Mastering the Ethernet Decree

The deeper you go into Etheria: Restart, the more the game demands from your brain—and your box of units. One mode that perfectly embodies this challenge is the Ethernet Decree, a content system that feels like a mini-campaign layered with boss fights, progression mechanics, and some spicy strategic twists. If you’ve dipped your toes into this mode and thought, “Oh, this isn’t too bad,” get ready—because once Collapse Points unlock, everything changes.

Let’s dive into what makes this mode so unique, how you should be approaching it, and why it might be one of the most fun (and punishing) ways to test your teams in Etheria: Restart.

The Ethernet Decree isn’t just another side mode—it’s a sprawling, multi-zone tactical gauntlet that constantly pushes your roster, your card builds, and your adaptability. Early on, you’ll find yourself bouncing between different areas, clearing singularity battles, unlocking recruitment points, and collecting Casual Supplies and Link Points.

Sounds straightforward, right? Well, not quite.

While it starts simple—clearing enemies, picking up gear, and unlocking new units—the deeper layers of strategy reveal themselves once you unlock Collapse Points, aka the Purge Battles. These are not your average boss fights.

Collapse Points throw you into boss fights that require not one, but two full teams.

Here’s the twist: your first team fights the boss, and if they win, the boss revives and your second team must finish the job. But if your first team fails? That’s it. Game over. You’ll need to start again.

This mechanic alone makes team building far more intense. Not only do you need one strong team—you need two synergistic, competent teams with appropriate buffs, well-placed Animus cards, and solid counters for boss mechanics.

Each region you explore offers recruitment opportunities, where you can pick units to support your journey. Initially, it might seem like these options are limited to the attribute of the area you’re in—but plot twist! You can actually recruit characters from different elements and use them in any zone.

This opens up a ton of strategic flexibility. If your dark team is weak and you find a powerful Shadowformer in a different region? Grab them. Think ahead about where your roster is lacking, and recruit with your full Collapse strategy in mind.

One of the coolest—and most easily overlooked—features of the Ethernet Decree is the Animus card system. These provide powerful buffs that can completely swing battles in your favor. You’ll get cards from Link Points, the support shop, and loot boxes—don’t sleep on them!

Some killer examples include:

• Toxic Infusion: Adds a 20% chance to apply Poison on top of existing DoTs—amazing for DoT comps.
• Electronic Barrier: Grants all Animus units immunity for one turn at wave start, letting you survive opening bursts.
• Healing and Shield Boosts: Great for sustain-heavy teams running supports like Tiamat or Ling-L.

And the best part? Cards aren’t locked to one team. You can swap them freely between regions and teams, making it easier to optimize specific encounters.

Let’s talk about the actual boss fights.

The first round is manageable—especially if you’ve got your A-team with buffs and the right card setup. You’ll be dishing out DoTs, stacking debuffs, extending cooldowns, and popping off massive ultimates like it’s nobody’s business.

But then… Round 2 starts.

That same boss? They’re back. And your second team better be ready. If you didn’t plan carefully—no buffs, undergeared units, lack of synergy—it’ll fall apart fast. Just like in the video, even with a decent second team, one misstep (like losing your healer or failing to silence key enemies) can send the entire run spiraling.

It’s a thrilling challenge and really highlights why Etheria: Restart shines when it comes to tactical team-building.

Want to avoid getting clapped halfway through a Purge Point? Here are some tips:

• Build Balanced Teams: Don’t throw all your strongest units in Team 1. Split your power and build two viable teams.
• Use Your Cards: Always assign Animus cards. Even a weaker team can punch above their weight with the right buffs.
• Recruit Smart: Look ahead at what you need for Collapse fights and recruit accordingly—even from other regions.
• Don’t Rush Bosses: Clear side areas for extra loot and resources before jumping into a Collapse fight. Every buff matters.
• Test and Adapt: If a team fails, switch things up—maybe bring in a control unit like Lilith or a cooldown reducer to tip the scale.

The Ethernet Decree, especially with its Collapse mechanics, adds a new layer of challenge and creativity to Etheria: Restart. It’s not just about brute force. It’s about learning your units, maximizing synergy, making smart recruitment choices, and adapting to evolving boss mechanics.

And honestly? It’s fun. It’s the kind of mode that pushes you to experiment with lesser-used characters, test new strategies, and think outside the box.

So next time you’re staring down a Collapse boss, remember—it’s not just about beating them once. It’s about having the depth to beat them twice.