First-Playthrough Build Locks & Exclusive Choices

Quick answer

A first CONTROL Resonant playthrough contains exclusive build choices: some Resonant bosses offer up to three powers but grant one, and Talent trees also include mutually exclusive branches. New Game Plus expands combinations instead of erasing the first decision immediately.

What can be locked

The first shown boss offered Barrage, Seekers or Shield. The chosen power was described as permanent and exclusive for that stage of the initial run. Talent branches similarly limit which passives can be seen in one playthrough. This is why Remedy presents replayability as part of buildcrafting.

Weapon forms are a separate progression layer. Their trees contain specializations and modifiers, but published material does not say every weapon node follows the same exclusivity rule as boss powers and Talents. The systems should not be merged into a single lock table without evidence.

New Game Plus context

New Game Plus carries combat progression, opens new Talent options and permits combinations involving different abilities from the same boss. Story-gated movement abilities reset so campaign traversal can progress correctly. A fourth Artifact slot also becomes available.

Choose the first-run power by playstyle rather than completion anxiety: Barrage for direct range, Seekers for summon pressure or Shield for defense and entry. See the boss choice guide and NG+ carryover table. The three buildcrafting pillars clarifies which decisions belong to abilities, weapons and Talents.