Darkness Falls - do you switch classes or just acquire them

[Profile Name]

I'm nearing the point where I will have the materials to build a new class book. I actually don't really understand a function of the game which is if I read a book for a new class, do I switch classes and lose the ability to get the final perk of the previous class, or does it just add that class to my character?

Basically does your character retain access to the previous class perks that you haven't bought yet?

[seven]

It just adds the class, basically opening up another perk tree. One of the perks you can get requires mastering all the classes, called the Completionist if I recall.

[Profile Name]

Thank you seven.

Related question: what do the class mastery books actually do? The description says it unlocks the mastery level of the class, is that instead of 10 skill points points or do you also need the skill points after it's been unlocked with this book?

[seven]

It's either a mastery book or 10 skill points to unlock the mastery level. I don't recall if one option is a better choice since you can use the notes to craft a mastery book, or use the same number of notes to craft 10 skill points. I generally went for the books since I had a lot of luck getting them in drops or loot. I should say I haven't played the 4.1x version yet so I don't know if things have changed.

[Brevan]

I've played recently, and I'm pretty sure there's been no changes to the Mastery recipes compared to just crafting 10 skill books. The skill books will require quite a bit more Ink (might be easy or hard for you depending on your access to Black Dye (easy via Chem Station or looting Savage Country stores)), but the skill books rout would also let you use some of your skill levels (so you'd be collecting less than 600 SkillNotes).

Mastery of a class unlocks recipes (e.g. anti-radiation pills for Scientist class) and gives you a +10 quality boost to crafting items related to the class (e.g. armors for the Security class).

One almost exploity feature in version 4.x is the Suvivalist Mastery's craft "Signal Flare" item. It calls in a drop box (but it also summons about 12 Zs) and I'd guess there's a 15-25% chance of that box having a random Mastery book (which you can read or scrap to about 120 SkillNotes). I've seen those drop boxes contain multiple Mastery Books. I've had games where at level 40 I bought Survivalist Mastery and then crafted 30 Signal Flares (requires about 8k Nitrate & Paper but not much else) so quickly unlocked nearly all other Masteries.

[Profile Name]

Thank you for the helpful responses!

I didn't find survivalists that compelling but that signal flare thing sounds like an interesting mechanic. Reminds me of the mysterious airdrops from the state of decay.

I think a mod this complex deserves its own Wiki but given the state of wikia / fandom I don't blame anyone for not having bothered. (Unless they have and I'm just terrible at finding it.)

[Khissi]

Originally posted by Profile Name:

Thank you for the helpful responses!

I didn't find survivalists that compelling but that signal flare thing sounds like an interesting mechanic. Reminds me of the mysterious airdrops from the state of decay.

I think a mod this complex deserves its own Wiki but given the state of wikia / fandom I don't blame anyone for not having bothered. (Unless they have and I'm just terrible at finding it.)

Khaine, the mod developer, has a great Discord channel with a very extensive FAQ you may find enjoyable. His team keeps on top of the FAQ and makes sure everything is up to date. READ before asking a ton of questions, and if you still need to know stuff, ask in the General channel and you will find some knowledgeable people there. Search for Darkness Falls Mod in Discord. Enjoy!