For a versatile Call of Cthulhu build, begin with Investigation, then develop Hidden Objects and Psychology. This progression supports exploration, clue discovery and interrogations without committing Pierce too early to a narrower approach.
Start with Investigation, Hidden Objects and Psychology
Investigation is the strongest first investment. It helps Pierce examine scenes and connect the elements of an investigation, particularly in locations containing several clues.
Hidden Objects should follow. It makes documents and secondary items easier to find, so search desks, shelves, chests and corners before leaving an area.

Psychology completes the core trio. It helps Pierce read witnesses more effectively and can unlock additional conversation topics.
| Priority | Skill | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Investigation | Analyze scenes and conclusions |
| 2 | Hidden Objects | Spot secondary clues |
| 3 | Psychology | Obtain more information |
| 4 | Eloquence | Convince certain inhabitants |
| 5 | Strength | Favor intimidation or physical action |

Spend points according to the next sequence
- Search every new area before following the main marker.
- Examine interactive objects, even when they seem secondary.
- Increase Investigation until you have a solid foundation.
- Raise Hidden Objects before an important exploration sequence.
- Add Psychology before complex interrogations.
- Choose Eloquence for dialogue focused on persuasion.
- Check medical books and occult objects as soon as you discover them.

Avoid spending points immediately whenever a new option appears. First identify the type of sequence ahead: an exploration area favors Hidden Objects, while an interrogation may justify Psychology or Eloquence.
Mental health also affects how Pierce handles his discoveries. Clues enrich the investigation, but understanding the horrors of the Mythos can come at a cost.
Choose Eloquence or Strength for a narrower focus
For a dialogue-focused approach, place Psychology before Hidden Objects after your first investment in Investigation. Then add Eloquence to convince wary inhabitants.
For a more direct approach, add a few points to Strength after Investigation. This can help when intimidation or a physical solution is offered, but it is less versatile for an investigation-centered playthrough.
Stealth depends mostly on how you play. Watch enemy routes, wait for an opening and use cover when an area becomes dangerous.

Medicine and Occultism follow a different progression. The books and artifacts discovered during the investigation improve them, making it important to search locations and examine significant objects.
Call of Cthulhu is a solo adventure developed by Cyanide Studio and published by Focus Entertainment. The game was released on October 29, 2018, for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A Nintendo Switch version is also available.
The official presentation of the skills is available on Steam. Focus Entertainment also presents the investigation mechanics in its official gameplay video. Find more features in jeu.video’s latest gaming news, Articles and News sections.

Avoid these progression mistakes
- Raising Strength immediately for a single intimidation option.
- Spending all your points without planning for the next area.
- Leaving a room without checking desks, books and interactive objects.
- Confusing Occultism with automatic knowledge of the Mythos.
- Building a complete combat profile while the investigation remains central.
- Changing priorities after every failure instead of looking for the missing clue.

The most adaptable foundation is Investigation, Hidden Objects and Psychology, followed by Eloquence or Strength according to the dialogues and solutions you want to prioritize.
Frequently asked questions
Which skill should you upgrade first in Call of Cthulhu ?
Start with Investigation. It is used to examine scenes and connect clues.
When should you improve Hidden Objects ?
Strengthen this skill before a large exploration area or a location filled with objects.
Should you invest in Strength quickly ?
No. Keep Strength for a physical or intimidating approach, as it offers fewer investigation opportunities.
To keep following the topic, also read our article on Zenless Zone Zero: which free team to build, and our article on Call of Cthulhu: crossplay does not exist, even between.
Verified sources
These links can be used to verify the key information used in this article.
- store.steampowered.com: 2026-08-04: the official Steam page confirms the title, developer Cyanide Studio, publisher Focus Entertainment, adventure/RPG genre, solo mode and October 29, 2018 release date.
- store.steampowered.com: 2018-09-20: the official Steam announcement details the Hidden Objects, Investigation, Eloquence, Psychology and Strength skills, as well as the role of books and artifacts in Medicine and Occultism.
- focus-entmt.com: 2018-09-20: Focus Entertainment confirms in French that Hidden Objects and Investigation provide access to more clues and conclusions, while Eloquence and Psychology are used for dialogue.
- youtube.com