Published On: October 9, 2025

Mid-Early Progression, LD Selector Strategy & Team Building

After launching into Etheria: Restart with a fresh account, Day 2 presents one of the first major decision points in your progression — particularly when it comes to unit selection, gearing, and dungeon setup. This guide breaks down everything from the LD Apex Selector to optimised team building and resource management as you push into Terrormaton, DokiDoki, and early PvP.

Hold or Use the Apex Selector?

One of the first things you’ll receive on Day 2 is the Apex Selection Card, which lets you choose one of several powerful LD units — including:

If you rerolled and already pulled an optimal SSR, such as Lily or Plume, hold off on using the selector. There’s no pressure to burn it early unless your account is lacking a strong carry or utility. For example, if your first SSR was Lily, you’ve already secured one of the best units for early and mid-game content. Instead of rushing, wait and see what else your account rolls from permanent summons before deciding.

However, if your SSR luck hasn’t delivered anything useful yet, it may be worth using the selector early. Top picks include:

Lily – Turn cycling, AoE utility, and early game dominance.
Shadow Sania – Amazing healing and sustain.
Dokidoki – Flexible DPS and control unit.
Liliam – A top-tier single-target nuker for future content.

Early Game Pitfalls and the Importance of Dungeon Progression

Around level 18, you’ll likely hit your first real wall — particularly with dungeon clears in Terrormaton Hard 3, Dokidoki, and Kururu. These dungeons are critical, as they gate progress in the Hyperlink Charter, Shell Upgrades, and Module Mods.

Your number one tool to guide progression here is still the Hyperlink Charter. It points you toward priority clears and prevents you from wasting stamina in areas that won’t contribute to progression. Always check this before deciding what to farm or build.

Current Dungeon Team Compositions

To help contextualise, here’s an overview of a working early team setup that cleared most early Hard 3 dungeons:

Terrormaton Hard 2–3

Lily (Turn manipulation)
Grey (DEF break and strong DPS)
Dorothy (Sustain/heals)
Lian (Flexible sub-DPS)
Cachi (Defensive support)

Target the left arm for easier clears. With correct turn cycling and gear, these fights become consistent even without full 5★ units.

Dokidoki Hard 1

Lian, Cachi, Lily, Gray, Kazuyo the Reverie

Key unit: Kazuyo – Her CC helps remove the boss’s damage reduction via Slumber

Even at an attribute disadvantage, this comp can work thanks to turn cycling and crowd control. The focus here is applying CC to remove the boss’s defensive buffs and buying enough turns to burst through.

Shell Dungeon (Apate Hard)

Lian, Cachi, Lily, Gray

Shell dungeons are more about gear tuning and speed control than raw damage. Rotating your supports to amplify Lian’s damage is the core loop. Make sure to manage CC and shell effects like Petrify carefully.

Gear Advice and Build Priorities

Don’t fall for the myth that early game gear farming is pointless — purple gear sets are essential, even if you don’t fully upgrade them. Here’s what to prioritize:

Farm and upgrade gear to +6 or +9 — skip +12 unless it’s epic with great stats
Focus on set bonuses: Swift Rush for speed units like Lily, Onslaught for DPS
Accuracy is essential for CC units (like Kaz or Cachi). Prioritize Effect Accuracy substats
Don’t chase perfect rolls — you’ll get stronger gear later. Just ensure your gear matches your unit’s role

How to Efficiently Use Energy and Resources

Energy management is crucial for progression. Don’t be afraid to refill using crystals in the early game, especially if you’re pushing toward level 50+ and unlocking all content.

As a free-to-play player, there’s no diminishing returns on refilling until about level 55. After that, reassess based on how your account looks. Save your Hydra Crystals for important banners (like Freya or event LD units), but early game resource usage is all about long-term investment.

Arena Strategy and Lattice Farming

Etherena becomes a top priority once unlocked. Even if you’re not aiming to be #1, you need the weekly Evolution and Perfect Lattices from the Arena shop.