Stella Sora is a free-to-play light-action RPG gacha game developed by Yostar, blending roguelike elements, squad-based combat, and story-driven exploration in a fantasy world called Nova Continent. You play as the Tyrant, leading a team of characters called Trekkers to explore Monoliths, battle enemies, and uncover tales of love and hope.
The game is highly F2P-friendly, with a generous gacha system (no 50/50 on limited banners, guarantees at 120 pulls) and unlimited core gameplay loops. It launches on October 19, 2025, at 19:00 UTC-7 for PC, iOS, and Android.
This guide focuses on progression, from starting out to mid-game optimization, based on pre-release betas, official details, and community insights.
1. Getting Started: Launch Rewards and Setup
- Pre-Registration and Launch Rewards: Claim these via in-game mail after launch for a strong start.
- Pre-Reg: Stellanite Dust ×800, Cerulean Ticket ×10, 4★ Trekker Ann ×1, Runic Disc Tranquil Retreat ×1, Dorra ×10,000.
- Launch: Sprout Ticket ×40, Cerulean Ticket ×30, Silver Disc ×21,000, Rainbow Disc Pack ×2, Stellar Resume Pack ×1, 5★ Trekker from Permanent Banner ×1.
- Total free pulls: ~70 Trekker tickets and ~70 Disc tickets at launch, plus more from events.
- Account Setup:
- Choose your Tyrant gender (male/female; swappable later via settings).
- Set a permanent account name.
- Reroll if desired: The beginner banner allows 20 consecutive pulls with 5 save slots. Aim for at least one 5★ Trekker (e.g., Chitose from launch banner) and strong 4★ supports. Rates: 1.6–2% for 5★ items.
- Early Goals: Complete the tutorial and intro story to unlock core modes. Focus on reaching Authorization Level 4 (account level, max 60) to access Menace Arena.
2. Core Mechanics Overview
Progression revolves around strengthening Trekkers, building squads, and farming resources through roguelike runs and events. Key systems:
- Squad Composition: 1 Main Trekker (player-controlled, deals primary damage) + 2 Support Trekkers (auto-assist with skills/ultimates).
- Roles: Vanguard (DPS), Support (utility/healing), Versatile (hybrid).
- Elements: Ignis (fire), Terra (earth), Aqua (water), Ventus (wind), Lux (light), Umbra (dark). Match elements for synergies.
- Combat: Top-down action with dodging, basic attacks, skills, and ultimates. Collect Musical Notes during fights to activate effects.
- Runic Discs (Weapons/Gear): Gacha-obtained (3–5★). Equip 3 Main Discs (stats + passive Melody Skills + activatable Harmony Skills) and 3 Support Discs (stats + Melody Notes). Each has unique music tracks; set as BGM in archives.
- Gacha System:
- Currency: Stellarite Dust (pulls cost 300; earn 100 daily from tasks).
- Banners: Trekker (50/50 for featured 5★) and Disc (75/25). Hard pity: 120 for guarantee (resets on win for Trekkers; persists on loss).
- Launch Banners: Chitose (5★ Trekker, Blades Beneath the Moon) and Sword Against Stream (5★ Disc, Moon Upon Steel Waters), running until November 10.
- Dupes: Unlock Talents (buffs like 30% ATK boost); not essential early but key for endgame.
3. Character (Trekker) Progression
Trekkers start at level 1 per roguelike run but have permanent upgrades outside. Cap: Level 90, tied to your Authorization Level. Focus on 1–2 mains early (e.g., Chitose for DPS).
| Mechanic | Description | How to Progress | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leveling | Boosts core stats (HP, ATK, DEF, Crit Rate/DMG, etc.). | Farm "guides" from Bounty Trials (stamina-cost domains). Use ascension materials for breakthroughs at caps (e.g., level 20/40/60). | Prioritize your Main Trekker to 70+ if stuck. Materials are role-specific; check in-menu before farming. |
| Skills | 4 types: Basic Attack (no CD), Main Skill (active), Ultimate (burst), Support Skill (off-field aid). Max level: 10. | Materials from Tear Up Trials/Bounty Hunt. Upgrades increase damage/utility. | Level skills in stages (e.g., max 2 at level 20). Focus DPS skills first; supports can lag. |
| Potentials | Roguelike cards enhancing skills/ultimates (e.g., stat buffs, extra effects). 2 paths: Main (on-field) and Support (off-field). | Obtained via Ascension (weekly dungeon event). Choose 3 cards per level-up in runs. | Experiment in Monolith mode. Potentials redefine playstyles—e.g., add AoE to singles. |
| Talents | Passive buffs from dupes (like constellations). | Pull duplicates on banners. | Not F2P-priority early; save for favorites. E.g., Chitose's first dupe gives 30% ATK for 20s post-ultimate. |
| Affinity/Bond | Builds closeness for stat buffs (ATK/HP) and lore. Starts low; max unlocks portrait changes. | Complete Trekker stories, companion missions, and give gifts. | Grind to stage 3 (level 40) for quick buffs. Gifts from events/shops. |
- Weekly Ascension Event: Core for potentials and stats. Challenges scale with Authorization Level; integrates Weekly Mode stats.
4. Account and Resource Progression
- Authorization Level: Your overall progress meter (up to 60). Gates modes (e.g., Boss Blitz at 21). Raise via story, quests, and activities.
- Energy/Stamina System: Limits farming (recovers naturally; max 30 manual recovers/day via friend gifts). Use for Bounty Trials (leveling/skills) and Ascension.
- Monolith Research: Daily: Claim resources from completed activities to upgrade power/features.
- Resources:
- Stellanite Dust: Premium currency for pulls (daily tasks: 100).
- Tickets: Sprout (permanent Trekker), Cerulean (limited Trekker), Silver Disc (Disc pulls).
- Materials: Farm via Commissions (every 20h, 4 teams/day for skills/XP/discs) and events.
- Daily/Weekly Routine:
- Log in for 7-day beginner rewards (tickets, packs).
- Complete First Trek (7-day event: daily tasks for soda, gifts, promotion boxes).
- Run Monolith (unlimited) to build Records.
- Do Commissions and dailies.
- Farm stamina modes: Ascension/Bounty Hunt.
- Participate in events: Startup Grant (battle pass; upgrade for Minova skin "Tipsy Daydream," ends Nov. 29).
5. Key Modes for Progression
These unlock progressively and provide materials/rewards:
| Mode | Unlock Level | Description | Rewards | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monolith | Early | Unlimited roguelike runs to level Trekkers and save Records (builds for other modes). | Cards, potentials, base materials. | Core loop—farm here endlessly. Builds reset per run; save strong ones. |
| Menace Arena | 4 | Endless battles vs. tanky enemies. | Upgrade materials, no stamina. | Test builds; permanent mode. |
| Cataclysm Survivor | Mid | More enemies, less HP; includes Destiny cons. | Similar to Arena. | Good for AoE teams. |
| Bounty Hunt | Weekly | Boss fights (1 attempt/boss). | Skill/Talent materials. | Match elements; weekly reset. |
| Boss Blitz | 21 | Score-chase vs. bosses; leaderboard. | Stars for rank rewards (ends Nov. 30). | Meet conditions for score boosts. |
6. Progression Tips and Strategies
- Early Game (Day 1–7): Rush main story for gems/story details. Don't skip side/affinity stories (rewards gems). Complete First Trek daily. Use free pulls on Chitose banner for a strong starter.
- Resource Priority: Stamina on Ascension/Bounty > Commissions > Dailies. Focus one Main Trekker (e.g., level 70+ DPS like Sora or Chitose).
- F2P Optimization: Game is generous—70+ free pulls at launch. Save for guarantees. Daily tasks = consistent Dust. Avoid spreading resources thin; build 1–2 squads.
- Missable Content: First Trek rewards (time-gated), 7-day logins, daily Commissions/Monolith Research. Talk to Trekkers often for affinity.
- Advanced Tips: Match squad elements/factions for synergies. Experiment with Potentials in Monolith. If stuck, brute-force with leveled mains or color-match boss elements. Paid Grants (Elite/Royal) offer extras like dust/discs/skins but aren't required.
- Common Pitfalls: Rushing without building Records—other modes need them. Ignoring affinity (miss buffs). Wasting stamina on low-priority farms.
7. Recommended Starting Trekkers
From launch/pre-reg:
- 5★ Chitose: Strong DPS; signature Disc boosts her.
- 4★ Ann: Free tanky defender.
- Beginners: Sora (balanced, mobile) or Amber (ranged DPS).
For more, check tier lists post-launch (e.g., Chitose S-tier for early clears).
Follow official channels for updates. Enjoy the journey—Stella Sora emphasizes fun combat and stories over grind!