Stigmas and specialties: levels are not the same thing

Client-reference snapshot, September 29: each class has 13 stigma choices. Four equipped slots unlock at character levels 22, 27, 32 and 37. The database lists the first level-granted stigma point at character level 23; a slot appearing at 22 does not itself prove a free learned stigma. Follow the actual quest/client unlock instructions.

Stigmas spend their own points. The reference lists cumulative costs of 5 points to reach rank 5, 15 for rank 10, 35 for rank 15 and 75 for rank 20. At character level 45 its level-reward table gives 30 points, not enough to maximize one stigma. Other acquisition systems must be checked separately. A legal 30-point example is three rank-5 stigmas plus one rank-10 stigma.

Stigma milestone effects accumulate at ranks 5, 10, 15 and 20. Benevolence illustrates why ranks matter: later milestones add duration, stamina support, additional recovery and cleansing. Do not describe a rank-one skill as if all four milestones are active. Nor should a pre-launch rank-20 table be treated as a permanent cap across later Korean seasons.

Regular active skills use selectable specialties rather than the same cumulative stigma mechanism. The client reference exposes options at skill ranks 8, 12 and 16, while the slot array is 8, 12 and 20. Unlocking a rank-16 option therefore does not mean unlocking the third slot at 16. These are skill ranks, not character levels.

Skills do not gain ranks simply because you press them repeatedly. Skill investment, equipment and progression bonuses are separate sources; consult the client before planning an exact point allocation. Passives support or trigger mechanics, whereas chains are predefined active follow-ups with their own conditions. Presets are saved choices within a class, not a Guild Wars-style secondary class.

Practice priority: learn movement, resource flow, trigger conditions and one emergency answer first. Upgrade the abilities you actually use and verify the benefit at each breakpoint. Do not rush a costly rank-20 stigma simply because a late-game guide assumes it.