Quick answer
Start with Duality for fast melee; prioritize a permanent Infusion for Level 3
The strongest current player signal favors Duality Stone alongside a status effect, often paired with Headsman's Stone and Berserker's Stone. This is a community meta snapshot, not a datamined tier list, and balance changes could move it quickly. Reddit build discussion
Current best Tarstone priorities
Duality Stone
Fast melee and status buildsPlayers repeatedly describe Duality as producing exceptional value with status Tarstones and fast weapons.
EvidenceHeadsman's Stone
Critical-hit buildsThe most-circulated melee setup pairs the critical-focused Headsman's Stone with Duality and Berserker's Stone.
EvidenceBerserker's Stone
Aggressive meleeAppears in the same high-interest crit, Berserker, and Duality combination; exact superiority is not numerically verified.
EvidenceOne melee Infusion
Consistent weapon statusCreator gameplay guidance recommends maxing at least one core melee Infusion because Level 3 can make the selected infusion permanent.
EvidenceOne sidearm Infusion
Ranged or mixed buildsThe same practical logic applies to a sidearm Infusion you use consistently; this is an upgrade priority, not a universal named-stone ranking.
EvidenceChoose by build, not tier letter
- Fast meleePrioritize effects that benefit repeated hits and status application; this is where Duality currently draws the most attention.
- Critical buildPair crit-oriented support with your main damage interaction instead of stacking unrelated utility.
- Status buildPick the Infusion matching the status you can apply consistently, then consider Level 3 permanence.
- Limited TarcoresTest at Level 1–2 first. Spend Level 3 resources only after the effect proves central to the build.
What this ranking does not claim
Current discussion does not provide controlled DPS comparisons across every weapon and Shell. Some players also expect Duality to be balance-adjusted. Reports that Infusions feel weak before their permanent upgrade explain their upgrade value, but do not prove every Infusion is top tier. Reddit mechanics discussion
Which Tarstones should you max first?
Max one build-defining melee or sidearm Infusion, then the effect responsible for most of your real damage. Keep experimental utility at Level 2 until the six-Tarcore entry requirement no longer blocks the build.