Manual Mode and the Presence Buff
What each key does and what changes because you are at the screen.
reviewed 8 August 2026
What it is
Manual mode puts you in direct control: WASD moves, 1–4 use the active esva's moves and 5–8 use the items you assigned. Being present also adds one bonus line of your choosing.
How I do it
Before you startHaving the session on screen The presence buff only applies while the session is open; it does not follow offline progress.required
To play while present:
- Move with WASDWASD moves you across the quadrant. Seeking or avoiding an encounter becomes your decision.in gameQuadrant
- Use 1 to 4Keys 1 to 4 are the active esva's 4 moves. They switch on their own when you swap esva.in gameQuadrant → Combat
- Assign 5 to 8Keys 5 to 8 are consumables you assign yourself: potion, revive, flask. The assignment is saved.
- Choose the presence lineOne line at a time: more damage, more loot and experience, or a better chance of containment. It holds while you are at the screen.
- In route mode, 1–4 brings a move forwardWith a route active, pressing 1 to 4 brings forward a move the esva would have used on its own. It does not replace auto-combat and does not switch it off.
In development
What is missing: The screen path for assigning keys 5 to 8 and choosing the presence line is not described here.
What already holds: The three presence lines and the split between fixed 1–4 and assignable 5–8 already hold.
What I get — and what it costs
What I get
Presence buffOne bonus line active while you play: damage, loot and experience, or containment.One line at a time, and only while the session is on your screen.
What it costs
Presence is not mandatoryThe game runs without you. Manual is a choice of pace, not a requirement for progress.1 to 4 cannot be remappedThe four move keys follow the active esva. Only 5 to 8 accept your assignment.The buff does not go offlineWhen you close the tab, the chosen line stops counting until you come back.