Control Resonant uses a multi-layered progression system centered around The Gap (a mental hub space you can enter at any time). Upgrades focus on meaningful buildcrafting rather than simple number increases. Not everything can be unlocked in a single playthrough. Control Resonant Upgrades Guide is here!
Main Upgrade Systems
Here’s how upgrades work:
| System | What It Upgrades | How You Progress | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberrant Forms | Primary, Secondary, and Combo Ender forms | Dedicated skill trees per form | Unlocks specialized variants and modifiers |
| Combat Abilities | Paranatural powers from Resonants | Own skill trees + branching choices | Choose 1 option per Resonant (can later swap) |
| Talents | Passive synergies between weapons & abilities | Talent points from zone leveling | General + form-specific trees |
| Artifacts | Passive modifiers (combat, survivability, exploration, resources) | Find untapped Artifacts in the world and craft them in The Gap | 3 slots in first playthrough, 4 in NG+ |
| Zones | World improvements | Doing activities in a zone levels it up | Gives talent points + zone perks (better health drops, revealed loot, arcade challenges, etc.) |
| Health & Resources | Max health and Power resource | Permanent upgrades collected in the world | Carry over into New Game+ |
The Gap – Your Upgrade Hub
- Enter The Gap anytime (hold Down on the D-pad on controllers).
- This is where you:
- Upgrade Aberrant forms
- Upgrade and rearrange Combat Abilities
- Spend Talent points
- Craft and equip Artifacts
- Respec (costs an in-game resource)
Key Progression Notes
- Zones level up instead of Dylan in the traditional sense. Completing activities in a zone grants it XP. When a zone levels, you receive zone improvements and a talent point.
- Defeating a Resonant unlocks a new Combat Ability (with a choice of 2–3 options). This also triggers a Resonant Surge that makes the world harder but refreshes side content.
- You cannot unlock every talent, ability, or form upgrade in one playthrough — this is intentional for build variety and New Game+.
New Game+ Upgrades
In New Game+ you carry over:
- Aberrant upgrades
- Unlocked Combat Abilities
- Talents
- Artifacts
- Health and combat resource improvements
New benefits include:
- Additional talent nodes
- Ability to equip multiple abilities from the same Resonant
- A fourth Artifact slot
- Stronger/more dangerous enemies and altered boss behaviors
Traversal abilities (Reach, Shift, etc.) reset and must be re-earned through the story.
Tips for Upgrading Efficiently
- Prioritize zone activities early — they are the main source of talent points.
- Experiment freely in The Gap; respeccing is available (though it costs resources).
- Artifacts often have trade-offs, so swap them for specific situations or bosses.
- Focus upgrades on the Aberrant forms and abilities that match your preferred playstyle (fast crit, heavy single-target, crowd control, summons, etc.).
This overview is based on official developer information and previews as of September 2026. Full upgrade trees and exact costs will be available after the game launches on September 24.
Would you like recommendations for early-game upgrade priorities or how specific systems synergize?
