If you’re just starting out in Shapes of Dreams or looking to better understand its roster, this guide covers the basics of each character—how to get them, how they play, and how to make the most of their strengths. I’ve spent a good amount of time playing each one and will share what I’ve learned so far. Keep in mind that this is based on my personal experience—your own playstyle might lead you to different conclusions!
Overview of Characters
There are eight characters in total. Two are available from the start: Lasert and Mist. The other six must be unlocked through specific in-game actions. Here’s the full list:
- Lasert (starter)
- Mist (unlocked via tutorial)
- Yubar (unlockable)
- Vesper (unlockable)
- Aurena (unlockable)
- Bismuth (unlockable)
- Nakhia (unlockable)
- Shell (unlockable)
Let’s break them down one by one.
Lasert
Lasert is your first character and a great introduction to the game. He’s a former royal guard sniper who excels at long-range combat.
Unlock: Available from the beginning.
Playstyle & Tips:
Lasert is a ranged damage dealer. His attacks are strong and well-balanced. I recommend building him for attack speed—once you stack speed and damage, he becomes incredibly powerful. For memories and constellations, go for Hurricane (increases attack speed by 10.5%) and Destructive Essence. Impending Storm is also useful despite an early debuff—it pays off at higher levels.
Focus on upgrading Quick Hand and Salamander Powder abilities. Use gems that boost speed. Also, don’t ignore HP—Lasert is fairly squishy, so later in the game you’ll want extra health to survive stronger enemies.
Verdict: A solid starter and strong in co-op, especially with a support player.
Mist
Mist is unlocked by completing the tutorial. She’s a melee duelist with high mobility and evasion.
Unlock: Complete the tutorial.
Playstyle & Tips:
Mist uses a sword and relies on her ability Unbreakable Will—a stance that boosts her attack speed and damage. This is essential to her playstyle. For memories, Awakening Magic (+16 skill power after two worlds) and Brave Challenger (+16% damage to bosses) are great picks.
Prioritize leveling Unbreakable Will. Her other skills like Lunge and Astrid Angard’s Masterpiece are strong, but the stance is what makes her shine. Unlocking her second abilities takes effort, but it’s worth it.
Verdict: Underrated and powerful, but requires investment to reach full potential.
Yubar
Yubar is easy to unlock and use. He’s a great choice for beginners.
Unlock: Collect 600 Dream Dust (blue powder found near coins and breakable blue rocks). You’ll likely get him in your first run.
Playstyle & Tips:
Yubar is a long-range mage with high damage output. His skills are straightforward and powerful. Build him for attack speed and damage—Night Time, Aggressive Stance, and Hurricane are all good. Power Strike (critical chance) and Flexible Thinking (ease of use) are also useful.
Focus on upgrading Ether Influence—it hits hard and returns for double impact. Also, invest in HP and regeneration. His Cataclysm skill provides a 12-second shield, which greatly improves survivability.
Verdict: An excellent damage dealer who can also tank. Highly recommended for new players.
Vesper
Vesper is a straightforward tank, ideal for team play.
Unlock: Reach the Stellar Dream location (usually the third area in a run). Takes about 15-25 minutes.
Playstyle & Tips:
Vesper is durable and good at controlling enemies. He’s especially useful in co-op. Build for health and attack. I haven’t played him extensively, but he performs reliably as a tank.
Verdict: A simple but effective tank. Great for beginners and teams.
Aurena
Aurena is a risk-reward character who sacrifices HP to deal damage and heal.
Unlock: Heal yourself or allies for 30,000 HP in one run. Use skills or statues—just play normally and you’ll get it.
Playstyle & Tips:
Aurena is a melee support who loses health when using skills. She’s challenging but rewarding. Focus on increasing damage with perks like Night Time, Aggressive Stance, and Hurricane. Also invest in endurance and max HP. Stone Skin is helpful for defense.
Upgrade Golden Explosion and Destructive Claw. The more damage you deal, the less you’ll get hit—so aggression is key.
Verdict: High-risk, high-reward. Not for everyone, but very powerful in the right hands.
Bismuth
Bismuth is a powerful and easy-to-use mage.
Unlock: Reach a movement speed of over 900 for 3 seconds. Use Yubar or Mist with speed-builds to make this easier.
Playstyle & Tips:
Bismuth’s attacks auto-target and deal heavy magic damage. She’s simple and effective. Choose perks like Speed Reading, Mind Tuning, Enlightenment, and Hurricane. Upgrade Pure Soul and Prismatic Vision first.
Verdict: Strong, beginner-friendly, and great for dealing damage from a distance.
Nakhia
Nakhia is a support character who excels in co-op.
Unlock: Defeat the Forest Demon boss 20 times (across any number of runs).
Playstyle & Tips:
She’s a shaman with healing and utility abilities. Easy to use and very helpful in team play. I’m still exploring her full potential, but she’s already one of the best supports.
Verdict: Great support, especially in co-op. Low investment, high reward.
Shell
Shell (also called Doll) is still being explored. More details will come in future guide updates.
Personal Tier List
Here’s how I’d rank the characters based on my experience:
- S Tier: Bismuth, Yubar
- A Tier: Mist, Aurena, Nakhia, Lasert
- B Tier: Vesper, Shell
Remember, every character has potential—this list is just a starting point based on ease of use and effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer ranged damage, melee combat, tanking, or support, Shapes of Dreams offers a variety of styles to suit your play. Start with Yubar if you’re new, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Unlocking and mastering each character is part of the fun—and each brings something unique to the game.