Conan: The Black Pyramid Wakestones, Masteries and Dice

What are Wakestones in Conan: The Black Pyramid?

Steam’s description ties Wakestones to progression that lasts between runs: “Become even stronger with every attempt as you level up your heroes and unlock permanent upgrades with Wakestones.” The announcement says the same thing from the story side: “Dying moves the story forward. Each descent opens new routes, story events and permanent upgrades.”

The sources do not say whether Wakestones are a currency, a collectible or a progression tree. They also do not list what the upgrades are. Anything beyond “permanent upgrades, unlocked with Wakestones, alongside hero levels” is unconfirmed.

What are Combat Masteries?

The studio calls them “upgradable Combat Masteries” and says to “combine them” with ancient artifacts “to create your own version of the unstoppable champion”. The announcement’s shorter version is “Combat Masteries let you build the champion your way.” The studio does not describe how they are upgraded or what they cost.

What are the ancient artifacts?

Steam says you can “define your build with ancient artifacts that grant new devastating effects, introduce new combat mechanics, or save you from a fatal blow”. That is three stated roles: stronger effects, new mechanics and a safety net. The announcement says artifacts “add new effects”.

Steam also mentions that you can “switch weapons and relics to adapt to every combat situation”. It does not say whether relics are the same thing as artifacts, so we list them separately.

How do the dice work?

As you search the Pyramid for items for your build, you collect dice that increase your chances of better loot. Steam spells out the decision: “Add more dice to your result and unlock additional rewards now, or save them for later when the stakes are higher.” The announcement puts it as spending dice “right away for better loot”, or saving “them for when things get ugly”.

So the stated choice is between cashing in now and holding for later. How many dice you find, what “your result” is and how big the payoff gets are not published.

What has not been announced?

Where do these systems fit?

The studio lists them together as the tools for shaping a hero. The first is Warrior Memories, which changes a hero’s weapons and abilities. For the heroes these builds are made for, start with Conan. To compare the whole run structure with another action roguelite, see Is it like Hades?.