Modes

Introduction

The Modes hub covers Ryujin's transformation system — the game-changing awakenings that completely redefine how you fight. Each mode is locked to a specific clan bloodline: the Tokita clan uses Advance, the Kure clan uses Removal, the Hanma lineage unlocks Demon Back, and the Park clan grants Ultra Instinct, with more modes like Guihun, Lightning God, Infinity Tech and Animal Instinct filling out the roster. Modes typically last for a limited duration, have cooldowns, and trade a cost — often your health — for a massive boost to stats or abilities, which makes timing the single most important skill in Ryujin PvP. This hub covers every mode, its clan requirement, how to activate it, its duration and cooldown, and a tier list of which modes dominate the current meta.

Mode Quick Reference

Mode Spotlights

Core Mechanics

Modes are clan-locked transformations that sit on top of your base fighting style. Each mode belongs to a specific bloodline — you need a Tokita clan for Advance, a Kure clan for Removal, a Hanma for Demon Back, a Park for Ultra Instinct, and so on — so your clan choice directly determines which transformation you can ever access. Once unlocked, a mode is activated in combat with a keybind and lasts for a limited duration before going on cooldown. The cost profile varies: some modes burn your health while active, while others are purely buffs, which makes the decision to activate a mode a real tactical trade. Because modes are the biggest power spikes in the game, the meta revolves around which mode you can pair with which style and psyche for a complete build.

Advantages

Modes are the most visually and mechanically exciting part of Ryujin, and they reward long-term build planning. Because each mode is locked to a specific clan, rolling the right family turns your entire build upside down — a Tokita clan is not just a good clan, it is the key to Advance. Modes also give you a comeback mechanic in PvP: a well-timed Demon Back or Full Advance can swing a losing fight in seconds. For PvE, modes shorten raid clears dramatically, which means faster boss shard and Silver Pin farming. Understanding which mode fits your style and psyche lets you build a cohesive kit instead of a random pile of strong pieces.

Challenges

The downside of modes is that they are entirely locked behind clan rolls. If you want Advance, nothing else matters until you roll a Tokita clan, and at a 1% Mythic drop rate that can take a very long time. Modes also have real costs — duration windows, cooldowns and health drains mean a mistimed activation can throw a fight, and some modes are situational in PvE where sustained damage beats burst. Finally, mode balance shifts between generations, and the community tier list is a snapshot of the current patch, so a mode that dominates now may be rebalanced after the next wipe. Verify the current meta on the Trello before you commit your rerolls to a specific mode goal.

FAQ

Quick Tips