Order of the Sinking Star: Beginner’s Guide

This guide explains how to start in the Order of the Sinking Star and progress efficiently, covering character creation, early quests, resource management, and common pitfalls. You’ll learn the core loop, what to prioritize, and how to avoid wasting time on activities that don’t advance your rank.

Formula

The calculator estimates your progress toward the next rank based on your current level and time spent. The formula is:

Progress (%) = min(100, (Current Level / 20) * 100)

Estimated Hours to Next Rank = Time Spent × (20 – Current Level) / 10

Variables: Current Level (1-20, your character level), Time Spent (hours played at that level). The assumption is that leveling slows down as you approach rank 20, so the hours estimate scales linearly.

Worked Example

Using the default values: Time Spent = 10 hours, Current Level = 1.

• Progress = min(100, (1/20)*100) = min(100, 5) = 5%
• Hours to next rank = 10 * (20-1)/10 = 10 * 19/10 = 19 hours

So with 10 hours played at level 1, you’re 5% of the way to rank 2, and it will take about 19 more hours at that rate.

Getting Started: Character Creation and Faction Choice

Your first decision is choosing a faction. The Order of the Sinking Star has three sub-factions, each with a different playstyle:

• The Abyssal Wardens – focus on defensive buffs and tanking; good for solo players.
• The Tidal Sages – magic and healing; ideal for group content.
• The Reef Reavers – stealth and critical damage; best for PvP.

Your choice affects starting equipment and early quests, but you can switch later at a cost of 5000 gold. For beginners, the Abyssal Wardens are recommended because they survive longer while you learn mechanics.

The Core Loop: Quests, Bounties, and Rituals

Progress in the Order revolves around three activities:

1. Main Story Quests – unlock new areas and abilities. Always do these first.
2. Daily Bounties – repeatable quests that give reputation and crafting materials. Do them every day.
3. Rituals – group events that drop rare gear. Start with the “Tidecaller’s Riteâ€� at level 5.

Efficiency tip: combine bounties with main quests in the same zone to avoid backtracking. For example, if a main quest sends you to the Sunken Grotto, pick up all bounties for that area before heading out.

Resource Management: Gold, Materials, and XP

Your three key resources are gold, materials, and XP. Here’s how to manage them:

• Gold – spend on gear upgrades only after level 10. Before that, save for a mount (costs 50 gold) and bag upgrades.
• Materials – used for crafting and ritual offerings. Always keep 20 of each basic material (e.g., Coral Shards, Kelp Fiber) for quests.
• XP – comes from quests and kills. The fastest way to level is doing main quests, not grinding mobs.

A common mistake is selling all materials early. Some quests require 10 Kelp Fiber, and buying it from the auction house costs triple the vendor price.

Choosing Your First Skills and Gear

Each sub-faction has a skill tree. For a beginner, focus on passive skills that increase survivability:

• Abyssal Wardens: “Tidal Shieldâ€� (reduces damage by 10%) and “Deep Breathâ€� (increases health regen).
• Tidal Sages: “Healing Currentâ€� (restores HP over time) and “Watery Wardâ€� (magic resistance).
• Reef Reavers: “Shadow Stepâ€� (escape ability) and “Keen Edgeâ€� (critical chance).

Gear-wise, prioritize items with “of the Depths� suffix – they give bonus XP. You can buy these from the Quartermaster in the main hub for 10 gold each.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Ignoring the tutorial – the tutorial gives you a free bag and a skill point. Skipping it makes early game harder.
• Spending skill points randomly – you can reset skills but it costs 100 gold per reset. Plan a build.
• Not joining a guild – guilds give a 10% XP bonus and access to group rituals. Join one at level 5.
• Over-leveling without gear – if you’re level 15 with level 5 gear, you’ll struggle. Buy gear every 5 levels.

Efficient Progression: Daily Checklist

To maximize progress, follow this daily routine (about 2 hours):

1. Log in and collect daily rewards (5 min).
2. Do all daily bounties in your current zone (30 min).
3. Complete one main story quest (45 min).
4. Participate in one ritual event (30 min).
5. Spend remaining time on crafting or gathering (10 min).

This routine ensures you get XP, gold, and materials without burning out. On weekends, add an extra ritual for rare drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the fastest way to level from 1 to 20?
A: Do main story quests exclusively. They give 3-4 times more XP than side quests and unlock new zones. Avoid grinding mobs unless a quest requires it.

Q: Can I switch sub-factions later?
A: Yes, but it costs 5000 gold and resets your skill tree. You’ll keep your level and gear. It’s worth it if you find your chosen playstyle doesn’t fit.

Q: How do I get better gear without paying real money?
A: Ritual events drop epic gear scaled to your level. Also, crafting with materials you gather can produce gear equal to dungeon drops. Check the auction house for bargains on “of the Depths� items.

Q: Is there a penalty for dying?
A: You lose 10% of your current XP progress and respawn at the nearest shrine. You don’t lose items. To avoid this, always carry a “Return Stoneâ€� (costs 1 gold) to teleport to safety.

Q: What should I spend my first 100 gold on?
A: A mount (50 gold), two bag upgrades (20 gold each), and a “Return Stone� stack (10 gold). This saves hours of travel time.

Q: Are there any hidden quests that give big rewards?
A: Yes, talk to NPCs with a “…â€� icon. One hidden quest in the Sunken Grotto gives a permanent +5% XP buff. It requires collecting 10 rare pearls from underwater chests.

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in t | Time spent (hours) | h | 10 | 0
in l | Current level | - | 1 | 1
out prog | Estimated progress to next rank | % | min(100, (l / 20) * 100) | 0
out hours | Estimated hours to next rank | h | max(0, t * (20 - l) / 10) | 1