Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer blending Chinese mythology with sci-fi cyberpunk aesthetics. You play as Yi, a vengeful hero seeking to kill the nine ruling Sols (god-like beings) of New Kunlun. The combat centers entirely on the deflect/parry mechanic — instead of dodging, you deflect enemy attacks to charge Talisman counters for devastating ripostes. With Sekiro-level precision demands wrapped in a Metroidvania structure, Nine Sols is one of the most mechanically demanding 2D action games available.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parry Focus | S | Stand in enemy faces, deflect everything, attach Talismans, detonate for damage while healing. | Charged Strike | Moderate |
| Talisman Build | A | Deflect to attach Talismans rapidly, detonate for burst damage, use Arrow Talismans during ranged phases. | Internal Arts | Yes |
| Aggressive Rush | B | Aggressively attack to stagger enemies before they start combos, use Charged Strike for burst damage. | Arrow Talisman | No |
| Balanced | A | Adapt Talisman choice to each encounter, deflect reliably, use whatever tools the situation demands. | Bomb Talisman | Yes |
| Exploration Build | C | Speed through exploration areas, collect hidden items, accept harder combat in exchange for thorough map completion. | Jade Talisman | No |
New player? Start with Talisman Build — see our beginner's guide for why.
Parry Focus
The intended playstyle — maximize deflect consistency to maintain constant Talisman pressure. Upgrade deflect timing windows through jade investments and equip passive buffs that reward successful parries. This build has the highest damage ceiling since every deflect is also offense.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Stand in enemy faces, deflect everything, attach Talismans, detonate for damage while healing. |
| Best Weapons | Charged Strike |
| Stat Priority | Deflect window, Talisman damage, HP recovery |
| Core Gear | Jade Talisman (healing), Deflect timing upgrades, Internal Art charge speed boosts |
| Key Mechanic | deflect parrying |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Stand in enemy faces, deflect everything, attach Talismans, detonate for damage while healing.
- Pairs well with Charged Strike
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in New Kunlun to learn Parry Focus-specific mechanics
- Focus on deflect parrying — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Charged Strike as your first major upgrade
- See our full Parry Focus build guide for the optimal gear progression
Talisman Build
Focus on maximizing Talisman attachment speed and detonation damage. Bomb Talismans for AoE encounters, Arrow Talismans for ranged boss phases. This build prioritizes Talisman upgrades over combat stats, trading per-hit damage for burst detonation damage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Deflect to attach Talismans rapidly, detonate for burst damage, use Arrow Talismans during ranged phases. |
| Best Weapons | Internal Arts |
| Stat Priority | Talisman damage, Talisman charge speed, Attack power |
| Core Gear | Bomb Talisman, Arrow Talisman, Talisman damage upgrades, Quick-attach passive |
| Key Mechanic | talisman abilities |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Deflect to attach Talismans rapidly, detonate for burst damage, use Arrow Talismans during ranged phases.
- Pairs well with Internal Arts
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in New Kunlun to learn Talisman Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on talisman abilities — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Internal Arts as your first major upgrade
- See our full Talisman Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Aggressive Rush
A high-risk build that chains Charged Strikes and aggressive attacks to overwhelm enemies before they can attack. Requires precise knowledge of enemy stagger thresholds. Works against regular enemies but struggles against bosses with super armor who can't be staggered.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Aggressively attack to stagger enemies before they start combos, use Charged Strike for burst damage. |
| Best Weapons | Arrow Talisman |
| Stat Priority | Attack power, Attack speed, Stagger damage |
| Core Gear | Charged Strike upgrades, Attack speed passives, Damage boost accessories |
| Key Mechanic | Tao arts |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Aggressively attack to stagger enemies before they start combos, use Charged Strike for burst damage.
- Pairs well with Arrow Talisman
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in New Kunlun to learn Aggressive Rush-specific mechanics
- Focus on Tao arts — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Arrow Talisman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Aggressive Rush build guide for the optimal gear progression
Balanced
A mix of deflect proficiency and Talisman variety. Switch between Jade (healing), Bomb (AoE), and Arrow (ranged) Talismans based on the encounter. This build sacrifices specialization for flexibility — useful for first-time players navigating unknown encounters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Adapt Talisman choice to each encounter, deflect reliably, use whatever tools the situation demands. |
| Best Weapons | Bomb Talisman |
| Stat Priority | HP, Deflect window, Balanced attack and Talisman stats |
| Core Gear | All three Talisman types, Moderate upgrades across all stats |
| Key Mechanic | platforming |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Adapt Talisman choice to each encounter, deflect reliably, use whatever tools the situation demands.
- Pairs well with Bomb Talisman
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in New Kunlun to learn Balanced-specific mechanics
- Focus on platforming — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Bomb Talisman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Balanced build guide for the optimal gear progression
Exploration Build
Prioritizes movement upgrades (air dash distance, wall jump height, grapple speed) over combat stats. Useful for reaching hidden areas and backtracking efficiently, but makes boss fights significantly harder due to lower combat stats. Only recommended for second playthroughs.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | C |
| Playstyle | Speed through exploration areas, collect hidden items, accept harder combat in exchange for thorough map completion. |
| Best Weapons | Jade Talisman |
| Stat Priority | Movement abilities, then minimum viable combat stats |
| Core Gear | Movement upgrade passives, Map reveal items, Platforming-focused accessories |
| Key Mechanic | lore terminals |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Speed through exploration areas, collect hidden items, accept harder combat in exchange for thorough map completion.
- Pairs well with Jade Talisman
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in New Kunlun to learn Exploration Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on lore terminals — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Jade Talisman as your first major upgrade
- See our full Exploration Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Talisman Build is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Parry Focus is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Charged Strike for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Exploration Build offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Balanced shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Nine Sols Guides
- Nine Sols Nine Sols Overview
- Nine Sols Best Builds
- Nine Sols Tier List
- Nine Sols Walkthrough
- Nine Sols Beginner's Guide
- Nine Sols Tips & Tricks
- Nine Sols Weapons Guide
- Nine Sols Combat Guide
- Nine Sols Boss Guide
- Nine Sols Maps & Locations
- Nine Sols Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Nine Sols, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Classes Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Classes Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Classes Guide — action game with similar mechanics
