The Plucky Squire is a fairly linear game, literally set up like a storybook. You must go through each page in a specific order to progress, and you rarely have the opportunity to stray far from the beaten path. However, one way to change and customize Jot is by using badges.
The mysterious shopkeeper manages to get to various locations throughout the game and sells art scrolls, but more importantly, badges. There are only a few of these to get throughout the game, so which are the best, which ones should you get first, and when should you upgrade them?
4 Jump attack
When given the choice between three new skills to add to Jot's arsenal, one stands out that is quite unique: the jump attack. This technique is described as allowing you to finish your jumps with an attack to land, which could be useful in certain scenarios.
The problem is that there are very few situations where this is the optimal move for Jot. Since this ability is quite slow and difficult to use, it is usually better to try a different technique. The main problem with Jump Attack is accuracy, since aiming is quite difficult compared to the other techniques and if you miss, you leave yourself open to enemy attacks.
Jump Attack Upgrade
If you like the jump attack and it's the first skill you unlock in the game, you should consider upgrading it. Each of the skills in The Plucky Squire can be upgraded three times, and the jump attack is no exception.
Once you unlock it, try it out a few times and see if it's the kind of ability you like to use and fits into your fighting style. If so, then upgrade it as it will do more damage and allow you to take out enemies in an AOE more effectively. However, if you're not a fan, it's best to accept your loss and not waste any more bulbs on it.
3 Spin Attack
The ability most closely associated with The Plucky Squire's Zelda inspirations, the spin attack, must be charged with the left trigger, and the longer you charge it, the longer you'll spin and deal damage.
The later you get into The Plucky Squire, the larger the hordes of enemies you'll face will become, so if you unlock this ability around the middle of the game, you'll be perfectly equipped to deal with the groups of enemies that might otherwise overwhelm you.
Spin Attack Upgrade
If you unlock this ability mid-game, you should have the perfect amount of currency to fully upgrade it and get it ready for the later levels of the game. This is a perfect tool considering the final chapters of The Plucky Squire will send massive waves of enemies against Jot and his friends, and this is the perfect ability to thin out the crowd.
It is recommended to fully upgrade this skill in time for Chapter 9, as this is the section of the game where the strongest enemy groups are located and a fully upgraded Spin Attack is the perfect way to counter them.
2 Sword Throw
Of all the new skills available to Jot at the start of The Plucky Squire, sword throw is the first one you should pick up. This skill will prove extremely useful as Jot's only ranged attack, and there will be some areas later in the game where you won't be able to progress if you don't have it unlocked.
It's recommended that you learn the sword throw as early as possible, as it can be a little tricky to perfect. Once Jot's sword is thrown, he can no longer perform normal attacks, so it's best to use the lower stakes of the early game to practice throwing and retrieving the sword to ensure you've perfected the skill for later in the game.
Sword Throwing Upgrade
You should invest in upgrading the sword throwing skill as soon as possible. Some enemies in the later levels can only be defeated with this technique. They are usually weak, so once you have upgraded this skill, you can defeat them with just one hit if you are accurate enough.
If you're low on health, Sword Throw is also a great way to deliver the finishing blow to an enemy you want to keep your distance from. This is the weakest skill at base level, so it's worth buffing to make it viable later in the game.
1 Sword Damage Upgrade
It's simple, but the badge you'll want to grab whenever you see it is the upgrade to your basic attack. Your standard sword attacks will get you through most encounters thanks to their simplicity, so it only makes sense to make them as powerful as possible.
The three upgrades for this attack will be gradually given to you throughout the early game, so get them as soon as possible. This will allow you to best match your attack power to that of the enemies, otherwise you'll have to spend extra time taking out enemies with more health.
