GUIDE / SKILLS & GENES
Skills & Genes Guide
Browse all Skills, EX Skills, Genes, Buffs, and Debuffs in Mesozoic Dawn with detailed effects, level parameters, and counter relationships.
The Tag displayed next to each effect name is the game's internal unique identifier used in MOD configuration. Tags are never translated.
Gene Learning Mechanics
Beyond inheritance, creatures can also automatically learn new genes over time through survival. Here is the complete gene learning mechanics explained.
π Experience Accumulation
The server checks for gene learning every 60 seconds. When the "Allow Gene Learning" rule is enabled, characters accumulate 60/35 β 1.71 learning experience per minute. Once experience reaches 50 points, a gene learning event triggers and experience resets. Under normal conditions, a new gene can be learned approximately every 30 minutes.
π Learning Cap
Gene learning is capped by two limits: the server rule "Max Learned Genes" (default 1, set to 0 for unlimited) and the character's innate gene slot limit. The effective cap is the lower of the two values. Once the learned gene count reaches the cap, no further gene learning will trigger. Note: Genes added via GM commands bypass this limit.
π² Random Selection
When learning triggers, the system randomly selects a gene from the gene pool. Each eligible gene has a 10% (1/10) chance of being selected. If the character does not yet have the gene, it is added; if already owned, its level increases by 1 (capped at max level). The selection skips ineligible genes (see Exclusions below) and stops once a gene is successfully added.
π« Exclusion Rules
The following genes cannot be obtained through learning: Fatal and Berserk (Crazy). Additionally, only passive gene (GENE) type effects can be obtained through learning β Skills and EX Skills cannot be learned this way. If the character already has a same-type gene (same category), that gene will also be skipped (same-type mutual exclusion).
β¬οΈ Upgrade Mechanics
Gene learning distinguishes between "new acquisition" and "upgrade". For new genes, the system pulls the gene from the gene pool, sets it to level 1, and adds it to the character's gene slots. For existing genes, if the current level has not reached max level, the level increases by 1. The system sends a notification to the player, distinguishing between a new gene acquired and a gene level upgrade.
βοΈ Kill Rewards
Killing another player has a chance to randomly increase the proficiency of one mastered skill (requires the "Allow Proficiency from Kills" rule enabled). When killing an Alpha creature, there is also a chance to directly obtain a high-level gene, with a server-wide broadcast announcing the kill.
βοΈ Related Server Rules
The following server rules control various aspects of gene learning and can be adjusted in server configuration:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Allow Gene Learning (ALLOW_LEARN_GENE) | Controls whether the gene learning feature is enabled. When disabled, characters cannot learn new genes through experience over time. Default: off. |
| Max Learned Genes (MAX_LEARN_GENE_COUNT) | Maximum number of genes a character can acquire through learning. Default 1, set to 0 for unlimited (still capped by the innate gene slot limit of the character). Sub-rule of "Allow Gene Learning". |
| Allow Skill Proficiency (ALLOW_GENE_SKILLFUL) | Controls whether the gene and skill proficiency system is enabled. When enabled, skills and genes accumulate proficiency through use and automatically level up. |
| Allow Proficiency from Kills (ALLOW_KILL_SKILLFUL) | When killing another player, randomly increases the proficiency of one mastered skill. |
Skills
Combat skills that trigger on hit, applying effects to enemy targets. 15 total.
Blindness
Tag: BlindnessLoss of vision effect
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 30% | 0 | 1s |
| Lv2 | 40% | 0 | 2s |
| Lv3 | 50% | 0 | 3s |
| Lv4 | 60% | 0 | 4s |
| Lv5 | 70% | 0 | 5s |
Bleeding
Tag: BleedDeals continuous damage equal to 2% of Attack Power per second
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 50% | 2% | 4s |
| Lv2 | 55% | 4% | 6s |
| Lv3 | 60% | 6% | 8s |
| Lv4 | 65% | 8% | 10s |
| Lv5 | 70% | 10% | 12s |
Bloodletting
Tag: BloodDeals continuous damage equal to 1% of Attack Power per second
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 50% | 1% | 8s |
| Lv2 | 55% | 2% | 12s |
| Lv3 | 60% | 3% | 16s |
| Lv4 | 65% | 4% | 20s |
| Lv5 | 70% | 5% | 24s |
Fracture
Tag: BoneReduces movement speed by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 30% | 10% | 5s |
| Lv2 | 40% | 20% | 10s |
| Lv3 | 50% | 30% | 15s |
| Lv4 | 60% | 40% | 20s |
| Lv5 | 70% | 50% | 25s |
Venom
Tag: VenomDeals continuous damage equal to 1% of Max Health per second
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 30% | 1% | 2s |
| Lv2 | 40% | 1% | 4s |
| Lv3 | 50% | 1% | 6s |
Dizziness
Tag: DizzyImmobilized effect
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 30% | 0 | 1s |
| Lv2 | 35% | 0 | 2s |
| Lv3 | 40% | 0 | 3s |
| Lv4 | 45% | 0 | 4s |
| Lv5 | 50% | 0 | 5s |
Exhaustion
Tag: ExhaustReduces damage by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 30% | 10% | 10s |
| Lv2 | 40% | 15% | 15s |
| Lv3 | 50% | 20% | 20s |
| Lv4 | 60% | 25% | 25s |
| Lv5 | 70% | 30% | 30s |
Weakness
Tag: WeakReduces Toughness Level effect by +1
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 20% | +1 | 10s |
| Lv2 | 40% | +2 | 20s |
| Lv3 | 60% | +3 | 30s |
| Lv4 | 80% | +4 | 40s |
| Lv5 | 100% | +5 | 50s |
Heart Failure
Tag: HeartFailureReduces Health regeneration speed by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 10% | 10% | 3s |
| Lv2 | 20% | 20% | 6s |
| Lv3 | 30% | 30% | 9s |
| Lv4 | 40% | 40% | 12s |
| Lv5 | 50% | 50% | 15s |
Gastric Failure
Tag: StomachFailureReduces energy supply efficiency by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 10% | 10% | 20s |
| Lv2 | 20% | 20% | 40s |
| Lv3 | 30% | 30% | 60s |
| Lv4 | 40% | 40% | 80s |
| Lv5 | 50% | 50% | 100s |
Lung Failure
Tag: LungFailureReduces Oxygen recovery speed by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 10% | 10% | 10s |
| Lv2 | 20% | 20% | 20s |
| Lv3 | 30% | 30% | 30s |
| Lv4 | 40% | 40% | 40s |
| Lv5 | 50% | 50% | 50s |
Scars
Tag: ScarsReduces max Health by +20
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 60% | +20 | 15s |
| Lv2 | 65% | +30 | 20s |
| Lv3 | 70% | +40 | 25s |
| Lv4 | 75% | +50 | 30s |
| Lv5 | 80% | +60 | 35s |
Confusion
Tag: ChaosCharacter suffers sensory confusion, unable to control direction accurately
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 0 | 5s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 0 | 10s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 0 | 15s |
Berserk
Tag: CrazyIncreases damage by 1% Lose Toughness effect Body functions out of control
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 1% | 1h |
| Lv2 | 100% | 2% | 2h |
| Lv3 | 100% | 3% | 3h |
Sterilization
Tag: AnusReduces reproduction by 1%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 10% | 1% | 1s |
| Lv2 | 20% | 2% | 1s |
| Lv3 | 30% | 3% | 1s |
| Lv4 | 40% | 4% | 1s |
| Lv5 | 50% | 5% | 1s |
EX Skills
Powerful special skills that consume EX energy. 13 total.
Counter-shock
Tag: AntiShockReduces damage taken by 30% and stuns the opponent
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 30% | 40s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 50s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 50% | 60s |
Armor Break
Tag: BreakDefendIncreases Attack Penetration by +1 on the next attack
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | +1 | 1 | 60s |
| Lv2 | 100% | +2 | 2 | 60s |
| Lv3 | 100% | +3 | 3 | 60s |
Critical Hit
Tag: ExcitementIncreases damage by 50% on the next attack
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 50% | 1 | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 75% | 2 | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 100% | 3 | 50s |
Fatal
Tag: FatalOn the next attack, deals a finishing blow if target Health is below 5%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 5% | 1 | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 10% | 2 | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 15% | 3 | 50s |
Pack Hunting
Tag: GroupsHuntIncreases damage of nearby teammates of the same species by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 10% | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 15% | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 20% | 50s |
Hyperplasia
Tag: HyperplasiaInstantly restores the defense value of 30%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 30% | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 30s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 50% | 30s |
Life Drain
Tag: LifeDrainOn the next attack, lifesteals target Health equal to 40% of damage dealt
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 40% | 1 | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 50% | 2 | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 60% | 3 | 50s |
Precision
Tag: PrecisionHitIncreases trigger probability of all skills by 30%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 30% | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 50% | 50s |
Intimidation
Tag: PressureApplies a negative effect to the target on the next attack
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 0 | 1 | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 0 | 2 | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 0 | 3 | 50s |
Reflect Damage
Tag: RetaliationReflects 30% of damage received back to the target
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 30% | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 50% | 50s |
Extreme Stamina
Tag: StaminaInstantly restores 30% Attack Stamina
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 30% | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 30s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 50% | 30s |
Laceration
Tag: TearIncreases damage by 25% each time the same target is attacked
| Level | Probability | Effect | Uses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | 25% | 2 | 50s |
| Lv2 | 100% | 40% | 3 | 50s |
| Lv3 | 100% | 60% | 3 | 50s |
Unity
Tag: UniteIncreases Toughness Level of nearby teammates of the same category by +1
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 100% | +1 | 30s |
| Lv2 | 100% | +2 | 40s |
| Lv3 | 100% | +3 | 50s |
Genes
Permanent passive abilities that can be passed down to offspring. 15 total.
Amphibious
Tag: AmphibiousIncreases Toughness Level by +1 and turning ability by 30% while swimming
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | +1 | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | +2 | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | +3 | Permanent |
Stimulated
Tag: AngerIncreases Excitement by 1% per second during combat
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | 50% | 1% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | 60% | 2% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | 70% | 3% | Permanent |
Calcification
Tag: CalcifyReduces Fracture effect by 40% and Fracture duration by 0.1s
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | 10% |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | 20% |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | 30% |
Consumption
Tag: ConsumeAccelerates food and water consumption by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Digestion
Tag: DigestReduces food and water consumption by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Fearless
Tag: FearlessReduces the effect of Slams by 40%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | Permanent |
Hardened
Tag: HardenReduces Attack Penetration by +1
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | +1 | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | +2 | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | +3 | Permanent |
Heart Rate
Tag: HeartRateIncreases Health regeneration speed by 5%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 5% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 20% | Permanent |
Keratinized
Tag: HornyReduces Bleed effect by 40% and Bleed duration by 0.1s
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | 10% |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | 20% |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | 30% |
Metabolism
Tag: MetabolismIncreases growth and development speed by 10%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Senses
Tag: SensesReduces Stun duration by 40%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | Permanent |
Serum
Tag: SerumReduces Venom effect by 40% and Venom duration by 0.1s
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | 10% |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | 20% |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | 30% |
Superior Breeding
Tag: SireIncreases egg development speed by 2%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 2% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 4% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 6% | Permanent |
Vision
Tag: VisionReduces Blindness duration by 40%
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 40% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 60% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 80% | Permanent |
Hydrophilic
Tag: WaterReduces Toughness Level penalty by +1 while swimming
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | +1 | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | +2 | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | +3 | Permanent |
| Lv4 | β | +4 | Permanent |
| Lv5 | β | +5 | Permanent |
BUFF (Environmental)
Positive effects from environment or status. 1 total.
Comfort
Tag: ComfortableIncreases 10% energy output, oxygen output, organ recovery, growth speed, egg development, health recovery, and defense recovery
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Habitat
Tag: HabitatInside a captured habitat: growth, egg development and egg growth +15%; toughness +1 When brooding inside: brooding reinforcement level cap +1 (up to 4th boost), eggs resist cold weakening +2Β°C
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 15% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 25% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 35% | Permanent |
DEBUFF (Environmental)
Negative effects from the environment. 5 total.
Arid
Tag: AridArid environment, increases 10% water consumption
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Heatstroke
Tag: HeatstrokeIncreases 10% food, water, and energy consumption; decreases {0} organ recovery, growth speed, egg development, health recovery, and defense recovery
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Humid
Tag: HumidHumid environment, decreases 10% lung efficiency (oxygen output)
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Hypothermia
Tag: HypothermiaIncreases 10% food, water, and energy consumption; decreases {0} organ recovery, growth speed, egg development, health recovery, and defense recovery
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 10% | Permanent |
| Lv2 | β | 20% | Permanent |
| Lv3 | β | 30% | Permanent |
Stress
Tag: NervousIncreases food and water consumption by 0.5 Cannot develop, lay eggs, or evolve
| Level | Probability | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv1 | β | 0.5 | 30s |
| Lv2 | β | 1 | 60s |
| Lv3 | β | 1.5 | 90s |
| Lv4 | β | 2 | 180s |
| Lv5 | β | 2.5 | 300s |