Deep Dive: Combat and Moon Spirit Systems in Gazing Moon

Gazing Moon (望月) is not just another gacha RPG. Its combat and open-world mechanics are deeply intertwined with the “Moon Spirits” (月灵)—the creatures that inhabit Tianyue City.

Following the June 2026 offline playtest, we now have a much clearer understanding of how these systems work. Here is a deep dive into the combat and exploration mechanics of Gazing Moon.

1. The Combat System: Fast-Paced and Synergistic

Gazing Moon uses a real-time action combat system where players can seamlessly switch between characters in their party. However, the core of the combat revolves around Toughness (韧性) and Synergy.

Chaos Collapse (混沌崩解) - The Stun Mechanic

Every enemy in the game has a Toughness bar alongside their HP bar.

• Players deplete this Toughness bar through regular attacks, skills, and perfect dodges (which allow for powerful counter-attacks that deal massive Toughness damage).
• When the Toughness bar is fully depleted, the enemy enters a state called Chaos Collapse (混沌崩解).
• During Chaos Collapse, the enemy is stunned and takes significantly increased damage, creating the perfect window to unleash your most powerful attacks.

Moon Spirit Combo (月灵合击) - The QTE System

Instead of just summoning Moon Spirits like traditional pets, Gazing Moon emphasizes fighting alongside them.

• Different characters trigger Moon Spirit Combos in different ways. For example, ranged characters like Lailai might trigger it through basic attacks after an entry skill, while the protagonist Zhao relies on her ‘E’ skill (Moon String).
• When triggered, pressing the ‘Q’ key initiates the Moon Spirit Combo.
• This triggers a QTE (Quick Time Event) where the character and the Moon Spirit perform a synchronized, flashy special attack that deals massive Toughness damage to the enemy.

2. Moon Spirits: Citizens, Not Just Pets

The development team has emphasized the concept of “Human-Spirit Symbiosis” (人灵共生). Moon Spirits are not just monsters waiting to be caught; they are active citizens of the city with their own lives and jobs.

Moon Eye Scan (月瞳扫描)

This is your primary tool for interacting with the world.

• Using the Moon Eye Scan allows you to see a Moon Spirit’s habits, preferences, and “Traits” (词条) before engaging with them.
• You can also use it to find hidden treasures they might be hoarding.
• The Moon Eye is essential for recruitment. Because Moon Spirits are citizens, you must use the scan to understand what they want (e.g., a specific type of food) and fulfill their needs to recruit them.

Moon Spirit Traits and The “Supply Chain”

Every Moon Spirit has unique traits. The development team has revealed that in future updates, players will be able to edit and combine these traits to assign Moon Spirits to various jobs within the city’s “Supply Chain” (供应链) simulation system. For example, a Moon Spirit with a “speed” trait might be seen riding an electric scooter to deliver packages.

Capturing vs. Healing

You cannot simply walk up to any Moon Spirit and capture it. That would violate the game’s lore of them being citizens.

• Instead, players use the Moon Eye Scan to find Moon Spirits that have been corrupted by “Chaos” (混沌影响).
• You must help them eliminate this corruption. If they resist, you enter a “Chaos Moon Gate” (混沌月门) to battle them. Defeating them allows you to form a pact.

3. Moon Spirit 3C: Open World Traversal

Moon Spirits aren’t just for combat; they fundamentally change how you navigate Tianyue City.

• Players can equip up to three Moon Spirits specifically for traversal abilities (known as Moon Spirit 3C).
• These abilities allow for vertical exploration, such as running up walls or gliding, turning the city into a multi-layered, 3D playground rather than just a flat map.
• The development team revealed there are over a dozen more traversal abilities in development, including abilities related to sound, light, electricity, heat, and even “possession.”
• For example, the Moon Spirit “Twin-Tails” (双马尾 - a cute, mutated cockroach-like spirit) can burrow into the ground to find hidden chests in sewers.

By deeply integrating the Moon Spirits into combat, exploration, and the lore of the city itself, Gazing Moon is shaping up to offer a highly cohesive and unique open-world experience.