Welcome to another Cassette Beasts guide! In this quick but essential breakdown, we’ll cover the bond system in the game, how to level up bonds, and why building strong bonds with your companions is critical for mastering fusions and progressing through New Wirral.

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What Is the Bond System?

Cassette Beasts is built around double battles, which means you always have a partner by your side. These companions aren’t just there for show — they bring their own monsters into battle and can fuse with your character’s monster, creating powerful fusion forms.

The bond system governs the strength and capabilities of those fusions. As your bond level increases, so does the effectiveness of your fusions and access to special abilities.

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Bond Levels and Progression

Each companion character has a bond meter that goes up to five hearts. You’ll first encounter this system through Kayleigh, the initial companion who acts as your tutorial guide. Here’s how bond progression typically works:

• Heart 1 is unlocked by completing the companion’s introductory quest. For Kayleigh, this happens during the Morningtown Cult quest.
• Heart 2 unlocks Fusion Power, an ultra-powerful move that consumes full AP and can deal massive damage — similar to Archangels’ big attacks.
• Hearts 3–5 improve overall fusion strength and offer optional social benefits.

You can increase bonds by:

• Battling with your companion
• Fusing regularly in combat
• Completing quests together
• Resting at campfires and cafes

Resting is especially important — after building up enough “hidden” bond points through battles, a heart-to-heart scene at a campfire will trigger and raise your bond to the next level.

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Dating and Max Bonds

When you reach five hearts with a character, you unlock the optional dating mechanic. This doesn’t impact gameplay performance but adds depth for players who enjoy social simulation and character development.

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Why Bonds Matter

• Stronger Fusions: Each level increases the power and synergy of fused monsters.
• Access to Fusion Power: Unlocks one of the strongest moves in the game.
• Increased Strategy: Better bonds lead to smoother combat and stronger synergy.

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Final Tips

• Work on multiple bonds at once — don’t stick with just one companion forever.
• Plan rest stops to trigger bond conversations.
• Fuse often to build rapport quickly.

Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on where to find and recruit every companion in the game.

If you’re enjoying Cassette Beasts, let us know who your favorite companion is! And if you’re new to the genre or a long-time monster taming fan, make sure to subscribe for more guides like this.