Skill Points

So, I’ve seen (and personally experienced, when I first started playing) a fair bit of confusion regarding skills in Wildlands. Let’s first talk about the confusing UI for skills. At the top the Skill tab says I have 23 skills available. That means I currently meet the requirements to gain a level in 23 different skill, not that I have 23 actual skill points. Between that menu bar and your actual skill tree, you’ll notice the actual number of skill points I have (7, as delineated by the number next to the blue skill point icon, the same one that’s used on the in game map) and how much of each type of supply I currently possess (shown by their respective green icons, which is also the same ones used on the in game map); this information, along with the cost of improving each skill, is what’s being analyzed by the game to tell me I have 23 skills available. As soon as I improve one, I will (probably) no longer meet the requirement for all 23 skills I currently do.

Under each skill tree you also see I have various skills available, the sum of which is 23. This all lends to the confusion the skill menu creates. Honestly, I have no idea who approved this menu; it’s a mess. The skills I actually meet the requirements for will have flashing text that says “AVAILABLE” on it. Mousing over any given skill will display the skills information, show a short, looping .gif of the skill in action, and tell you the cost. Any cost you cannot pay will be displayed in red. If you’re short on supplies for a skill, the prompt at the bottom is one of the few things I actually like about this menu: it offers to show you where the geographically-nearest supply mission is, so if there’s a skill you really want and already have the skill points for, it’s awesome.

Each point in a skill increases the skill point cost (by one each time) as well as the supply cost. Additionally, it will change the type of supply needed for the subsequent rank. One point in a skill might ask you for Medical supplies, but the next point might require Communication supplies. This is actually an okay thing, I think, as it helps spread the burden of improving skills out across all supply types rather than costing tons and tons of a specific supply.

There is no progression in the skill tree (once you meet the level requirement for a column of skills, it will be unlocked and you can begin acquiring them) other than the Epic Skill in each tree (which requires 1 point in every other skill in its tree), and you’ll eventually get enough that you can max every skill, from the looks of it (I’m well on my way and I haven’t gathered every skill point in game by any stretch), so it comes down to determining what you want first. Here are my thoughts on the matter:

Drop one point in all your gadget skills (Mine, C4, Flashbang, etc.). The more tools you have at your disposal, the easier things will be. Special mention goes to the Grenade Launcher in the Weapon tree; that thing is amazing.

Strive to get one point in everything. Remember: the “Epic Skill” at the top of each tree unlocks for free once all the other skills have at least one point in them. They’re not all created equal, so prioritize the ones you’re most interested in.

Everything else comes down to preference and playstyle. If you run solo a lot, the Extra Sync Shot is worth getting two points in early so you can make better use of it with your AI companions, and getting to Last Chance is a no-brainer. If you’re more of a group player, focusing on things that help your team like trying to unlock the Medic upgrade on your drone might be a good idea.

Regardless, don’t fret overmuch over your decisions; you’re not going to get locked into a build or anything like that