Sword of the Sea: Complete Beginner's Guide - Movement, Tricks & Ocean Seeds (2025)
Just picked up Sword of the Sea from Giant Squid? This atmospheric surfing adventure has launched with mysterious mechanics that aren't fully explained. Whether you're struggling with movement combos or wondering how Ocean Seeds work, this guide covers everything you need to master the magical hoversword and restore the lost ocean.
Quick Answer: Essential Tips for New Players
- Water = Speed: You move significantly faster on water than sand
- Double Jump Tricks: Press X twice while airborne for basic tricks
- Advanced Combos: Hold L1 + Triangle/Square/Circle/X for special moves
- Collect Tetra: Golden triangles are currency for new tricks
- Explore Everything: Hidden areas contain vendors and Trick Attack arenas
Getting Started: The Wraith's Journey
You play as The Wraith, tasked with restoring the ocean to a desolate world. The game starts you in a vast desert playground where you'll learn the basics before venturing into the main quest.
Basic Requirements:
- Platform: PS5, PS5 Pro, or PC (Steam/Epic Games)
- Storage: Approximately 15GB
- Controller: DualSense highly recommended for haptic feedback
- Time Investment: 8-12 hours for main story, 15-20 hours for completionist
Mastering Movement: The Foundation of Success
Basic Movement Controls
- Left Stick: Steer your hoversword
- X Button: Jump (press again in air for tricks)
- R2: Accelerate/boost
- L2: Brake/slow down
- Right Stick: Camera control
Surface Speed Mechanics
Understanding surface types is crucial for maintaining momentum:
- Water: Fastest surface, creates momentum highways
- Sand: Moderate speed, coarse haptic feedback
- Ceramic Tiles: Good for grinding, melodic controller sounds
- Ruins: Variable speed, often hide secrets
Trick System: From Basic to Advanced
Beginner Tricks
- Double Jump: X → X (basic aerial trick)
- Simple Spin: X → X + direction
- Basic Grind: Land on grindable surfaces at an angle
Advanced Tricks (After Purchasing from Vendors)
- Grab Tricks: L1 + Triangle/Square/Circle/X
- Flip Combos: Combine L1 + button with directional input
- Spin Variations: Hold tricks longer for multiple rotations
- Boost Jump: Time tricks at jump peak for extra height
Trick Scoring Tips
- Chain different trick types for multipliers
- Land cleanly to maintain combo streaks
- Use water sections to build speed for bigger air
- Perfect timing on advanced tricks yields bonus points
Ocean Seeds & World Restoration
Ocean Seeds are the primary objective nodes that restore water and life to the world. Here's how they work:
- Activation: Approach and interact to cleanse the area
- Transformation: Creates water paths and spawns marine life
- New Mechanics: Jellyfish become jump pads, seaweed becomes climbable
- Hidden Seeds: Some require exploration or trick skills to reach
Tetra Currency & Vendor System
Golden triangles called Tetra serve as the game's currency:
Finding Tetra
- Scattered throughout the world
- Hidden in hard-to-reach places
- Rewards for completing Trick Attack challenges
- Found in clusters off the main path
Vendor Purchases
- New Tricks: Essential for progression and scoring
- Skills: Movement upgrades and abilities
- Path Unlocks: Access to new areas
- Lore Items: Story and world-building elements
Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies
- Chain Water Sections: Plan routes through water for maximum speed
- Momentum Conservation: Avoid sharp turns to maintain flow
- Environmental Cues: Use DualSense haptics to identify surfaces
- Exploration Rewards: Always check high places and hidden corners
- Combo Building: Mix grabs, flips, and spins for maximum points
- Marine Life Usage: Jellyfish and seaweed open vertical paths
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Water Paths: Always prioritize water for speed boosts
- Rushing Through: Exploration yields essential Tetra and tricks
- Missing Vendors: Look for glowing figures in hidden areas
- Poor Landing Timing: Clean landings maintain combo streaks
- Skipping Trick Attacks: These arenas provide crucial Tetra rewards
Hidden Areas & Secrets
Sword of the Sea rewards thorough exploration:
- Murals: Tell the story of the world's destruction
- Trick Attack Arenas: Hidden challenges for high scores
- Secret Vendors: Offer rare tricks and abilities
- Tetra Caches: Large collections in hard-to-reach spots
- Environmental Storytelling: Ruins reveal the past civilization
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is Sword of the Sea?
A: Main story takes 8-12 hours, completionist runs can reach 15-20 hours.
Q: Can I replay areas after activating Ocean Seeds?
A: Yes, the world remains open for exploration and the water paths make traversal faster.
Q: What's the mysterious figure following me?
A: Another wraith with unclear intentions - this mystery unfolds as you progress.
Q: Do I need to buy all tricks to complete the game?
A: No, but advanced tricks make reaching secrets easier and improve scores.
Q: Is there multiplayer or online features?
A: No, Sword of the Sea is a single-player experience focused on exploration and atmosphere.
Related Content & Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics, focus on:
- Mastering advanced trick combinations
- Finding all hidden Trick Attack arenas
- Uncovering the full story through murals
- Achieving high scores in all challenges
- Discovering what the high Trick Scores unlock
Sword of the Sea delivers an atmospheric surfing adventure that rewards exploration and mastery. With these tips, you're ready to restore the ocean and uncover all the mysteries Giant Squid has hidden in this beautiful world. Happy surfing, Wraith!