In Etheria: Restart, your first Directed Summon is more than just a chance to unlock a powerful unit—it’s the cornerstone of your early progression. Since it guarantees an SSR Animus of your choice within 40 pulls, understanding which characters offer the most value at launch is critical for new and veteran gacha players alike.
What Is the Directed Summon and Why It Matters
Early in the game, players unlock the “Directed Summon” banner. Unlike regular gacha pulls, this one lets you choose your guaranteed SSR from a curated pool after 40 attempts. It’s a generous feature, especially for free-to-play users, and picking the right Animus here can define your early performance in campaign stages, farming modes, and boss fights.
However, since Etheria offers diverse characters with unique mechanics, your first SSR should not just be powerful—but also versatile, easy to build, and effective across multiple game modes.
Top SSR Animus Choices: Who to Pick and Why
The following SSR Animus are widely considered optimal for the Directed Summon based on their versatility, early game performance, and synergy with freely available units like Lian.
Tiamat – All-in-One Utility Pick
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance but powerful character who excels in multiple roles, Tiamat is the safest and most beginner-friendly option.
- Deals strong area damage and has self-sustain.
- Provides shields and minor healing for allies.
- Fits well in both casual and min-maxed teams.
- Easy to gear with standard HP and ATK sets.
Tiamat is ideal for players who want a single unit to carry them through story, farming, and early PvP.
Helkid – Strong Tank and Crowd Controller
Helkid offers great battlefield control through stunning and shielding abilities.
- Has a unique Shroud Barrier that provides debuff immunity and absorbs damage.
- Deals AoE damage and can interrupt enemy turns.
- Excellent in boss fights due to his utility and durability.
Choose Helkid if you prefer a defensive playstyle and want an SSR who can protect your squishier units while offering decent damage.
Rilmocha – Self-Sufficient DPS
Rilmocha excels in AoE wave clearing and self-healing, making her a strong choice for clearing Investigation and GP Outpost stages quickly.
- Her damage increases with splash effects.
- Cooldown reduction upon kill allows quick rotation.
- Effective for fast campaign progression and dungeon clears.
Rilmocha suits aggressive players who want to dominate PvE content early with minimal team support.
Beyontin – Premier Support and Reviver
Support units are often overlooked during initial summons, but Beyontin brings immense value.
- Team-wide ATK and Crit DMG buffs.
- Provides revival and healing.
- Pairs exceptionally well with Lian, your free AOE DPS Animus.
Pick Beyontin if you enjoy building sustainable and buff-heavy teams that can handle tougher bosses and long fights.
Borgne – AoE Bruiser With Lifesteal
Borgne offers a mix of survivability and damage, especially in enemy-dense stages.
- Lifesteal on normal attacks and high AoE output.
- Great for progressing through waves and auto-battle stages.
- Less reliant on buffs, easy to run solo or in hybrid comps.
He’s ideal for players who prefer reliable DPS with a tanky edge and don’t want to worry much about synergy.
Alternative Options: Playstyle-Driven Picks
While not top-tier for every player, the following SSRs can still be valid based on personal preferences or specific content goals.
Lilith
- Strong AoE but requires precise turn management.
- High skill ceiling, rewarding in PvP and select PvE.
Rahu
- Defensive support that transfers debuffs and triggers follow-up attacks.
- Harder to use but can anchor niche compositions.
Rosa
- Straightforward AoE damage dealer.
- Lacks team utility but great for fast clear speeds.
SSRs to Avoid in Your First Summon
Some SSRs are either too niche, complex, or redundant early on and should be avoided for your first summon.
- Khloros, Xiada, Celince, Kloss, Veronika, Tsukiyo Mi – High investment needed or underwhelming in early content.
- Mia – Useful but outclassed by others in the same role.
- Lingluo – Avoid picking her as she is given for free via early progression rewards.
Suggested Summon Strategy for a Strong Start
To maximize your first few days in Etheria, consider the following summon and progression plan:
- Start with the Permanent Banner
Use your first 30 pulls on this banner to chase strong general SSRs like Lily or Dokidoki. If you’re unlucky, rerolling is a viable strategy. - Move to Directed Summon
Once you’re satisfied with your initial SSR pool, secure your chosen Directed Summon Animus. - Skip the Limited Banner Early
Limited banners like Freya’s may seem tempting, but you should only pull from them once your team foundation is secure. - Power Level One Unit (“Overstacking”)
Dump all early resources into your primary carry—ideally your Directed Summon pick. This will allow you to fly through campaign and early farming modes.
Final Thoughts
Etheria: Restart gives players a generous and well-balanced start through its Directed Summon system. Choosing the right Animus here can reduce the grind, increase enjoyment, and streamline early progression. Whether you prefer a steady tank like Helkid, a high-impact DPS like Rilmocha, or a flexible powerhouse like Tiamat, the key is selecting someone who complements your preferred playstyle and team-building strategy.
Make your choice with long-term value in mind, and you’ll have a solid core to build the rest of your Etheria journey around.
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