Outward’s skill trees offer a wide range of playstyles, but for new players, picking the right skills can make the difference between life and death. While every skill tree has its uses, these three are particularly beginner-friendly and provide a lot of utility without requiring advanced knowledge of the game’s systems. Let’s break down the top three skill trees for new players and why they’re so effective.

---

1. Hex Mage: The Master of Debuffs and Infinite Stamina

Location: Harmattan (Soroborean DLC required) Why It’s Great:

• Ranged Damage: Hexes apply debuffs that can be detonated for massive damage, making it easy to weaken enemies from a distance.
• Infinite Stamina: The Bloodlust passive removes burnt stamina and health when you kill enemies, allowing for endless exploration without rest.
• Corruption Management: The Cleanse skill removes corruption using bandages and mana stones.

Key Skills:

• Bloodlust: Recovers burnt health, stamina, and mana on kill.
• Cleanse: Removes corruption efficiently.
• Hex Explosion: Deals powerful elemental damage by detonating hexes.

Best For: New players who struggle with resource management and want a balance of offense and utility.

---

2. Mercenary: Gunslinger with Sustained Mobility

Location: Levant (Abrassar Desert) Why It’s Great:

• Unlimited Ammo: This tree allows you to fire guns using iron scraps or palladium instead of bullets, making firearms more accessible.
• Sustained Speed: Reduces stamina costs by 40%, letting you explore and fight without constantly needing to rest.
• Self-Healing: The Blood Bullet skill deals high decay damage and restores 40% of your health.

Key Skills:

• Shatter Bullet: Fires scrap metal as ammo, dealing high impact and damage.
• Blood Bullet: Heals on hit and deals decay damage from a distance.
• Fast Maintenance: Reduces stamina costs, making exploration smoother.

Best For: Players who want a powerful ranged option with self-sustain and efficient stamina use.

---

3. Rune Sage: The Versatile Battle Mage

Location: Berg (Enmerkar Forest) Why It’s Great:

• Self-Sustain: Offers both healing and defense options with runic spells.
• Flexible Combat: Combine runes to cast a variety of spells, from shields to high-damage attacks.
• Mana Efficient: The breakthrough provides +40 mana and powerful buffs without draining resources too quickly.

Key Skills:

• Runic Protection: Adds armor and elemental resistance.
• Runic Heal: Restores 40 health and provides regeneration.
• Runic Prefix: Unlocks more powerful rune combinations.

Best For: Players who want a mix of offense, defense, and utility without committing fully to magic.

---

Conclusion: Choose Your Path Wisely

Each of these skill trees offers something different: Hex Mage for damage and resource management, Mercenary for mobility and healing, and Rune Sage for versatility and defense. Choosing just one can significantly improve your survival chances in the harsh world of Outward.

Pick the one that suits your playstyle best and get ready to thrive!