Alpha Slot
Overview
The Alpha Slot is the first "level" of the Incarnate System, which launched with Issue 19, and requires a Going Rogue retail code to utilize.
The Common and Uncommon boosts were released with Issue 19; the Rare and Very Rare boosts are scheduled for a later date.
See also: Incarnate System | Alpha Slot Abilities | Incarnate Shards | Incarnate Components | Incarnate
Alpha Slot Benefits
The Alpha Slot can be unlocked by completing Mender Ramiel's arc, which is meant to introduce one's character to the Incarnate System by advancing the in-game story-line and lore and by explaining the mechanics of how the Incarnate System works.
Once the Alpha Slot is unlocked the character:
- can fill the Alpha Slot with an Alpha Slot Ability which can grant universal power aspect enhancements, a level shift, and bonuses to certain in-game tasks.
- start getting Incarnate Shards as a drop from defeating foes that are Level 50+.
- start getting Incarnate Components or Incarnate Shards as a reward for certain Raids and Task Forces.
- access their Incarnate Abilities Window in which they can manage all their Incarnate abilities which includes crafting and equipping Incarnate components and abilities.
- access a third build. (Incarnate abilities apply to all builds.)
- can join activities restricted to Incarnates. As of Issue 19, that is the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces.
The Unlocking Process
The normal course of unlocking the Alpha Slot follows this general plan:
- Run Mender Ramiel's arc to unlock the Alpha Slot and get your first Incarnate Shard
- Determine which Alpha Slot Ability you want for your character. That will determine which Incarnate Components you will need to get or craft.
- Run the Task Forces or Raids you need to get those specific Incarnate Components. Alternatively, you can accumulate enough Incarnate Shards from defeating Level 50+ foes in order to craft the Components you need.
- Craft and equip the Alpha Slot Ability.
- You can now work towards another or higher tiered Alpha Slot Ability.
- You can now create a third build to utilize the Alpha Slot Ability or respec one of your other builds to take advantage of it (and also Inherent Fitness which was introduced at the same time). (Or, you can use your Third Build in whatever way you wish.)
- You can now participate in the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces without suffering a -4 Level Shift imposed on those who do not have their Alpha Slot slotted with an ability.
Alpha Slot Mechanics
- The effects of the Alpha Slot Ability function exemplared down to Level 45. Under that level, they stop working. At level 45 and higher, they work for all game content, not just Incarnate content.
- With regard to the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces, a character is prevented by the game from joining if they do not have the Alpha Slot unlocked. If the Alpha Slot is unlocked, but is not slotted with an Alpha Slot Ability, then they can participate, but at a -4 Level Shift. Thus, they will be at -8 Levels to the Level 54 foes hitting at 5% of their normal damage.
- All Incarnate Components can be crafted from Incarnate Shards, therefore, no one specific Raid or Task Force is required to create a specific Alpha Slot Ability.
- The reason why the Incarnate Component Gr'ai Matter can be bought with Vanguard Merits is because the Rikti Mothership Raid doesn't have a reward table for completing it.
- You can switch between Alpha Slot Abilities by simply equipping a new ability. The old ability is not lost, but simply switched out. There is a 5 minute cool down between equips. Also, equipping an ability is prohibited by being in combat and may require additional cool down time or leaving the mission to equip.
- Higher-tier abilities consume a lower tier ability when crafted. You can have several higher-tiered abilities, but if they're in the same 'tree', then you'll have to re-craft the lower tiered ability again for each higher-tiered ability you want to have.
Historical
The Alpha Slot was initially supposed to launch with Going Rogue, but beta feedback said without content to play with the Alpha Slot, the system felt incomplete, so it was pushed back[1].