the primary method for the player to gain additional abilities in the game is the absorption of souls via the tactical soul system originally featured in "aria of sorrow". except for human enemies and the game's final opponent, the player can absorb all enemies' souls. the chances for absorbing a soul varies on the enemy, as certain enemies will release souls more regularly than others. the player can absorb multiple copies of the same soul; many of these souls will increase in effectiveness depending on the number of the same soul a player possesses. souls provide a variety of effects and are separated into four categories: bullet, guardian, enchant, and ability souls. the player can have only one type of bullet, guardian, and enchant soul equipped at any given time. however, when the player acquires the "dopplegänger" soul, they can have two different weapon and soul setups, and switch between them at will. players can trade souls wirelessly using two "dawn of sorrow" game cards.