Sects / The handbook

Sects explained

Understand sect entry clues, membership rules, standing, Sectless play and what to check before leaving or switching factions.

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The quick answer

Sects are factions with their own entry clues, rules, standing and rewards. You can belong to one at a time or remain Sectless. Choose a sect whose activities you want to do, and read the departure conditions before joining solely for a particular unlock.

A sect is not a guild or a permanent class

Sect membership concerns an in-world faction and its code. A player guild is a social organisation, while Martial Arts define your fighting styles. Keep those choices separate when reading recruitment advice or deciding which menu you need.

A sect can provide access to associated rewards, but the acquisition entry for a Martial Art may also offer another route, such as Skill Theft. Inspect the exact art rather than assuming you must join a faction to use a weapon type.

Follow the sect’s entry clue

  1. Open the Sects menu and inspect the faction you are interested in.
  2. Read its code, rewards and entry information.
  3. Track the entry clue and complete the associated tasks.
  4. Before confirming membership, review the activities expected of members.
  5. After joining, check standing and claim any earned rewards.

An older guide may list a sect that was not available at the time. The live entry and current regional content are better indicators of availability than a launch-era list. Mohist Hill, for example, was introduced through Hidden Mountain’s engineering-focused content.

Choose by obligations as well as rewards

PreferenceWhat to inspect
Helping other playersHealing or cooperative expectations and how participation is recorded.
Competitive playWhether the sect’s recurring tasks involve fights against players.
Mischief and social activitiesRules around deception, disguise and related world interactions.
Craftsmanship and mechanismsMohist Hill’s current introduction and progression.
Minimal recurring obligationsThe Sectless option and its available activities.

These are questions for comparing factions, not a claim that one is mandatory for a role. If the weekly behaviour sounds unappealing, an attractive outfit alone may not make ongoing membership enjoyable.

Before joiningA satisfactory answer looks like
Reason for joiningA named activity, reward or faction story you want.
Recurring obligationsTasks you would choose to do during an ordinary week.
Combat unlockThe exact Martial Art acquisition entry confirms membership is useful or required.
Exit planYou understand the departure condition and the rank/shop benefits at risk.

Understand standing before it becomes a problem

Sect rules affect your standing and access to faction progression. Read the actions that earn or lose credit, then check the recurring tasks you actually intend to complete. Do not rely on a thematic description such as “honourable” or “free-spirited” to explain the mechanical rules.

After a normal week of play, inspect whether membership fits your routine. If you are continually forcing yourself into unwanted activities, reassess the choice. A faction should support the way you want to spend your time.

Before leaving or switching

Departure can affect rank, titles and shop access, and may involve a trial or other condition. Check the current leaving screen for your particular sect; do not generalise one faction’s fee or process to all of them.

  • Review unfinished sect tasks and rewards you already earned.
  • Read which benefits or progress will be lost.
  • Check any departure requirement and rejoining restriction.
  • Inspect the new sect’s entry conditions before starting the switch.

Keeping a combat style and keeping faction standing are different questions. Verify each explicitly, especially if your only reason for switching is to try another weapon.

Practical guides

Common questions

Can I stay Sectless?

Yes. You can delay membership while you explore the choices. Read the available Sectless activities and rewards rather than joining a faction simply to clear a menu notification.

Must I join a sect before choosing my weapon pair?

No. Choose the Martial Arts you want, then inspect their individual acquisition routes. Some routes involve sects and others use quests or Skill Theft. Do not assume a faction owns every style using its associated weapon type.

Sources & verification

Source research is separate from in-game testing. Recommendations are identified as editorial advice.

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