Quick Answer
Use a keepsake to start a build direction, not to force every room into one exact boon. If the run is already missing survival, Magick, or room control, chasing one perfect god can turn a good run into a brittle one.
Forcing Check
| Question | Good reason to force | Trap sign |
|---|---|---|
| Do I have a core attack plan? | The god supports the weapon’s main button | You are forcing because a guide said so |
| Is survival stable? | Health and recovery are already acceptable | You skip defensive options while dying early |
| Is Magick covered? | The build can afford omega moves | You take damage while waiting for the dream boon |
| Did the first boon miss? | You can pivot to a second lane | You keep rerolling the same failed plan |
Safer Build Rule
Pick one main damage lane, one safety lane, and one resource lane. A keepsake should help one lane start faster. It should not make you ignore every useful boon outside the plan.
FAQ
Should I always equip a god keepsake first?
Only if you know what problem that god solves for the current weapon. Otherwise, start with a keepsake that makes the route safer or more flexible.
When should I pivot?
Pivot after the build gets one reliable damage source or after the first forced offer misses the plan. Do not spend the whole run trying to repair a bad opening.
What should I read next?
Open Boons and Build Paths for broader build planning, or Arcana Reset After a Wall if the run dies before the boon plan matters.
