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!

The combat system is inspired by classic dice-based RPGs.

• When you melee attack an enemy, your chance to hit is based on a 1d20 roll, plus your HIT stat. If this equals or exceeds the monster's AC, you hit! Defending works the same way but reverse the roles.
• Additionally a roll of 1 is always a 'miss', while a roll of 20 is always a 'hit'.
• Throws work a bit differently, Lily's throws always hit. (She’s a Melonblood - they never miss throws!)
• Attacks on unaware or stunned enemies deal double damage.

Energy is fuel for your staffs, charms, and magical weapons. Whenever you kill a monster, they will grant energy. Equipping more arts does not reduce how much energy is refilled (energy is not divided). 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 see monsters with a PHAN status. These are monsters that spawn periodically, punishing players that take too long to finish a level. These monsters do not give back energy!

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 the strongest weapons require energy. You may 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 and Brogue. Every turn, monsters take a roll and have a 25% chance to detect you. This goes down to 18% 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.

Thrown projectiles will also deal critical hits if the monster has not spotted you. 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 idea to rest after every battle.

Unlike many roguelikes, there's no "bad" consumable item in Monster Lily. Fluids that impart a bad status effect when drunk can instead be thrown at a monster! Likewise if you think out of the box you may find clever utility in some items that seem utterly worthless.