KOS-MOS/Gameplay (XS1)

This article covers the gameplay for KOS-MOS, a playable character in Xenosaga Episode I.

KOS-MOS displays immediate competence in battle, especially in her defensive attributes, thanks to her naturally high stats (even though her Agility is one of the lowest in the party). This stat advantage proves particularly significant during the early game, where she serves as a reliable character. Nevertheless, players can narrow the stat gap by investing time in stat-synching via TP, allowing other characters to eventually catch up to her in terms of stats.

KOS-MOS heavily relies on the beam element, making her an excellent choice against opponents vulnerable to beam attacks but a less optimal choice against foes with resistance to beam. It's worth noting that several late-game enemies, including some bosses, possess resistance to beam attacks, reducing her effectiveness in these battles.

Additionally, KOS-MOS has a unique weakness; she is the only character by the end of the game who lacks an all-enemy tech capable of targeting the back row, essentially missing an "air" all-enemy tech. While she does possess X-BUSTER, a skill that deals substantial damage to designated targets, it is limited to a "line" all-enemy tech, affecting only front-row enemies.

Tech Attacks
KOS-MOS's Tech Attacks are earned through emails Shion receives rather than being based on attaining a particular level.

Armor
Armor that can only be equipped by KOS-MOS includes the following:

Weapons and ammunition
Like Ziggy, certain weapons for KOS-MOS provide either a STR or EATK boost, but these bonuses exclusively apply when she uses the corresponding weapon for her 6 AP sub-weapon attack. This can lead to her character screen displaying deceptively high stat values, combining her base stats with the weapon's stats. However, the game considers only her base stats for most of her regular attacks.