints about solving tricky puzzles.

3. Use In-Game Hints and the Mission Journal#

The game gives you plenty of resources to help you out. Make sure to check your Mission Journal often. It keeps track of your story progress and provides hints if you get stuck. Besides, pay attention to in-game hints and dialogue. NPCs often drop subtle clues that can help you solve puzzles and understand the storyline better.

4. Choose the Right Build for Your Character#

Secret World Legends has a flexible skill system. Experiment with different builds and find one that suits your playstyle. Whether you prefer ranged attacks, melee combat, or magic, make sure your build supports how you like to play. A well-rounded build can make tough fights easier and improve your overall experience.

5. Join a Cabal (Guild)#

Joining a Cabal—the game’s version of a guild—can be really beneficial. Not only will you get social interaction and support from other players, but you can also team up for difficult missions. Cabal members can offer valuable advice, share resources, and help you tackle story content that might be too tough to handle alone.

6. Keep Your Gear Updated#

As you progress through the story, you’ll face increasingly difficult enemies. Make sure your gear is up-to-date. You can upgrade your weapons and talismans at anima wells or by using fusion. Strong gear can make a significant difference in your survivability and combat effectiveness.

7. Solve the Puzzles Thoughtfully#

Many of Secret World Legends’ missions involve solving puzzles. These aren’t your standard MMO fetch-quests—they’re genuinely challenging and often require some real-world knowledge or research. Don’t be afraid to take a break and look things up if you’re stuck. The game encourages thinking outside the box, so take your time and enjoy the challenge.

Use your in-game map and compass to navigate through missions. These tools are really helpful in guiding you to your next objective or showing points of interest you may have missed. Keep an eye on your surroundings and the map to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

9. Manage Your Inventory#

A cluttered inventory can slow you down. Regularly check and clear out unnecessary items. Salvage or sell items you don’t need and make sure to keep your most useful gear and consumables easily accessible. An organized inventory helps you stay prepared for any situation.

10. Enjoy the Story#

Lastly and most importantly, enjoy the story! Secret World Legends is known for its rich narrative and engaging characters. Take the time to immerse yourself and appreciate the complex plot. Each mission is a piece of the larger puzzle, so savor the experience.

With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to uncovering all the mysteries that Secret World Legends has to offer. Good luck, and happy hunting!