Start with an attributed launch-week loadout, then choose a pressure, precision-counter or dual-tempo school. Reforge when you change schools: PlayStation Blog says upgrade materials return; check the menu path in your patch.
Attributed — Game8’s early boss loadout: two primaries and two Phantom Edges. This is an outlet recommendation, not an official ranking.
| Name | Slot | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jagged Steel | Primary | One-Handed | Attributed |
| Scarlet Wraithblade | Primary | Two-Handed | Attributed |
| Dread Axe | Edge | Destructive | Attributed |
| Hunter’s Chain Sickle | Edge | Martial | Attributed |
Playstyle: short strings, frequent confirms, and cart-fight aggression on The Hunt (official name). Risk: emptying Sha-Chi on greedy heavies. Reforge into this school when you want simpler reads during launch week—materials return is official (PS Blog).
Playstyle: patience under block-drain pressure (official: blocking depletes Sha-Chi; empty pool can stagger — PS Blog Oct 28). Press sometimes brands parry windows as Brutal—EN UI label Unverified. Sha-Chi stays healthier if you deflect instead of holding block. Pair with tell drills on the examples page.
Playstyle: mid-combo D-Pad Left swaps every time the meter crosses your personal threshold. Strong for mid-story duelists that punish empty pools. White Serpent / Crimson Viper are official names (PS Blog Oct 28) but not required for this school.
Also read: Beginner guide · Sha-Chi · Reforge · Examples
Unofficial fan wiki. No paywalled “tier list” chrome—tables and HowTos stay free. No Stellar Blade conflation.