Best Tips For A Physical Build

Although Disco Elysium has a reputation for being one of the most brilliantly written and thoughtfully designed video games in recent memory, unique for its focus on interpersonal interaction over the traditional combat-oriented gameplay loop, it is entirely possible to play it from start to finish as a knuckle-dragging, muscle-brained strongman.

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Although there is no dedicated combat system or regular combat encounters in Disco, there are advantages to running a physical build, whether using the premade build or a variation on it. These spoiler-free tips should help players get the most out of their muscle-bound cop.

7

The Best Starting Stats For A Physical Build

Patching Up Potential Weak Spots

The 1-2-5-4 (Intellect, Sensitivity, Physique, and Motorics respectively) setup of the physical archetype presented upon starting a new game is a viable way to go. However, while failure is not necessarily punished in DE (and is, in fact, actively encouraged during the investigation), some players will still feel constricted by an overly weak Intellect. In general, it is best not to have more than one “terrible” attribute, if any at all, without prior experience of the game.

Putting six points in Physique and getting the highest possible score right from the start may be tempting. However, players should remember that it is possible to upgrade the attribute throughout the game by completing quests, one of which can be done very early on. In short, a “great” or “genius” level Physique isn’t necessary. A 2-2-4-4 or 2-2-5-3 setup should provide a more balanced start for the run, as Motorics and Physique work well together, as the default Physical Archetype suggests. Those who wish to be as mentally tough as they are physically should consider a 2-4-4-2 build for a good defense against psychic as well as corporeal pain.

6

Choosing The Right Signature Skill For A Physical Build

Skill Specialization And Adjacent Skill Potential

A signature skill doesn’t only boost one skill but allows players to increase any other skills in the same attribute by an additional point. The default Physical build suggests Motorics’ hand-eye coordination, which may come in useful during the few combat situations in the game. Another good Motorics signature skill is Savoir-Faire, as this skill allows the cop to avoid taking morale damage, which is especially useful if Volition is not sufficiently trained.

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Making Volition or Authority a signature skill will help shore up the cop’s defenses, as losing all mental health points still means “game over.” To really main-line a Physical build, the Physical Instrument akill is an excellent choice, as it is the skill that allows the cop to break down most doors or problems with his fists or kicks. Half-Light, used in intimidation interactions, is great for players who want to see their cop successfully throwing his weight around. For physical builds that have attributes more spread around, electrochemistry is a great way to digest Disco‘s Physique-boosting elicit substances.

5

Thoughts And Clothing To Compliment A Physical Build

Bringing The Right Tools For The Job

In Disco Elysium, thoughts can be equipped to the cop to give him a skill boost and other bonuses and penalties. Thoughts are detrimental until fully trained. Without spoiling too much, a useful and early-game thought is “Coach Physically Instrument,” which boosts the Physical Instrument skill (while shirtless) and is added upon failing to throw a ball during a one-time check with at least two points in the Physical Instrument skill.

Another is the “Anti-Object Task Force” thought, which appears after the cop hits inanimate objects several times. This thought refunds any damage received as a result of hitting stuff, allowing the cop to continue his rampage against the material environment. As for skill-boosting clothing, a plastic raincoat bought from the FRITTE boosts Endurance, the itchy pants discovered after failing a Composure check near the ultra-liberal Siileng boosts Half-Light, and the white tank top in a box in an abandoned truck boost Physical Instrument.

4

Performance Enhancing And Sense Diminishing Substances

A Short-Term Boost For Maximum Damage (To Objects, The Cop’s Liver, And His Reputation)

A Disco Elysium fan-favorite skill that has material uses for cops without Intellect or Psyche attribute chops is Electrochemistry. This skill is perfect for cops who do not wish to immediately max out their physique in favor of a wider attribute spread but wish to steamroll Physique checks (Physical Instrument checks especially), at the cost of their personal reputation and long and short-term health.

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There are three types of alcohol, and each type gives the cop a stacking Physique bonus, meaning the cop can potentially enjoy a short-lived +6 bonus for drinking all three in one go (although, obviously, there will be consequences for doing so). The “Reveachol Nationalism” thought (one that should appeal to a strongman-type law enforcer) will double the bonuses conferred by alcohol and illicit substances, although it will time-limit an otherwise permanent Physique increase.

3

A Permanent Physique Boost Right Out Of The Gate

A Hearty And Skin-Thickening Concoction

One easy way to start with a permanent boost to Physique in Disco Elysium is by consuming an item gained by completing a quest related to the Whirling-In-Rag’s cook, who can be found at the back next to the locked door. Unlike other Physique-boosting items, this one grants a permanent +1 bonus at the cost of the cop’s morale taking a hit.

However, if the Revacholian Nationhood thought is active, this bonus will last only an hour, although the boost will temporarily increase to +2. One tip to get started in obtaining this powerful consumable is by rummaging through a filing cabinet in the Harbor Office and then speaking to the striking dock worker outside the union boss’ office. The quest can be completed in the first day, making it a must-do activity for bruiser types.

2

Be Prepared To Roleplay The Bad Cop

Displays Of Raw Strength Won’t Necessarily Impress Your Fellow Police

While it may seem obvious, choosing a physical build in Disco Elysium lends itself to a more confrontational style of play. Using intimidation, playing rough, and opting for brute force are effective but often alienating to interviewees and people of interest. In other words, embrace the “bad cop” stereotype as much as possible.

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However, as a police officer, most people will feel compelled to continue the conversation no matter how brisk the cop’s interlocution style becomes. Don’t expect people to like the cop for doing so. This includes Kim Kitsuragi, his partner, who is unlikely to appreciate these kinds of dishonorable methods.

1

Brute-Forcing A Way Through The Story

A Disclaimer On What To Expect Story-Wise

The main gameplay loop in Disco Elysium is having conversations, either with NPCs or ones held in the cop’s own mind. In both cases, these skills, each with their own personality and worldview, will chip in with their takes on the situation. Naturally, Physical skills are quieter than Intellect or Psyche-based skills. This changes as Physical skills reach higher levels, but players should be aware of their “actions, not words” attitude to dialogue (besides perhaps the “shivers” skill).

Additionally, a Physique build will help the player clear roadblocks with efficiency (usually by breaking them). As a result, Disco‘s playtime tends to be much shorter with a Physical build. This means missing out on much of what makes DE so enjoyable. Players should consider running a Physique build in at least their second playthrough to experience the bar-rasing writing and world-building. That being said, watching the cop’s “rational side” trying to fight his thuggish nature is also highly entertaining.

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