If you're diving into *Arise Crossover*, you might think it's all about collecting Shadow units and overpowering non-resistant enemies to enhance your squad until you hit a wall. But as you reach the endgame, you'll notice that many players, even the seasoned ones, are scratching their heads over progression, leveling, and optimal Shadow choices. If you're feeling stuck, this guide is tailored just for you, to help navigate the complexities of *Arise Crossover* and maximize your gameplay experience.
How Shadows Work in Arise Crossover
Screenshot by The Escapist
Each of the three islands in *Arise Crossover* is home to several recruitable Shadows and one formidable dungeon Shadow. Shadow types play a significant role in their power levels. For instance, **Soondoo**, which you can recruit at the very beginning, is the weakest unit, whereas **Mifalcon**, available at the final Brum Island, is the strongest.
Screenshot by The Escapist
However, the key to maximizing your Shadows' potential lies not just in their type but in their rank. A **Rank A Soondoo** outshines a **Rank D Mifalcon** in power. Higher-ranked units can reach higher levels; for example, a **Rank D unit** caps at **Level 75**, while an **SS Unit** can soar to **Level 200**. Your ultimate goal? Crafting a team of four **SS-ranked Mifalcons**—a challenging but rewarding journey.
Arise Crossover Dungeon Guide
Screenshot by The Escapist
Dungeon Portals in *Arise Crossover* spawn every 30 minutes and remain active for 15 minutes. Even if you enter just before a portal closes, you're guaranteed to complete the entire dungeon. These portals appear at random locations across each island, with varying difficulty ranks.
Start by forming a team of **Rank D units** and tackle a **Rank D or C dungeon** on Leveling Island. This will help you build a solid foundation and possibly recruit a rare (boss) Shadow Unit. Remember, **dungeons are your only avenue to recruit Rare Units and common units above Rank C**.
Screenshot by The Escapist
When a portal spawns, don't hesitate—go for it! Even if your team isn't up to par, linger near the portal and wait for a stronger player to join. Many experienced players are willing to carry lower-level players through dungeons, so take advantage of this community support to boost your unit ranks. **Recruiting Shadows from dungeons is the cornerstone of progression in *Arise Crossover***.
We've experienced this firsthand; with only **Rank C units**, a generous player guided us through a **Rank A dungeon**, enabling us to recruit **Rank A units** and eventually reach the endgame. We've since paid it forward, helping others with **Rank D units** conquer **Rank S dungeons**. We encourage you to do the same.
Arise Crossover Weapons
Screenshot by The Escapist
In the current Beta phase of *Arise Crossover*, weapons don't significantly impact gameplay. While they might offer a minor damage boost early on, by the time you reach the second island, their effectiveness wanes. The **Iron Kando Blade**, the most powerful common weapon, costs **60 million** and deals **516,1K damage**—a drop in the ocean compared to the **200 to 400 million** damage your units can unleash. Unless you're willing to splurge, hold onto your currency until future updates might enhance weapon utility.
How to Get a Mount in Arise Crossover
Screenshot by The Escapist
Much like dungeons, wild mounts spawn every 15 minutes, but only one player per server can attempt to claim them. A server-wide message alerts you when a new mount appears, but you won't always get notified if someone else claims it or if it vanishes.
Mounts can appear in **six different locations**: on one of the islands behind the main ones or on smaller side islands between two major islands. Check the developer's map for exact spawn points.
Image by Arise Crossover official Trello board
You can't claim the same mount twice, and there's a chance you might fail in your attempt. **Flying mounts** are the rarest, with a **10% spawn rate**, while **ground mounts** are more common, and **water mounts** can be purchased from the Boat Shop NPC.
To secure a mount, keep an eye out for the server message and race to the six possible spawn locations. If you miss out, just wait for the next announcement. We're still on the hunt for a **Flying mount**. While mounts aren't essential for game progression, a **Flying mount** can make traversing the world much more convenient.
That's the rundown for now. As *Arise Crossover* receives more updates, we'll continue to refine this Beginner's guide. In the meantime, don't forget to check out the *Arise Crossover* codes for some awesome freebies.