Reincarnation System: The Linked Unit Rule That Nobody Explains Clearly
Introduced in Update 28.0, the Reincarnation system adds a permanent damage boost to your entire deck. The catch that the game barely explains is that the special abilities only activate if you reincarnate BOTH linked units. I burned thousands of shards on a single unit before I figured this out.
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DO NOT reincarnate a unit until you are ready to also reincarnate its linked partner.
The reincarnation ability does NOT activate until both linked units are reincarnated. You'll get the base damage boost to your deck, but the special synergy ability stays locked. This is the single most important rule of the system and the game barely mentions it.
How Reincarnation Works
Reincarnation has 3 levels per legendary unit. Each level requires specific shards that you collect from events, chests, and the shop. When you reincarnate a unit:
- Level 1: Adds 2% damage to ALL units in any deck where the reincarnated unit is used
- Level 2: Adds 4% damage total (2% more) and unlocks the first synergy ability tier
- Level 3: Adds 6% damage total (2% more) and unlocks the full synergy ability
The deck-wide damage boost is permanent and applies to every unit, not just the reincarnated one. This is why even a single reincarnation makes a noticeable difference in your damage output.
The Linked Unit Rule
This is where most players end up wasting shards. Every legendary unit has a specific linked partner, and while you do get the base damage boost right away when you reincarnate a unit, the synergy ability (which is the really powerful part) only kicks in once BOTH linked units have been reincarnated to the same level.
Example from Reddit: A player reincarnated Cultist to level 1 and saw the 2% damage boost. But the merge manipulation ability stayed grayed out until they also reincarnated Dryad to level 1. Then both abilities activated simultaneously.
Common Linked Pairs:
- Cultist + Dryad
- Corsair + Harlequin
- Bard + Mime
- Scrapper + Gunslinger
- Engineer + Kobold
- Summoner + Portal Keeper
The game shows you the linked unit in the reincarnation menu, but it doesn't emphasize that BOTH must be reincarnated for abilities to work. This is why planning is critical.
Best Reincarnation Pairs
Merge manipulation meets AoE damage. When both are reincarnated, Cultist's merge control synergizes with Dryad's poison spread for devastating board control.
Priority: High for control/support decksAggro damage plus duplication. Corsair's direct damage scales with Harlequin's copy ability, creating exponential pressure in early waves.
Priority: High for aggro decksControl and copying synergy. Bard's support effects get multiplied by Mime's copy mechanics, creating powerful combo chains.
Priority: Medium for control decksConsistent damage output. Both units deal reliable damage that scales well together, making them a safe first reincarnation for F2P players.
Priority: High for F2P progressionBuild synergy for tower strategies. Engineer's construction speed pairs with Kobold's resource generation for faster setups.
Priority: Medium for specialized buildsReincarnation Priority Order for F2P Players
- Your Main Carry + Its Linked Partner
Focus all your shards on getting both units to level 1 first. The synergy ability will make a bigger difference than spreading shards across multiple units.
- Harlequin or Dryad (Universal Support)
These units fit in almost every deck. Reincarnating them gives you flexibility to experiment with different carries while keeping strong support.
- Second Deck Carry for Tournament Diversity
Once your main deck is level 1 reincarnated, start building a second competitive deck so you have options against different opponent strategies.
Common Shard-Wasting Mistakes
Reincarnating Without Having the Linked Unit Ready
The most expensive mistake. Players dump shards into one unit, then realize they need months to farm enough shards for the partner. Meanwhile, the synergy ability stays locked.
Spreading Shards Across Too Many Units
Getting four units to 50% progress is worse than getting one pair to 100%. The abilities only activate at full reincarnation levels, so partial progress gives you nothing except the base damage boost.
Reincarnating Support Units Before Carries
Support units amplify your carry's damage. But if your carry isn't reincarnated, you're amplifying weaker base damage. Always reincarnate the damage dealer first, then the support that boosts it.
Not Checking Which Abilities Unlock at Which Level
Some synergy abilities are weak at level 1 and only become strong at level 2 or 3. Check the ability details before committing shards, so you know what you're actually unlocking.
Ignoring the Linked Pair Requirement Entirely
This is the big one. Players see 'reincarnate Cultist' and assume it's like upgrading. Then they're confused why the special ability doesn't work. Always check the linked unit first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reincarnate just one unit and use it effectively?
You'll get the deck-wide damage boost (2%/4%/6%), but the synergy ability stays locked until you reincarnate the linked partner. For pure damage, one unit works. For the special effects, you need both.
How long does it take to farm shards for one reincarnation level?
For F2P players, expect 2-3 months per level for a single unit, assuming you're completing events and buying shards from the shop when available. That's why prioritization is critical.
Do I need to use both reincarnated units in the same deck?
Yes. The synergy ability only activates when both linked units are present in your deck. If you only include one, you only get that unit's individual damage boost.
What happens if I reincarnate them to different levels?
The synergy ability activates at the lowest common level. If Cultist is level 2 and Dryad is level 1, you get the level 1 synergy. To unlock level 2 synergy, both must be at least level 2.
Is reincarnation worth it for casual players?
Absolutely, but be strategic. Even one fully reincarnated pair at level 1 makes a noticeable difference. Just don't spread your shards thin. Commit to one pair at a time.
Can I change which units I'm reincarnating?
Yes, but any shards you've already spent are permanent. You can't refund them. This is why planning matters. Once you invest in a pair, you're committed.
Which pair should I reincarnate first as a new player?
Scrapper + Gunslinger or Cultist + Dryad. Both pairs are versatile, work in multiple deck types, and give you immediate value at level 1. Avoid niche units until you have your core pair done.
Related Guides
Unit Tier List
See which legendary units are strongest in the current meta and worth reincarnating.
Legendarity System
Understand how unit level caps work and how reincarnation stacks with legendarity.
Deck Building Strategies
Learn how to build decks around your reincarnated pairs for maximum synergy.
Complete Tier List
Full rankings of all units with reincarnation potential factored into the ratings.
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