History Main / SkillScoresAndPerks

* ''VideoGame/NuclearThrone'' has perks in the form of "mutations", earned by leveling up by gaining [[ILoveNuclearPower rads]] (the game's version of XP). Most characters get a pool of four[[note]]Horror gets five[[/note]] randomly-selected mutations. These mutations include abilities like doing damage every time you're hit, gaining more health from medkits and upgrading the effects of certain weapons. At [[AbsurdlyLowLevelCap max level]], or Level Ultra, each character gets a choice of two[[note]]Horror gets an additional choice here as well[[/note]] character-specific "Ultra Mutations", each one designed to benefit a different playstyle.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'' has both skill levels and perks. Skill levels range from [[RankInflation E to S+]] and concern your units' mastery of the five type of weapons (Swords, Lances, Axes, Bows, and Brawling), two of magic (Reason and Faith), three of "movement" (Heavy Armor, Riding, and Flying), and Authority. Skill levels are gained linearly by study (in the Monastery phases) or StatGrinding on combat missions: weapon and magic skills are improved by repeated use of corresponding weapons and spells; "movement" types, by attacking or defending as an armored/cavalry/flying CharacterClass; and Authority, by fighting with a Battalion attached and using Gambits. The main effect of having higher skill levels is qualifying for powerful {{Prestige Class}}es, as well as unlocking various perks[[note]]interestingly, skill levels do not directly affect the effectiveness of corresponding weapons and spells -- instead, they unlock and then upgrade corresponding ''perks'' that, if selected, boost the damage output[[/note]]. The perks are unlocked by gaining certain skill levels, though every unit has a different unlockable set, and can be subdivided into passive Abilities and active Combat Arts (gained from weapon skills) and Spells (from magic skills). Each unit has a unique, always-active Personal Ability, passives granted by its [[JobSystem current class]], plus up to five Abilities freely chosen by the player from among those gained from skill levels and mastering classes.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'' has both skill levels and perks. Skill levels range from [[RankInflation E to S+]] and concern your units' mastery of the four type of weapons (Swords, Lances, Axes, and Brawling), two of magic (Reason and Faith), three of "movement" (Heavy Armor, Riding, and Flying), and Authority. Skill levels are gained linearly by study (in the Monastery phases) or StatGrinding on combat missions: weapon and magic skills are improved by repeated use of corresponding weapons and spells; "movement" types, by attacking or defending as an armored/cavalry/flying CharacterClass; and Authority, by fighting with a Battalion attached and using Gambits. The main effect of having higher skill levels is qualifying for powerful {{Prestige Class}}es, as well as unlocking various perks[[note]]interestingly, skill levels do not directly affect the effectiveness of corresponding weapons and spells -- instead, they unlock and then upgrade corresponding ''perks'' that, if selected, boost the damage output[[/note]]. The perks are unlocked by gaining certain skill levels, though every unit has a different unlockable set, and can be subdivided into passive Abilities and active Combat Arts (gained from weapon skills) and Spells (from magic skills). Each unit has a unique, always-active Personal Ability, passives granted by its [[JobSystem current class]], plus up to five Abilities freely chosen by the player from among those gained from skill levels and mastering classes.

* ''VideoGame/DungeonsAndDragonsOnline'' still uses the same Skill-and-Feats system as its tabletop counterpart but has diverged to include 'enhancements', which are like mini-perks that you can select with points earned at certain points between character levels.

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* Being based on the UsefulNotes/D20System, the ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' games feature both skill scores ("skills") and perks ("feats" and "powers"). Skill scores range from hacking, through persuasion, to first aid and are upgradeable multiple times per level (skill points gained depend on the class and the INT stat). General feats (mostly combat moves, but also skill bonuses) usually come with one or two upgrades and can be taken every other level (depending on the class). Powers can only be learned by the Jedi at a rate of one per level (more for some classes). Powers associated with the Light or Dark Side of the Force additionally gain bonuses from your KarmaMeter standing.

* ''VideoGame/PathOfExile'' has an enormous perk tree consisting of over 1300 nodes available to each class, although all nodes are passive bonuses (active skills are instead imbued into items). Furthermore, a majority of nodes are unspectacular permanent bonuses to one of the character attributes (strength, dexterity, intelligence), but buying them is required to get to the juicy, [[NominalImportance named perks]] that provide significant combat advantages, plus a Mastery Skill that lets you select from a choice of passive bonuses shared between the same category. In addition, there are also slot that lets you socket Jewels into it, which essentially work as craftable passives. Unique Jewels can interact with or modify the skill tree, such as converting one stat to another within a radius to another or grant a marginal bonus based on how certain skills around it are allocated, or even add an entire cluster of passive skills, which can have its own smaller clusters. There is also a smaller skill tree for [[PrestigeClass Ascendancy classes]] and one for Atlas passives, which improve the effects of specific map modifiers or master missions to make them more rewarding.

* ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamAsylum'' [[Videogame/BatmanArkhamSeries and its sequels]] have a "Waynetech" section where after getting enough experience points, the player can purchase improvements for Batman, in his equipment (both upgrades, including to the Batsuit's armor to reduce melee and ballistic damage, whole new items such as Sonic
Batarangs) or his fighting skills. ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamOrigins'' even tries to shake up a bit by both designing the section with skill trees, showing an intended progression, and sending a few upgrades to a 'Dark Knight System' where they will be unlocked as the player performs a series of challenges.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' is famous for the Sphere Grid and its potential flexibility, with nodes that either increase certain stats or provide a new active ability. Each node requires the appropriate sphere to activate it and certain areas of the grid are separated by locked nodes of various levels. The original version have a somewhat linear progression path for each character(with the exception of Kimahri, who starts in the center with access to almost every other character-specific grid area) giving them a more pre-determined role early on, but can access other parts once they complete their paths or unlock the lock nodes separating each area. The [[UpdatedRerelease International version]] adds a second grid layout, Expert, in which every character starts at the center of the grid and are able to go anywhere they wish, though [[LimitBreak overdrives]] and weapons remains unique to each character.
* The Crystarium system ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' consists of class-and-character-specific (mostly linear with minor sideways branching) perk trees, whose nodes have increasing "crystogen point" costs. Most nodes provide bonuses to either Strength, Magic, or Health, but some unlock class/role-specific moves. In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII2'', each character has only one linear "perk tree", but its nodes are technically empty slots where the player can place perks (bonuses or abilities) of any of the six available classes ([[{{Cap}} up to 99 per class]]) by investing crystogen points.

* ''VideoGame/PathOfExile'' has an enormous perk tree consisting of over 1300 nodes available to each class, although all nodes are passive bonuses (active skills are instead imbued into items). Furthermore, a majority of nodes are unspectacular permanent bonuses to one of the character attributes (strength, dexterity, intelligence), but buying them is required to get to the juicy, [[NominalImportance named perks]] that provide significant combat advantages. In addition, there are also slot that lets you socket Jewels into it, which essentially work as craftable passives. Unique Jewels can interact with or modify the skill tree, such as converting one stat to another within a radius to another or grant a marginal bonus based on how certain skills around it are allocated, or even add an entire cluster of passive skills, which can have its own clusters. There is also a smaller skill tree for [[PrestigeClass Ascendancy classes]] and one for Atlas passives, which improve the effects of specific map modifiers or master missions to make them more rewarding.

* In ''VideoGame/RemnantFromTheAshes'', earning 1500 experience earns you a Trait point which you can put in skills called "Traits". You start with 3 Traits which differ depending on your starting class, but will unlock many more during the course of the game and these Traits can be upgraded up to Level 20.

* ''VideoGame/GreedFall'' has three types of hybrid skills/perks. The Skills proper are mainly combat abilities and are arranged in a relatively straightforward [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX Sphere Grid]], consisting of major perks (costing 2 Skill points to unlock, though the three most powerful cost 3 each), which add grant you new powers or access to a new weapon type, and minor ones (1 point), which boost the major ones. Three of the "root" major perks are unlocked for free by the choice of "class" at the start of the game[[note]]though this "class" -- [[PhysicalMysticalTechnological fighter, engineer, or mage]] -- is really just a starting template, as it doesn't restrict your progression in any way[[/note]], and the player gains 1 Skill point with each CharacterLevel, as well as by visiting the natives' Skill Altars scattered throughout the island. The second type is the six Attributes, which are mechanically similar to TheSixStats in that they have a linear progression (from 0 to 6), improve basic attacks and actions, and allow the character to equip better gear[[note]]Strength for heavy weapons, Endurance for armor, Agility for blades, Accuracy for guns, Mental Power for magical attack rings, and Willpower for amulets[[/note]]; the player gets one Attribute point to spend at level 1 and one more every three levels thereafter. Lastly, there are the Talents, most of which function as a sort of "key" abilities, unlocking shortcuts in the game world and offering unique dialogue options[[note]]Charisma is the default stat for persuasion attempts, though its uses are always resolved with a [[GameplayRandomization hidden dice roll]]; Science is needed to [[PotionBrewingMechanic craft potions]], certain quest items, as well as to breach weak walls with shaped charges and to unlock some dialogue options; Vigor is required for balancing on narrow beams, jumping over broken bridges, and scaling walls; Lockpicking is, obviously, for opening locked chests and doors; Craftsmanship is for [[DesignItYourselfEquipment crafting weapon and armor upgrades]], as well as some quest items; and Intuition highlights collectable resources, lets you squeeze through narrow passages, and occasionally unlocks persuasion options that always succeed without a dice roll[[/note]]; Talent levels are also linear (0 to 3), and you get a Talent point at level 1 and one more at every fourth level thereafter. Talents also get stacking bonuses from equipping certain gear (except Intuition) and keeping a [[RelationshipValues Friendly]] companion in the party (except Lockpicking). Finally, there is an option of SkillPointReset with the extremely rare Memory Shard consumable, which completely resets and refunds all Skills, Attributes, and Talents.

* ''VideoGame/GreedFall'' has three types of hybrid skills/perks. The Skills proper are mainly combat abilities and are arranged in a relatively straightforward [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX Sphere Grid]], consisting of major perks (costing 2 Skill points to unlock, though the three most powerful cost 3 each), which add grant you new powers or access to a new weapon type, and minor ones (1 point), which boost the major ones. Three of the "root" major perks are unlocked for free by the choice of "class" at the start of the game[[note]]though this "class" -- [[PhysicalMysticalTechnological fighter, engineer, or mage]] -- is really just a starting template, as it doesn't restrict your progression in any way[[/note]], and the player gains 1 Skill point with each CharacterLevel, as well as by visiting the natives' altars scattered throughout the island. The second type is the six Attributes, which are mechanically similar to TheSixStats in that they have a linear progression (from 0 to 6), improve basic attacks and actions, and allow the character to equip better gear[[note]]Strength for heavy weapons, Endurance for armor, Agility for blades, Accuracy for guns, Mental Power for magical attack rings, and Willpower for amulets[[/note]]; the player gets one Attribute point to spend at level 1 and one more every three levels thereafter. Lastly, there are the Talents, most of which function as a sort of "key" abilities, unlocking shortcuts in the game world and offering unique dialogue options[[note]]Charisma is the default stat for persuasion attempts, though its uses are always resolved with a [[GameplayRandomization hidden dice roll]]; Science is needed to [[PotionBrewingMechanic craft potions]], certain quest items, as well as adding some dialogue options; Vigor is required for balancing on narrow beams, jumping over broken bridges, and scaling walls; Lockpicking is, obviously, for opening locked chests and doors; Craftsmanship is for [[DesignItYourselfEquipment crafting weapon and armor upgrades]], as well as some quest items; and Intuition highlights collectable resources, lets you squeeze through narrow passages, and occasionally unlocks persuasion options that always succeed without a dice roll[[/note]]; Talent levels are also linear (0 to 3), and you get a Talent point at level 1 and one more at every fourth level thereafter. Talents also get stacking bonuses from equipping certain gear (except Intuition) and keeping a [[RelationshipValues Friendly]] companion in the party (except Lockpicking). Finally, there is an option of SkillPointReset with the extremely rare Memory Shard consumable, which completely resets and refunds all Skills, Attributes, and Talents.

* ''VideoGame/GreedFall'' has three types of hybrid skills/perks. The Skills proper are mainly combat abilities and are arranged in a relatively straightforward [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX Sphere Grid]], consisting of major perks (costing 2 Skill points to unlock, though the three most powerful cost 3 each), which add grant you new powers or access to a new weapon type, and minor ones (1 point), which boost the major ones. Three of the "root" major perks are unlocked for free by the choice of "class" at the start of the game[[note]]though this "class" -- [[PhysicalMysticalTechnological fighter, engineer, or mage]] -- is really just a starting template, as it doesn't restrict your progression in any way[[/note]], and the player gains 1 Skill point with each CharacterLevel, as well as by visiting the natives' altars scattered throughout the island. The second type is the six Attributes, which are mechanically similar to TheSixStats in that they have a linear progression (from 0 to 6), improve basic attacks and actions, and allow the character to equip better gear[[note]]Strength for heavy weapons, Endurance for armor, Agility for blades, Accuracy for guns, Mental Power for magical attack rings, and Willpower for amulets[[/note]]; the player gets one Attribute point to spend at level 1 and one more every three levels thereafter. Lastly, there are the Talents, most of which function as a sort of "key" abilities, unlocking shortcuts in the game world and offering unique dialogue options[[note]]Charisma is the default stat for persuasion attempts, though its uses are always resolved with a [[GameplayRandomization hidden dice roll]]; Science is needed to [[PotionBrewingMechanic craft potions]], certain quest items, as well as adding some dialogue options; Vigor is required for balancing on narrow beams, jumping over broken bridges, and scaling walls; Lockpicking is, obviously, for opening locked chests and doors; Craftsmanship is for [[DesignItYourselfEquipment crafting weapon and armor upgrades]], as well as some quest items; and Intuition highlights collectable resources, lets you squeeze through narrow passages, and occasionally unlocks persuasion options that always succeed without a dice roll[[/note]]; Talent levels are also linear (0 to 3), and you get a Talent point at level 1 and one more at every fourth level thereafter. Talents can also be boosted by equipping certain gear (except Intuition) and keeping a [[RelationshipValues Friendly]] companion in the party (except Lockpicking).

* ''VideoGame/NuclearThrone'' has perks in the form of "mutations", earned by leveling up by gaining [[ILoveNuclearPower rads]] (the game's version of XP). Most characters get a pool of four[[note]]Horror gets five[[/note]] randomly-selected mutations. These mutations include abilities like doing damage every time you're hit, gaining more health from medkits and upgrading the effects of certain weapons. At max level, or Level Ultra, each character gets a choice of two[[note]]Horror gets an additional choice here as well[[/note]] character-specific "Ultra Mutations", each one designed to benefit a different playstyle.

* In ''VideoGame/RemnantFromTheAshes'', earning 1500 experience earns you a Trait point which you can put in skills called "Traits". You start with 3 Traits which differ depending on your starting class, but will unlock many more during the course of the game and these Traits can be upgraded up to Level 20.

* ''VideoGame/PathOfExile'' has an enormous perk tree consisting of 1300 nodes available to each class, although all nodes are passive bonuses (active skills are instead imbued into items). Furthermore, a majority of nodes are unspectacular permanent bonuses to one of the character attributes (strength, dexterity, intelligence), but buying them is required to get to the juicy, [[NominalImportance named perks]] that provide significant combat advantages. In addition, there are also slot that lets you socket Jewels into it, which essentially work as craftable passives. Unique Jewels can interact with or modify the skill tree, such as converting one stat to another within a radius to another or grant a marginal bonus if enough of a certain type of node is allocated within radius.

or automatically with [[LevelUp each level]] || Usually acquired by spending TechPoints,\\

Instead, {{tabletop|Games}} and video games -- particularly {{Role Playing Game}}s and games with RPGElements -- narrow the areas of human knowledge down to a handful of quantifiable "skills" that are relevant to the plot at hand and whose advancement and effects can be defined in terms of [[GameSystem gameplay mechanics]]. At the start of the game, the players are handed a list of these skills and a few "skill points" to [[CharacterCustomization distribute among their characters' abilities]], with more points awarded later on for completing [[VideoGameObjectives the game's objectives]]. Once a skill is learned, the character [[NoStatAtrophy (usually) can never forget it]], except [[SkillPointReset deliberately and with a full points refund]].