In TYPE://SOUL, each race has its own unique transformation that unlocks powerful abilities and defines your combat style. For Soul Reapers, it’s Shikai. For Quincies, it’s Schrift. And for Arrancars, it’s Partial Res. Each of these forms plays a key role in your PvP and PvE performance, and unlocking them is a major milestone in your progression.
If you’re not sure where to start or how to meet the requirements, this guide breaks it all down into simple steps.
How To Unlock Shikai (Soul Reaper)
Shikai is the first major ability transformation Soul Reapers unlock. It enhances your base damage and gives you access to powerful skills tied to your Zanpakutō.
Requirements for Shikai:
- Must be a Soul Reaper.
- Reach Grade 2 or higher.
- At least 5 Grips (executions) on other players.
- Have enough raid participation or activity to trigger progression.
- Go to Karakura Town and meditate at the Shikai Rock near the main spawn or in Hueco Mundo if you’re aligned with Soul Society.
How to Meditate:
Equip your sword and hold ‘K’ to begin meditating. A bar will appear, and once it completes, you’ll enter an internal realm to fight your Zanpakutō spirit.
Shikai Trial:
- You must defeat your Zanpakutō spirit in a 1v1.
- This NPC is tough and can block, punish, and combo.
- Use evasive skills and ranged attacks if possible.
Once you win the battle, you’ll unlock Shikai, which you can activate in combat using ‘J’. Shikai abilities are mapped to Z, X, and C, giving you access to three powerful techniques based on your element or type.
Some common Shikai types include:
- Fire: Burn-based damage and wide-area attacks.
- Ice: Slows, freezes, and crowd control.
- Shadow: Teleports and stealth hits.
How To Unlock Schrift (Quincy)
For Quincy players, your first major power-up is the Schrift, granting you a letter from the alphabet that symbolizes your combat ability. Each letter comes with its own passive and active skill set.
Requirements for Schrift:
- Be a Quincy.
- Reach Grade 2.
- Acquire 5 Grips on enemies.
- Have an active Quincy weapon.
- Locate the Quincy Statue in the map.
Once these conditions are met, head to the statue and interact with it. This begins the Schrift unlocking process, where you’ll be assigned a letter and given abilities based on that letter.
Example Schrift Letters:
- The F (Fear) – Triggers fear-based effects when enemies approach.
- The B (Blood) – Life-steal based abilities.
- The S (Speed) – Enhances movement and dash cooldowns.
Once your Schrift is unlocked, activate it using the G key. This shifts your character into Schrift mode, significantly boosting your speed, power, and survivability in battle.
Each Schrift has a unique playstyle, so expect a bit of a learning curve when adapting to your new powers. But once mastered, it’s one of the strongest transformations in the game.
How To Unlock Partial Resurrection (Arrancar)
Arrancar players aim for Partial Resurrection, also known as Partial Res. This transformation is your first form of Resurrección and boosts both your offensive and defensive capabilities.
Requirements for Partial Res:
- Must be an Arrancar.
- Reach Grade 2 or higher.
- Have at least 5 Grips on enemies.
- Meditate to begin the progression quest.
- Complete the Partial Res Obby (parkour challenge).
How To Begin:
Go to the Hueco Mundo cave or the meditation spot tied to the Arrancar faction. Once your Grade and Grip count are sufficient, you’ll be able to meditate and be transported into the Partial Res challenge.
Obby Details:
- The trial is a parkour-based obstacle course.
- You’ll need precise timing and movement skills.
- Failing will reset the course, so patience is key.
Once you complete the Obby, you’ll be granted Partial Resurrection.
Activate it by pressing G, and your form will partially transform, granting you access to new moves. These abilities vary depending on your mask and Res type.
Common Partial Res Traits:
- Boosted HP and defense.
- Powerful new moves mapped to Z, X, and C.
- New passives that enhance your survivability and aggression.
Which Form Is Best?
There’s no single “best” form between Shikai, Schrift, and Partial Res. Each is tuned to the race it belongs to and offers power spikes that are relevant to that race’s playstyle. However, some general notes:
- Shikai offers the most skill variety and is ideal for players who like elemental combos and fast-paced duels.
- Schrift feels the most aggressive and mobility-heavy, especially if you get a strong letter.
- Partial Res leans toward tanky, straightforward power, especially if you enjoy high-damage trades and brawler-style fighting.
Final Tips
- Focus on Grips early: Every progression path requires at least 5 Grips, so don’t avoid PvP.
- Keep your Grade up: The game uses Grades to gate progression. The faster you climb, the sooner you unlock.
- Learn meditation spots: Each race has their own meditation zones; knowing where they are saves you time.
- Practice the Obby: If you’re an Arrancar, the Partial Res Obby is no joke. Practice movement mechanics ahead of time.
Whether you’re aiming for Shikai’s elegant slashes, Schrift’s raw speed, or Partial Res’ brute power, unlocking your first form in TYPE://SOUL is a rite of passage. Now that you know the steps, go out there and prove your worth. Stay sharp, stay aggressive. Good luck in Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, or beyond. Check my guide on how to get to the Layer 1 of Hell next!
