Disco Elysium: Best Skills Ranked

In the role-playing game Disco Elysium, Lieutenant Harry DuBois has a vast array of skills that can be enhanced, shaping him not only as a detective but also as an individual grappling with the challenges of overcoming his amnesia.

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Here are the twenty-four skills that break down into four main categories – Intelligence, Mind, Body, and Coordination – which you can tailor prior to the game’s commencement: Intellect, Psychic Abilities, Physical Strength, and Motor Skills.

As a gamer, I can boost my abilities by using the skill points I gather throughout the game. These points can also be utilized to jot down insights in my Thought Cabinet.

By enhancing these skills, you’re essentially reshaping Harry DuBois’s character following his amnesia caused by binge drinking. However, the game subtly advises against over-optimizing or “min-maxing” as there are few to no benefits for playing it like a role-playing game.

Instead of focusing on which skill is the strongest, let’s examine these skills from a storytelling perspective, considering their role in Disco Elysium’s exceptional narrative.

12. Half-Light

He’s Bullying You. Kill Him Now

“Let the body take control. Threaten people.”

As a gamer, succumbing to those urges often pushes me towards actions that only the most unhinged characters might consider. In the case of Half-Light, it seems this game calls for players who are willing to embrace Harry’s raw physicality, tapping into their inner warrior and madman to truly excel.

In intense Half-Light conditions, your behavior transforms into that of a wary, terrified, and instinctual being, much like a hunted animal in a trap.

In the broader context of completing the game fully, Half-Light might not be a particularly beneficial ability to enhance. However, allocating points towards this skill allows you to listen to some explicit, startling, and invasive thoughts spoken by Lenval Brown in his soothing tone.

11. Hand/Eye Coordination

Steady Hands Make Clean Work

“Ready? Aim and fire.”

Without a doubt, superior hand-eye coordination excels at snagging objects mid-flight, be it by hand or with a firearm. It’s quite familiar with the intricacies of guns and is rather eager to demonstrate your ability to execute swift and precise shots.

As my Hand/Eye Coordination soars to new heights, I find myself transforming into a lethal marksman, and my trigger finger is always yearning for that satisfying kickback. The harmony between my hands and eyes is constantly urging me to pull the trigger, even when it may not be the wisest move.

This ability would be ideal for a police officer who tends to act swiftly or impulsively, on those infrequent instances when a confrontation may escalate into a shootout.

10. Visual Calculus

Do Basic Trigonometry Like A Big Boy

“Reconstruct crime scenes. Make laws of physics work for the Law.”

Just as a skilled detective can mentally solve cases, Visual Calculus empowers you to perform accurate calculations intuitively, much like how some detective shows portray brilliant detectives with intricate equations whirling in their minds.

Having a comprehensive grasp of forensic science enables you to mentally reconstruct a crime scene and formulate precise hypotheses about the sequence of events and the individuals involved.

As a dedicated sleuth, I find myself completely immersed in my mental fortress, where the mundane world fades into insignificance. From this vantage point, I’m able to almost touch the events that unfolded at the crime scene as if they were still happening right before my eyes.

This ability could prove valuable for individuals captivated by the detective mystique, where you delve into crime scene analysis akin to Sherlock Holmes or Benoit Blanc. However, your struggles with substance abuse might hinder your swift ascent towards becoming one of the world’s top detectives.

9. Perception

Let Nothing Escape Your Senses

“See, hear, and smell everything. Let no detail go unnoticed.”

Perception is a talent that helps you heighten your senses, making it easier for you to spot details that others might overlook casually.

Discovering hidden locations or compartments is frequently achieved by successfully passing Perception checks, which can make seemingly unremarkable spots stand out, as an example, locating Cuno’s concealed shack filled with magnesium and meth would be possible in this manner.

In a narrative-heavy game, Perception offers additional details about sights and sounds that enhance your immersion into the world of Elysium, enriching your senses with the scents and ambiance of Martinaise’s streets.

8. Electrochemistry

Live A Little, Bratan!

“Go to party planet. Love and be loved by drugs.”

Electrochemistry could be likened to an exhilarating spirit residing within us, a primal drive for enjoyment that’s particularly fascinated by modern times and its offerings, much like the culture of music, substances, and relationships often associated with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. It encourages experiences related to these realms.

As a party chemist, Electrochemistry enables you to lessen the harmful consequences of substance misuse and discern if others are consuming substances while conversing with them.

Exploring electrochemistry presents some exciting possibilities for Harry, assuming he’s not a close-minded skeptic who doubts its potential usefulness in solving the case. An adequate understanding of electrochemistry might even enable him to “correct” an expression when gazing into a reflective surface.

7. Inland Empire

In A World Of Pure Imagination

“Hunches and gut feelings. Dreams in waking life.”

The ability called “Inland Empire” enables you to explore the dreamlike and surreal aspects within yourself, venturing into the blurred boundaries between what’s real and imagined. This talent offers a unique perspective that others may find challenging to comprehend, potentially leading them to doubt your understanding of reality.

In the heart of the Inland Empire, you’ll engage in vivid dialogues with objects as if they were sentient beings, gaining knowledge about things that typically remain undetected. For instance, your tie might appear to animate and address you as “bratan.” The distinction between an overactive imagination and hallucinations becomes almost indistinguishable.

Displaying this ability showcases the creative depth of Harry’s thoughts, and achieving a reasonable proficiency in Inland Empire can greatly enhance and add vibrancy to your gaming experience.

6. Empathy

Be A Comforting Presence

“Understand others. Work your mirror neurons.”

As an empathetic individual, I find myself capable of tuning into the emotions of others by subtly sensing the nuances of their spirit. The delicate dance of social cues, non-verbal expressions, and the slightest variations in their voice serve as my compass, guiding me through the ebb and flow of a person’s emotional landscape. Whether it’s the hidden sorrow lurking within their heart or the simmering anger concealed beneath their tranquil facade, I feel drawn into the intricate tapestry of their feelings.

Showing strong empathy means you’re exceptionally attuned to the feelings of those around you and are capable of offering compassion when needed. On the other hand, if your empathy is minimal, you might struggle to pick up on social signals, which could potentially make you seem somewhat uncaring or even indifferent.

This ability is ideal for those players who wish to portray a gentle and empathetic version of Harry, one who empathizes with suffering and helps others alleviate theirs as a means to heal himself.

Additionally, it offers a glimpse into the intricate minds of adjacent characters, enhancing our understanding of the inhabitants of Revachol.

5. Esprit De Corps

Bond With Fellow Officers

“Connect to Station 41. Understand cop culture.”

Esprit de Corps refers to your camaraderie or bond with your fellow team members, specifically in this context, your military officers. This often overlooked skill is crucial, especially when interacting with Lieutenant Kim Kitsuragi, as it allows for a strong connection through minimal dialogue, fostering a deeper relationship between the two of you.

Developing a strong sense of camaraderie among your peers at the 41st Precinct will offer you unique insights into their thoughts and actions, particularly when working on cases or engaging in discussions. This camaraderie will also help you grasp the specific vernacular used by police officers during dialogues.

Esprit de Corps is ideal for individuals aiming to become proficient police officers, or at the very least, as proficient as Harry strives to be.

4. Composure

Keep Your Cool

“Straighten your back. Keep your poker face.”

In the heart of Revachol, just like many other spots, I find myself navigating through an ocean of corruption. Maintaining my composure during those nail-biting moments helps me keep the upper hand, ensuring my survival in this chaotic city.

With a high level of Composure, you can manage to keep a calm exterior masking intense inner turmoil, ensuring that others won’t take advantage of your unguarded feelings.

Additionally, it aids in understanding people better, such as if they’re feeling pressured by questions reminiscent of a police interrogation. Moreover, it’s crucial to mention that Composure places significant importance on style and fashion.

Maintaining composure can be likened to bottling calmness, resulting in a police officer who remains collected amidst chaos. If your goal is to embody a cool-headed or stylish officer, investing effort into honing this trait may prove beneficial.

3. Encyclopedia

Mr. Harrier Know-It-All

“Call upon all your knowledge. Produce fascinating trivia.”

Even though Harry has amnesia, he’s surprisingly knowledgeable and often corrects misinformation, making him a living embodiment of “um, actually.” The Encyclopedia skill in Disco Elysium is ideal for those who appreciate every intricate detail of the game’s world-building.

As a gamer, here’s my take: Dropping enough points into Encyclopedia is like having an ever-ready info-bot by your side during gameplay. It’s always ready to spill some knowledge when you least expect it! Ever hear a mention of Revachol’s past revolution? Get ready for a history lesson, buddy. Even a casual chat about disco could lead to a pop culture lecture.

This ability is ideal for your initial playthrough, particularly if you’re someone who likes to explore thoroughly. Constantly hearing the Encyclopedia can become too much at times, but investing in Wompty Dompty Dom Centre could be beneficial, as it rewards you with 10XP and 2 real coins every time you successfully pass an Encyclopedia check, effectively silencing its chatter.

However, if you’re already curious about the world of Elysium, you might not need any convincing.

2. Volition

The Indomitable Human Spirit

“Hold yourself together. Keep your Morale up.”

Within the game, Volition is portrayed as the killjoy, the informant, the monotonous voice appealing only to the rational-minded, a stark contrast to Harry’s reckless substance addiction.

As steadfast and caring as a devoted sibling, Volition serves as Harry’s self-restraint, preventing him from causing harm to himself and others. It prioritizes his wellbeing and holds him responsible.

This version maintains the original sentiment while making it easier for readers to understand by using more straightforward language.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight an intriguing feature of “Disco Elysium” – a Morale bar that mirrors my character, Harry’s, emotional and mental state. Whenever he encounters stressful situations, this bar gradually decreases. If it depletes completely, the game ends tragically, with Harry either losing hope or experiencing a heart-wrenching heart attack. It’s a gripping element that adds depth to the gaming experience.

Boosting your resolve (Volition) helps fill up your spirit level (Morale meter). When other thoughts push you close to a complete mental collapse, your resolve stands firm, offering comforting and encouraging remarks to help keep you anchored in the real world.

Volition represents a powerful blend of self-control and mental clarity, encapsulated in a comforting tone of voice. It’s the steadfast presence that guides Harry, even during his most drug-fueled moments. In essence, it’s like having a calm, rational companion who gently encourages you to take a moment to breathe deeply when needed.

1. Shivers

Listen To Revachol

“Raise the hair on your neck. Tune in to the city.”

In the game Disco Elysium, Shivers is often overlooked yet it’s one of the most undervalued skills. It serves as a kind of sixth sense that lets you tap into not only Revachol’s cultural landscape but also its core essence. With Shivers, you can hear the rhythmic hum of machinery on the streets and perceive events happening across the city as if they were unfolding right before your eyes.

In Shivers’ heightened state, you develop an extraordinary connection with the city, speaking as if guided by the soul of Revachol – a gentle, caring female voice imploring you to heed her emotions. Her declarations are enigmatic and veiled, requiring patience to decipher, but the reward is substantial.

In no other video game is there an experience quite like Shivers – it doesn’t explicitly create a new universe, but instead, it envelops you in the city with exceptionally crafted writing that makes you feel as if you’re navigating the world through your soul. Unlike other games where you may only play as Lieutenant Harrier Du Bois, Shivers allows you to be a tiny piece within a much grander world around you.

You shiver, and the world shivers with you.

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2025-01-14 17:47