In Valfaris, the player controls Therion, who is armed with a sword and a plasma pistol.[1] The pistol can be fired in eight directions.[2] Therion also has access to a heavy gun and a shield. Therion's energy meter is depleted when he uses the shield or the heavy gun.[3] The energy meter is replenished when Therion kills an enemy or loots a supply cache.[4] Therion can use the shield to block incoming fire, but he cannot move while using it.[3] If the shield is used at the correct time, it can send projectiles back towards enemies.[1] Blood metal is used to upgrade Therion's weapons, making guns fire faster and giving swords longer reach.[3] Weapons have to be upgraded at shrines. These shrines are also used as checkpoints. To activate these checkpoints, a green token called a Resurrection Idol must be used.[5] A Resurrection Idol can be found stashed in levels. Saving Resurrection Idols up until a certain threshold rewards the player with higher health and energy.[5][4] Resurrection Idols are not lost if Therion dies.[5]