Awakening (覚醒 Kakusei?) is a recurring gameplay mechanic in the Tales series that increases a character's effectiveness in battle. In Tales of Innocence, it has parallels to the Over Limit system, while in Mobile Titles, it is more akin to a permanent upgrade.
Appearances in Mothership Titles
Tales of Innocence
Awakening is the state that a character enters when their Tension Gauge hits the maximum. While in this state, the characters gains bonuses such as increased attack power, casting speed, and movement speed, as well as decreased TP consumption. Pressing the "L" and "R" buttons while in the Awakening state allows the player to perform the Infinity Jam, where the player can freely switch between characters and rapidly attack the enemy without pause. Awakening is also the name of the skill that allows character access to their mystic artes while in this state.
Appearances in Mobile Titles
Tales of Asteria
Awakening is the process by which certain 5★ units can be upgraded to their 6★ star forms. Awakening a unit requires unit-specific partner characters as well as certain materials. Awakened units have special EX skills that boost the party's performance as well as access to a second level of mystic arte that requires their Over Limit gauge to be filled a second time. This second level of mystic arte is more theatrical than the first level.
Tales of Link
Awakening is the process by which certain 5★ units can be upgraded to their 6★ star forms. It is split into two types: EX (真 Shin?, "True") and P (力 Chikara?, "Power"); EX awakenings are better than P awakenings but involve units only available for a limited time, while units with P awakenings are typically common. Both types of awakenings require the unit to be awakened to be at the maximum level, which includes all limit breaks, as well as a large amount of Gald and materials. Awakening the unit returns it to level 1, but the 6★ unit has increased maximum stats, better skills, and a new passive to unlock. EX awakenings also have unique artwork.
Tales of the Rays
Awakening is a way to increase the strength of a unit. A unit is awakened when the player either obtains the unit's mirrage from the gacha or by expending awakening materials. Awakened units gain an additional 500 HP as well as the ability to equip a second, sub mirrage, whose power is added to the main mirrage. They also gain updated artwork.