Timing-based attacks and blocks. Use the 'locks' system to interrupt enemy spells. Combo attacks build as you fight. Ultimate moves deal massive damage.
The world is full of secrets. Use the Mistral Bracelet to solve puzzles. Cook meals for buffs. Fishing is both relaxing and rewarding.
Six playable characters each with unique abilities. Swap members mid-battle. Level up and learn new skills.
Every enemy spell shows a lock bar with one to three icons. Match the icon type - sun, moon, or blunt - with the right character's attack to break it. Breaking a lock cancels the spell outright and refunds the MP the enemy already spent. A three-lock spell that resolves will usually one-shot a party member on Hard.
Timing: press the attack button as the weapon connects, not when the animation starts. Blocks work the same way - tap block just before impact for zero damage; tapping early gives a partial block.
Timed hits fill the combo meter. At three charges you can spend them on a dual combo, which hits twice and breaks two locks at once. Save combos for spells you cannot break in time instead of dumping them on trash mobs.
Cooking at camp gives party-wide buffs that last until the next rest. Braised Mirror reflects 20% of damage taken and is worth cooking before every boss. To reach the true ending you need all seven Solstice Warriors and every Wheels minigame beaten at least once; the final boss's second phase only opens if the party is complete.
Wheels is a deck-building card battle, not a racing game - build around one combo and ignore the defensive cards. Every area hides a chest that needs the Graplou hook, usually behind a waterfall or under a bridge.