The answer first
Pass the Fear build system is composed of nine confirmed layers: Weapons, Weapon Parts, Relics, Tarot Cards, elemental effects, Character Talents, Squad perks, Forge, and Pearls. Official sources confirm these systems exist and describe them as roguelite progression layers. No official source provides optimal build orders, synergy rankings, best combinations, or numerical values — those remain Not Confirmed.
Last checked: 2026-07-20 · PTF-S01 (Steam store) and PTF-S02 (Steam Community hub)
What this page covers
Understand the confirmed build layers and what still needs launch verification.
Build System action checklist
- Understand that each of the nine systems is a confirmed layer but not yet mapped in numerical detail.
- Use the Weapons page to understand what is confirmed about weapon scope.
- Use the Characters page to understand roster status.
- Use the Bosses/Stages page for launch scope on encounters.
- Bookmark this page and recheck after launch for updated numerical detail.
Evidence status at a glance
| Claim | Evidence state |
|---|---|
| Confirmed build-layer systems: Weapons, Weapon Parts, Relics, Tarot Cards, elemental effects, Character Talents, Squad perks, Forge, Pearls. | Confirmed — PTF-S01, PTF-S02 |
| These systems are described as roguelite progression layers in official material. | Confirmed — PTF-S01, PTF-S02 |
| The June 14 announcement says the full release adds Pearls, Relics, a revamped Forge, Weapons and Weapon Parts beyond what the demo offered. | Confirmed — PTF-S01, PTF-S02 |
| Not confirmed — Best builds, optimal combinations, or meta recommendations. | Not Confirmed — requires launch verification |
| Not confirmed — Damage values, proc rates, or hidden formula details. | Not Confirmed — requires launch verification |
| Not confirmed — Pearl, Relic, Tarot, or Forge recipe or efficiency data. | Not Confirmed — requires launch verification |
| Not confirmed — Tier list for any build component. | Not Confirmed — requires launch verification |
| Not confirmed — Optimal character-and-build pairing. | Not Confirmed — requires launch verification |
What is verified
- Confirmed build-layer systems: Weapons, Weapon Parts, Relics, Tarot Cards, elemental effects, Character Talents, Squad perks, Forge, Pearls.
- These systems are described as roguelite progression layers in official material.
- The June 14 announcement says the full release adds Pearls, Relics, a revamped Forge, Weapons and Weapon Parts beyond what the demo offered.
What needs more evidence
- Not confirmed — Best builds, optimal combinations, or meta recommendations.
- Not confirmed — Damage values, proc rates, or hidden formula details.
- Not confirmed — Pearl, Relic, Tarot, or Forge recipe or efficiency data.
- Not confirmed — Tier list for any build component.
- Not confirmed — Optimal character-and-build pairing.
Player decision help
Use this page now
Best for: Understand the confirmed build layers and what still needs launch verification.
Evidence: All confirmed facts on this page are traced to PTF-S01 or PTF-S02.
Wait for an update
Best for: Facts marked Not Confirmed still need official or hands-on verification.
Evidence: Do not rely on Not Confirmed claims for gameplay decisions.
Common player questions
What are the nine confirmed build layers?
Weapons, Weapon Parts, Relics, Tarot Cards, elemental effects, Character Talents, Squad perks, Forge, and Pearls. Official sources confirm these as roguelite progression systems but do not map their relationships in detail.
Is there a best build order?
No official source provides optimal build order, synergy rankings, or best combinations. This is Not Confirmed and will not be published on this site.
What is the Forge?
Forge is a confirmed build-layer system. The June 14 announcement says the full release has a "revamped Forge." Exact mechanics and upgrade paths require launch-day verification.
What are Pearls used for?
Pearls are confirmed as a full-release addition in the June 14 announcement, but official sources do not describe what they do, how to earn them, or how they interact with other systems.
Do elemental effects work with all weapons?
Elemental effects are confirmed as a game system. Which elements exist, what they affect, and how they interact with weapons or builds requires launch-day verification.
Related Guides
Choose the right Pass the Fear guide for your current task.Characters
Check the officially named character roster and what is confirmed about each character.Weapons
Understand the confirmed weapon system scope and what still needs launch verification.Bosses & Stages
Check the officially announced boss and stage scope and what still needs verification.Updates & Release
Track official release dates, the current date conflict, and official update timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forge in Pass the Fear?
Official sources confirm Forge as one of the build-layer systems. The June 14 announcement says the full release features a "revamped Forge" compared to the demo. Exact mechanics, upgrade paths, or costs are Not Confirmed and require launch-day verification.
What are Pearls?
The June 14 announcement confirms Pearls as a new addition in the full release. Official sources do not yet describe what Pearls do, how to earn them, or how they interact with other build layers.
What are Relics?
Official sources confirm Relics as a game system. The June 14 announcement says Relics are added in the full release. Specific effects, acquisition methods, or rarity tiers are Not Confirmed.
Are there Tarot Cards?
Official store copy confirms Tarot Cards as a game system. Specific card effects, draw mechanics, or synergies are Not Confirmed at this time.
Source scope and verification
All facts are traced to PTF-S01 (Steam store) and PTF-S02 (Steam Community hub). No private research files, screenshots, or third-party sources are published.
Source IDs on this page: PTF-S01, PTF-S02