Version 1.0 removed the old Attribute, Synergy and Rune systems, rebuilt skills around Scissors, Spells, Imprints and Relics, added charging/combo/channeling mechanics, made Keyboard & Mouse the default, added Epilogues 2 and 3, added real-time DPS, and moved high-difficulty play into a post-Epilogue 3 Challenge Mode.
Combat and build changes
- Removed: Attribute, Synergy and Rune systems.
- Added to skills: Charging, Combos and Channeling.
- Reworked: Sharpness, Thread, Flower and Crow became identities of particular skills.
- Expanded: Level 3 progression can lead to one of three Imprints.
- Repositioned: Relics now connect skills and create cross-skill interactions.
Story and progression
The game contains five main chapters plus Epilogues 1, 2 and 3. New Scissors and Spells unlock through progress and other conditions. Challenge Mode unlocks after Epilogue 3.
Controls and measurement
Keyboard & Mouse is the default in 1.0 and supports free aiming and mouse-button actions. Keyboard-Only remains available. A new real-time DPS UI lets players compare build output.
Legacy-guide filter
| If an old guide says | What to do in 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Stack Attribute/Synergy/Rune | Discard the recipe and identify current Scissors, Spell, Imprint and Relic equivalents. |
| Spam every skill on cooldown | Check the skill’s charge, combo or channel condition first. |
| Enter Challenge Mode earlier | Use the 1.0 condition: clear Epilogue 3. |
| No mouse aiming | Switch to Keyboard & Mouse in settings. |
Quick answer
If a guide tells you to stack Attribute, Synergy or Rune systems, it targets an obsolete build. Version 1.0 moves decisions into skill-specific inputs, Level 3 Imprints, Relic connections, Armory loadouts, expanded Epilogues and post-Epilogue 3 Challenge Mode.
Early Access to 1.0 migration
| Old expectation | 1.0 question | Player action |
|---|---|---|
| Global Attribute stack | Which skill-specific action produces damage? | Learn the Scissors combo, charge or resource loop |
| Synergy tags | Which two equipped pieces directly interact? | Read triggers on Imprints and Relics |
| Rune slot | Which current upgrade branch changes behavior? | Inspect the Level 3 Imprint choices |
| Old story ending | Has the save cleared all three Epilogues? | Continue through Epilogue 3 |
| No mouse aiming | Which control scheme matches this build? | Use Keyboard & Mouse, Keyboard-Only or Gamepad |
Returning-player checklist
- Open settings and select the intended control scheme.
- Visit the Armory and rebuild the loadout with current Scissors, Spells and Special Skill.
- Read every current tooltip instead of translating an old Rune recipe.
- Push one skill toward its Imprint branch and connect skills through a relevant Relic.
- Use real-time DPS for a same-encounter comparison.
- Complete Epilogues 1–3 before looking for Challenge Mode.
Common update confusion
| Symptom | Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Old build cannot be recreated | Its systems were removed | Identify the desired action and rebuild it with current components |
| A named preview value differs | Pre-launch details were subject to change | Use the live 1.0 tooltip |
| Mouse controls seem absent | Wrong control scheme selected | Choose Keyboard & Mouse in settings |
| Challenge Mode is missing | Epilogue 3 not cleared on this save | Complete and continue the correct save |
Use the new DPS display without fooling yourself
Keep chapter, encounter and core loadout fixed. Change one Imprint or Relic, then compare sustained output, clear time and damage taken. A higher peak can still be worse when the new input causes more interruption or setup time. Version 1.0 gives the measurement tool; the player still needs a controlled comparison.
Source boundary
The launch notes are authoritative for removed systems, controls, story additions and Challenge Mode. Preview posts support named examples but not guaranteed final numbers. The live tooltip is authoritative for the installed 1.0 build.
Use this page as a legacy-guide filter
Before applying any build recipe, check its date, menus and component names. If it requires Attribute, Synergy or Rune systems, identify the action it tried to improve and rebuild that action with current Scissors, Spells, Imprints and Relics. Route to the Weapons guide for cadence, the Armory guide for starting slots and the Build guide for verified interactions.
Keep the original page only as historical context. Current tooltips and the 1.0 release structure control the playable answer.
This page targets the 28 August 2026 full release. Recheck official announcements and the current in-game tooltip after any later balance update.
Frequently asked questions
What systems were removed in Garden of Witches 1.0?
The official launch notes state that the old Attribute, Synergy and Rune systems were removed and their roles were redistributed across Scissors, Spells, Imprints and Relics.
Does Garden of Witches support mouse controls?
Yes. Keyboard and Mouse is the default in version 1.0, with free mouse aiming and mouse-button assignments. Keyboard-Only and Gamepad remain available.
When does Challenge Mode unlock?
Challenge Mode unlocks after clearing Epilogue 3.