Phase step
Phase step is a spell in Fear & Hunger. An ability that essentially works as short-range teleportation, it can be learned by the protagonist through the use of an Empty scroll.
Lore
Described as a world-breaking form of magic capable of distorting the fabric of space, Phase step is linked to Alll-mer, an Ascended God whose associated spells typically revolve around supernatural phenomena.
Obtained
While Phase step is aligned with Alll-mer, the spell is unavailable in the Hexen, thereby negating the need to raise affinity with Alll-mer for its acquisition. Instead, the only method to learn Phase step involves using an Empty scroll while having a Quill in the inventory list and writing the text below at the three-verse writing sequence:
- "O LORD (First verse); TEACH (Second verse); PHASE (Third verse)" or
- "O LORD (First verse); TEACH (Second verse); PHASE STEP (Third verse)"
Phase step can only be taught to the main player character.
Mechanics
Phase step can be used in the overworld and is inaccessible during battles. Triggered by pressing [C], the spell teleports the player five steps in the direction they are facing, requiring 10 Mind per use. The spell allows the protagonist to stand otherwise unreachable tiles, even those within walls.
Although Phase step has practical applications in casual scenarios, like evading enemies and bypassing locked doors, its usage presents significant game-breaking risks. Characters with depleted Mind points risk becoming permanently trapped within walls, rendering them immobile and resulting in inevitable game-over scenarios. Additionally, Fear & Hunger's programming triggers events based on character stepping on specific overworld tiles, meaning the use of Phase step can bypass these events entirely, altering the game's progression unpredictably.
Trivia
- At some point of the game's development, Phase step was supposed to be obtained when the protagonist reached 2 tiers of affinity with Alll-mer.
- As the spell is exceptionally buggy, consistent with its description labeling it as "world/game-breaking", game creator Miro Haverinen included Phase step purely for amusement. This game-breaking potential is also the reason why it is not readily accessible unless the player is aware of its existence.