If you’re new to Shindo Life, the amount of menus, systems, and progression paths can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that the early game becomes much easier once you understand the core loop: get spins, build a character, level up, rank up, and unlock stronger systems as you go.
This beginner guide walks through the most important Shindo Life systems in a simple order so you can start playing with confidence. Since the game updates often, always double-check exact costs, requirements, and unlock conditions in-game.
Quick start: what to do first
If you just joined Shindo Life, focus on these priorities:
| Priority | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redeem active codes | Free spins and RELL Coins help you start faster |
| 2 | Pick a playable bloodline or element | Your early damage and build style depend on it |
| 3 | Learn combat basics | Blocking, dashing, and substitution matter in every mode |
| 4 | Farm early quests | This is the main way to gain levels at first |
| 5 | Rank up when ready | Ranking increases your stat cap and unlocks more progression |
A strong start is mostly about staying organized. Don’t try to master every menu on day one.
Main menu overview
When you load into Shindo Life, the main menu gives you three important paths: Play, Edit, and Game Modes.
Edit
This is where you can:
- customize your character
- spin for elements and bloodlines
- manage your ability/bloodline bag if you have it
- redeem codes
- access the RELL Coin shop for special items
Game Modes
This section contains the game’s PvE and PvP modes. It’s also where you’ll find systems like Dungeons when they’re available in the current version. If a mode is temporarily broken or changed by an update, check the menu again later.
Play
This is how you choose a map before entering the game. From here, you can usually:
- select a map
- join a private server if you have the code
- access event or boss-related servers depending on the current game setup
In-game UI: what the main icons mean
Once you enter a server, the interface can look busy, but most of it is easy to understand.
| UI element | What it does |
|---|---|
| Elements and bloodlines icons | Show your equipped abilities |
| Stats menu | Lets you spend stat points when you level up |
| Ninja tools | Where you equip or buy weapons and tools |
| Elements / Bloodlines tabs | Where you manage unlocked abilities |
| Sub-abilities | Holds extra systems like modes, race specs, and other special skills |
| Companions | Lets you equip companions after you obtain them |
| Travel | Used for teleporting around the game |
| Controls | Change keybinds and game controls |
| Move set | Save and load your builds |
| RELL Coin shop | Spend RELL Coins on special items |
Key slots and bars
You’ll also see several bars and slots on your screen:
- health bar: your HP
- chi bar: used by most abilities
- stamina bar: used for movement and some attacks
- mode bar: shows how long your active mode lasts
- skill slots: where your moves and abilities are assigned
A lot of new players ignore the stamina and chi bars, but they are essential. If you run out at the wrong time, you can get punished hard in combat.
Basic combat controls
Shindo Life combat is built around movement, timing, and ability usage. The core controls are easy to learn, but you’ll get much stronger once they become second nature.
| Action | Control |
|---|---|
| Basic attack | Left mouse button |
| Block | Hold right click |
| Dash | X |
| Rush attack | Press W twice |
| Air combo | Attack, then use space to launch upward |
| Substitution jutsu | Time a substitution while blocking an incoming attack |
Combat tips for beginners
A few habits will help you survive early fights:
- don’t spam abilities without watching your chi
- block when you expect a combo
- use dashes to reposition instead of panic jumping
- learn how to create air combos before relying on special moves
- watch for substitution timing against stronger enemies
If you only remember one thing, remember this: good movement is just as important as damage.
How leveling works
There are several ways to level up in Shindo Life, but early progression usually comes down to quests and bosses.
Main leveling methods
| Method | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Village quests | Defeat bandits or quest enemies near villages | Good early-game XP |
| Boss quests | Fight humanoid or giant bosses | Usually better rewards and progression |
| Dungeons | Clear waves or stages for broad progression | Worth checking when available and working properly |
Dungeons are widely considered one of the best ways to level multiple things at once when they’re available and functioning normally. However, because modes can change, you should always check the current state of the mode in-game before relying on it.
What to focus on while leveling
As you level, you’re not just increasing your character level. You’re also improving:
- elements
- bloodlines
- modes
- sub-abilities
That means you should use abilities you actually want to keep using, not just random moves.
Best early-game progression path
For most beginners, a simple progression path works best:
- redeem codes
- spin for a useful bloodline or element
- do village quests to gain early levels
- move to boss quests once you’re stronger
- unlock better moves and modes as your bloodline levels up
- rank up when you reach the requirement
The key is to avoid spreading your points and effort too thin too early.
Stat allocation for beginners
Every time you level up, you earn stat points. These points make your character stronger, but the best distribution depends on your build.
Here’s a simple beginner-friendly approach:
| Build type | Early focus |
|---|---|
| Bloodline build | Put points into Ninjutsu first |
| Element build | Put points into Chi first |
| Hybrid build | Balance carefully, but still prioritize damage stats early |
| Melee-heavy build | Add more Taijutsu later, not immediately |
A lot of new players put too many points into everything at once. That usually makes you weaker overall. Early on, specialize.
Rank ups: why they matter
When you reach the right requirement, you can rank up at your home area using the rank-up scroll.
You can usually rank up in one of two ways:
- reach the required level
- spend the required RELL Coins if the game currently allows that option
Ranking up is important because it:
- resets your level
- keeps your gear and unlocked systems
- increases your stat cap over time
- gives rewards tied to rank progression
Rank progression at a glance
| Rank benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Higher stat cap | You can invest more points into your build |
| Rewards | Rank milestones often give useful bonuses |
| Progression gate | Some systems unlock later at higher ranks |
The exact rank names and requirements can be easy to forget, so check the current rank system in-game if you are close to advancing.
Mentors: what they do
Mentors become important once you’ve progressed far enough in the game. They can raise your stat caps even further and provide passive bonuses.
Some commonly mentioned passive types include:
- stronger block
- faster chi charging
- chi dash
- wider dash
- instant rush
- faster stamina recovery
You can only choose one mentor, so don’t rush the decision.
Choosing a mentor
Instead of chasing the “best” mentor on day one, think about your build:
- if you want balanced mobility and good overall performance, pick a versatile mentor
- if you want the biggest stat boost for your main build, choose the mentor that fits your stats
- if you prefer PvP movement, dashing passives can be very valuable
Because mentor stats and effects can change with updates, always compare the current in-game details before committing.
Races and race abilities
Later in progression, you can unlock races that give unique passive effects and special abilities.
A few important things to know:
- races are obtained through race-related boss drops and the race system
- race abilities are managed through the sub-abilities area
- unlocking a race may not permanently save every option the way you expect, so check the current system carefully
Race tips for beginners
If you’re just starting out:
- don’t worry about races immediately
- focus on leveling and rank first
- save race chasing for when you understand your build
- only pursue race drops that match what you actually want
That approach saves time and helps you avoid wasting progress on something you won’t use.
Bloodlines and elements: how to think about them
Bloodlines and elements are core to your build. They determine most of your offensive style and a lot of your long-term power.
General advice
When you spin, try to think about:
- damage type
- chi cost
- combo potential
- whether the moves fit PvE or PvP
- how easy the abilities are to use as a beginner
A flashy bloodline is not always the best bloodline for new players. Simple, reliable moves are often better while you’re learning the game.
Companions, weapons, and sub-abilities
As you keep playing, you’ll unlock more systems outside your main bloodlines.
| System | How to get it | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Companions | Boss drops and scrolls | Extra support in fights |
| Weapons | Ninja tools and equipment menus | Basic combat and utility |
| Sub-abilities | Various unlock methods | Extra modes, specs, and special skills |
You don’t need to collect everything at once. Build around one main style first, then expand.
Tailed beasts and Susanoo-style progression
Shindo Life has several big progression systems tied to powerful forms and boss rewards.
Tailed beasts
There are different generations of tailed beasts in the game. In general:
- newer generations tend to have more updated systems
- higher-generation beasts are often more desirable for newer players
- some are obtained through boss quest-style systems
- others may appear in the world at set times or under specific conditions
Because spawn rules can change, check the current in-game method for the beast you want before farming it.
Susanoo forms
Susanoo progression is tied to Akuma-type bloodlines and related boss drops.
In general, the process involves:
- obtaining the correct Akuma bloodline
- leveling it to its required stage
- defeating the related boss or spirit for the final drop
The exact bloodline and boss requirements depend on the version you’re pursuing, so use the in-game boss and ability info for the most current details.
Best beginner habits
If you want to avoid common mistakes, follow these habits:
- redeem codes regularly
- use your spins wisely
- focus on one build first
- learn blocking and substitution timing
- check quests before wandering aimlessly
- rank up as soon as you can
- don’t ignore chi and stamina management
- save strong builds for when you understand the system
Beginner checklist
Use this quick checklist before you log off:
- redeemed available codes
- equipped a bloodline or element I want to keep
- spent stat points intentionally
- completed quests for level progression
- learned basic combat controls
- checked the rank-up requirement
- reviewed any new abilities I unlocked
Final tips for new players
Shindo Life has a lot of depth, but the first few hours become much easier once you stop trying to learn everything at once. Start small, build one strong character path, and keep checking the current in-game menus for exact requirements.
If a system seems confusing, that’s normal. Many of the best rewards in Shindo Life come from learning the game step by step.
FAQ
What should I do first in Shindo Life as a beginner?
Start by redeeming codes, then spin for a useful bloodline or element, and begin questing to level up.
What is the fastest way to level up early in Shindo Life?
For new players, village quests and boss quests are usually the most practical early methods. Check which modes are currently working and available.
When should I rank up?
Rank up once you meet the level requirement or if the game currently lets you use the RELL Coin option. Ranking helps raise your stat cap and keep progression moving.
Which stats should I level first?
If you use bloodlines, focus on Ninjutsu. If you rely more on element attacks, put early points into Chi. Try not to split points too evenly at the start.