> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://october-studio.gitbook.io/monster-survivors-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://october-studio.gitbook.io/monster-survivors-documentation/character/starting-ability.md).

# Starting Ability

Version 1.0 introduced Weapon Abilities. Any ability can be marked as a weapon, and it would appear in the Weapon Select window at the start of each stage.

Version 1.0.2 expands this system with a new feature - Starting Ability. Now you can assign an ability to a character, and it will automatically start with it.

<figure><img src="/files/xlD4MsN6IQMHQ9DTLwRR" alt="" width="295"><figcaption><p>Regular Character vs Character with Starting Ability</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Starting Abilities can be used along with the Weapon Abilities. However, for gameplay clarity, its recommended to stick to one method.
{% endhint %}

## How enable Starting Abilities

Assigning this ability is very simple:&#x20;

1. Head to your Characters Database. \
   Its typically located here ![](/files/1Wk1DLbWXKzksHat8n3K).
2. Open the Database. In should look something like this in the Inspector:

<figure><img src="/files/LLjGvuGzsvHQeMBopKlp" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Typical Characters Database</p></figcaption></figure>

There you will see new options:

<figure><img src="/files/0G197wUptVEHrmQtxYkw" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Starting Ability Options</p></figcaption></figure>

3. The first one enables the Starting Ability for this specific character. The second determines the ability itself. The ability list is determined by the Abilities Database. \
   Tune them to your liking.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you want an ability to be exclusive to one character, assign it as a starting ability, and mark it as a weapon at the same time - this way it won't appear while playing as another character.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If the ability you expected to appear in the dropdown is not there, make sure its properly registered. To know more, visit [Add Abilities](/monster-survivors-documentation/abilities/add-abilities.md).
{% endhint %}

4. Now, if you enabled the options, your character should display its ability in the Character Selector.