Beyond Nen Progression Guide: How to Pass the Hunter Exam and Unlock Nen

Progression in Beyond Nen is a multi-step journey that transitions a standard player into a licensed Hunter capable of wielding Nen. To progress efficiently, players must navigate a series of high-stakes challenges, starting with the Hunter Exam and culminating in the mastery of the game’s core ability system. Community guides emphasize that early-game preparation—specifically farming a reliable weapon and mastering movement mechanics—is essential before attempting the exam.

The Hunter Exam: Step-by-Step Progression

The Hunter Exam is the primary gateway to advanced progression. It is accessed via the lobby from the Main Menu, where players can also invite friends to attempt the exam cooperatively. Because the exam features PvP elements, community members strongly recommend choosing a server with low ping to ensure responsive combat.

Stage I: The Stamina Race

The Stamina Race is an obstacle course designed to test movement efficiency. Unlike traditional races, players do not need to finish in first place; the objective is simply to reach the finish line before the timer expires.

• Hazards: The opening section features falling boulders. These are telegraphed by red markers on the ground, but players should note there is a slight hit delay after the telegraph appears.
• Movement Tips: Use slide jumping to maintain momentum throughout the course.
• Known Bug: Community reports indicate that enabling "Auto-run" in the game settings currently allows players to run without consuming stamina. Conversely, holding the Shift key consumes stamina as intended. This is widely considered a bug that may be patched in future updates.

Stage II: Trick Tower

The second phase, Trick Tower, consists of a trapped labyrinth followed by a mini-boss encounter. While the labyrinth is generally described as easy by the community, it contains falling ceiling traps triggered by floor plates.

• Strategy: Players can avoid most traps by performing sideways wall jumps along the labyrinth walls rather than walking down the center of the corridors.
• The Boss: After exiting the labyrinth, players must defeat an NPC mini-boss to proceed.

Stage III: Zevil Island

Zevil Island is an open-zone PvP survival match. This stage is significantly easier when coordinated with a friend via voice communication.

• Objective: Survive until the timer ends while holding at least two badges.
• Badge Mechanics: Every player starts with their own badge. To acquire a second, you must "grip" another player who is carrying a badge.
• Grip Penalties: If you are gripped, you lose a badge but instantly recover with 50% HP. Gripping a player who has no badges yields no reward and allows the victim to recover instantly.
• Survival Strategy: Once you have secured two badges, community guides recommend playing defensively. Use a Skateboard or jump-sliding to maintain high mobility and avoid unnecessary combat until the timer runs out.

The Final Stage

The final stage of the Hunter Exam pits players against each other in a direct confrontation. Defeating the opponent in this stage awards the Hunter’s License, which is a prerequisite for the standard Nen unlock path.

Unlocking Nen Abilities

Once the Hunter Exam is complete, players can pursue Nen. There are two primary methods reported by the community for unlocking this system:

1. The Exam Path: Passing the Hunter Exam is the most direct route to unlocking the ability to use Nen.
2. The Seven-Node Method: For those seeking an alternative, players must find all seven Node Masters scattered throughout the world. After unlocking all seven nodes, players must speak to an NPC named Rohan. Once these prerequisites are met, there is a reported 3% chance of unlocking Nen whenever the player is attacked by a Nen user.

Enhancing Your Build: Talent Cards

As you progress, your power is further defined by Talent Cards. These cards provide passive buffs that can drastically alter combat effectiveness.

One of the most sought-after cards is Warrior Hate, which is currently ranked in the S-tier of community tier lists.

• Rarity: Extraordinary (Reported 1% drop chance).
• Effect: When your HP drops below 10%, your Damage (DMG) increases by 15.
• Duration: This buff persists until your HP replenishes above 10. Note that community sources do not specify if "10" refers to a flat HP value or a percentage, though it serves as a powerful "last stand" mechanic for PvP.

Summary Checklist for New Players