Overview
The stagger system (also called the break meter system) is a core combat mechanic in Neverness to Everness. Landing hits on enemies fills their break meter. When the meter is full, the enemy enters a vulnerable state where they take much more damage for a window of time. Building and breaking this meter is central to dealing with tougher enemies and bosses.
Break meter mechanics
Every enemy above basic mobs has a visible break meter displayed beneath their health bar. Standard attacks, skills, and certain dodge actions all contribute to filling this meter. The rate at which the meter fills depends on the attack type and the Break Intensity stat of the character's equipped Arc (weapon).
Once the meter is completely filled, the enemy staggers and becomes vulnerable. During this window, all incoming damage is amplified. Coordinating burst damage from multiple characters during the stagger window is the most effective way to deal with high-HP enemies and bosses.
Break Intensity stat
Arcs (weapons) can have a Break Intensity stat that increases the rate at which attacks fill the enemy's break meter. Several known Arcs provide Break Intensity bonuses:
The Great Thief grants +128 Break Intensity when the equipped character's Esper type matches the Arc's type.
Dangerous Game grants +64 Break Intensity for 10 seconds during the break process.
Shiny Days grants +96 Break Intensity and +20% damage against broken (staggered) enemies.
Parrying and stagger
The parrying system interacts directly with stagger. A successful parry (timed as the parry circle aligns with the outer ring) contributes to the enemy's break meter in addition to instantly filling the Esper Cycle meter. The game features five distinct parry types: Normal Attack Parry, Plunge Attack Parry, Skill Parry, Normal Swap Parry, and Esper Cycle Swap Parry. Each provides a different tactical advantage while also progressing the stagger bar.
Discord reaction synergy
The advanced trio elemental reaction called Discord (triggered when a target is under both Nova and Scorch simultaneously) directly reduces a percentage of the target's break capacity. Lacrimosa's passive ability (Tomato Banquet) further amplifies this by reducing the target's break capacity by 10% for 60 seconds each time Discord triggers, stacking up to a 30% reduction. This makes the break meter permanently smaller, so subsequent staggers happen faster.