DragonSword: Awakening lets players strengthen heroes through levelling, breakthroughs, awakening, Karma and skill upgrades. These systems raise base statistics, alter weapon effects and unlock stronger abilities, allowing teams to be tailored for different combat roles.

– Levelling uses Combat Texts from quests, chests and other activities; heroes hit progression caps, beginning at level 20, which require Breakthrough resources to pass and eventually reach level 80.
– Awakening has six levels and uses Stigma Awakened Stones, each exchanged for 200 Fragments of Sacred Light earned from Sudden Missions; it is best approached from mid-game and spread across the team.
– Karma changes a hero’s signature weapon traits and exclusive effects: general Karma uses Fragments of Memory from the Tower of Trials and treasure chests, while exclusive Karma is hero-specific and sourced through Hero Quests or transportation via Shanoa.
– Skill upgrades improve each hero’s battle abilities and can unlock more advanced options, though the provided article text cuts off before detailing the required material.