The Anacrusis best perks guide — Top perks from the Matter Compiler

As you go through various levels and maps in The Anacrusis, you’ll randomly encounter devices that provide unique bonuses. These will, essentially, allow you to create a “build” or “template,” buffing certain facets that you often use during combat. Here’s our guide to help you with the Matter Compiler and the best perks in The Anacrusis.

Note: For more information, check out our guides and features hub for The Anacrusis. Likewise, please be reminded that this guide is based on the Early Access version of the game.

The Anacrusis best perks guide – Which perks to get from the Matter Compiler

The device called the Matter Compiler is what you need to interact with in The Anacrusis. It’s a terminal with a question mark (as seen in the featured image). If you’re playing with bots, there’s a good chance that the AI will magically know where these are even if you somehow moved past the area.

Three random perks will be available when you interact with a Matter Compiler. So, it’s really up to you if you want picks that are tailored to your playstyle. The best perks in The Anacrusis are those that can fully upgrade certain weapon types, items, or functions. Alternatively, you can choose the ones that can make you a jack of all trades.

Healing and reviving-related perks

• Healing Goo – Goo Grenades provide temporary health to nearby allies.
• Fast Healing – Speeds up your action when using Health Scanners and when reviving downed teammates.
• Revive Adrenaline – You deal more damage (and take less) when you’re downed.
• Adrenaline Booster – Faster movement, increased damage dealt, and decreased damage taken after using a Health Booster.

Pulse-related perks

• Pulse Overcharge – Hold the Pulse button for a blast that knocks back and damages foes.
• Pulse Amplifier – Increases the AoE of your Pulse.
• Pulse Extender – Adds an extra Pulse charge (i.e., circle).
• Pulse Screen – After using Pulse, gain a protective shield that blocks one hit.
• Pulse Recycler – Faster Pulse charging if a teammate uses their Pulse near you.

Note: If you can manage to find these Pulse-related perks, you and your teammates will be nigh-untouchable (except when you’re going up against the Brute since it’s immune to Pulses).

Weapon-related perks

• Target Protocol – Automatically pings special alien types when you aim down sights. This is good if you’re playing co-op. Unfortunately, it lacks utility if you’re playing solo since bots can magically “detect” specials.
• Criticality – Critical hits that kill enemies cause them to explode.
• Penetrating Plasma – Plasma Rifle shots pierce enemies. This is great if you like the Plasma Rifle.
• SMB Tracking Rounds – SMB shots will track targets. This is amazing if you’re using the SMB often.
• Burst-fire Pistol – Your pistol fires a three-round burst.
• Special Charge Extender – Special weapons (i.e., Arc Rifle and Laser Rifle) have extra ammo.

Grenade and Goo-related perks

• Healing Goo – As mentioned above, Goo Grenades provide temporary health to nearby allies.
• Defensive Goo – You’re protected from damage if you’re standing in Goo. Still, I’m not sure if this works when you’re standing in the pink slime from the Grenade Goo. I tried it, but I was still losing HP from mobs.
• Grenade Amplifier – Increases the AoE of grenades.
• Grenade Extender – Allows you to carry more grenades.

Note: Since we’ve discussed the Matter Compiler perks in The Anacrusis, be sure to take a look at our weapons guide, grenades/explosives guide, and Pulse/healing guide.

The Anacrusis is available via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Xbox Game Pass. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.