Guide

Monster Lily deviates from the typical Roguelike formula by starting off very hard. We wanted to avoid the classic trap of the first few levels feeling "boring". It's difficult to survive though early on when you are low on items and abilities. As a consequence it means you'll sometimes have difficulty getting an initial run going.

The best advice for survival is to pay attention to positioning. If you get surrounded you're probably dead. Don't feel discouraged if you fail early. While the game does not get "easier" as you progress, you'll slowly build more options to deal with threats. If you die in the mid or late game it's probably on you, not bad luck!

For the most part, Monster Lily gives enough information in-game that you shouldn't feel cheated by deaths. Be warned that many Monsters in the game have unique characteristics. For example, the Ahegao is nearly blind, you can completely avoid them if you are careful. Please examine monster information before engaging a new enemy. Certain monsters simply should be avoided. Don't be greedy, get out of their sight!

A "pure" melee build is certainly viable in Monster Lily, but because of the energy system, you'll need to put upgrades into two weapons (instead of one). Note also that a Fist build is viable as well. Upgrading your fists will also increase your throw power. Perhaps if you can find an item that grants you more throw weapons...

Monster Lily's stealth system is inspired by games like Sil. Every turn, monsters take a roll and have a 15% chance to detect you. This goes down to 10% if you are standing still or moving alongside a wall. Additional items can impart stealth bonuses.

Monsters also react to noise. Make a loud noise, and nearby monsters will be on high-alert. You better run away!

A key to survival is to take advantage of Critical Hits, they deal double-damage. There are two ways to achieve a critical, either sneak up on an unsuspecting monster (stealth). or stun the monster first. Stunned monsters cannot evade attacks, so use the strongest weapon you have, it doesn't matter even if you are under-leveled for it!

Oh I forgot there is a third way, you can also throw a projectile at a monster that has not spotted you. These always deal critical damage, and did you know that you'll never miss a throw? Next time you see a strong foe, remember you may not get another chance for a crit throw.

The only way to "heal" in Monster Lily is to rest, or use a healing item. This is done to avoid the "stair-dancing" sort of strategies that are a common way to cheese in Roguelikes. The only downside of resting is it takes time, which means more Phantom Monsters, but nonetheless it's usually a good a idea to rest after every battle.

Energy is fuel for your weapons and magic arts. Whenever you kill a monster, they will grant energy. The amount that is granted is not divided among your equipped arts, but instead multiplied. This means the best strategy is always to equip as many arts as you can find, up to the five maximum.

Throughout the game you'll also see monsters with a PHAN status. These are monsters that spawn periodically, punishing players that take too long to finish a level. Note that these monsters do not give back energy!