To develop a player in Captain Tsubasa: Ace, use EXP items to raise their level, then use the matching Potential Breakthrough mark when they reach the cap for their current star rank. Improve skills separately with Boots, and build team tactics and coaching through their own systems. Exact costs, labels and reward availability may change between game versions, so check the current in-game screens before spending items.
How the player upgrade systems differ
| System | What it improves | Resource described in guides |
|---|---|---|
| Player training | Player level | EXP items, including Energy Drinks; offline-mode EXP is also described as a training source. GamingonPhone, June 28, 2024; MuMu Player, December 15, 2023 |
| Potential Breakthrough | Raises the level cap for the current star rank | A mark corresponding to the player’s attribute type. MuMu Player, December 15, 2023 |
| Skill development | Player skill levels | Boots are identified as skill-level items. GamingonPhone, June 28, 2024 |
| Tactics | Tactic development and its bonuses | Unused tactic cards are described as a way to level tactics. LDPlayer, approximately 2023 |
| Instructor development | Strategies and a rating bonus | Required instructor upgrade materials; exact materials and amounts are not stated in the cited guide. GamingonPhone, June 28, 2024 |
The guides describe these as distinct progression routes: EXP items raise player levels, while Boots improve skills and tactics or instructor materials support team-level development. They do not establish current costs or a resource-efficiency comparison.
1. Train a player to the current level cap
Use player training and EXP items to raise the character’s level. GamingonPhone specifically identifies Energy Drinks as an EXP source and also describes auto-training that uses EXP earned through offline mode. MuMu Player likewise describes consuming EXP items to level characters.
Guide coverage does not establish the current amount of EXP each item grants, the exact training menu path, or the present rules for offline rewards. Check the player’s displayed level and the game’s current training screen rather than relying on old item quantities.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Versatile Tri-Mode Connectivity: Use low-latency 2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth, or wired USB-C to play on PC and ROG Xbox Ally; plus certified for Xbox via USB-C and 2.4GHz RF
- Ultra-Response Control: 1000Hz polling rate provides ultra-low latency in both PC wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes, with the latter enhanced by ROG SpeedNova Wireless technology
- Anti-Drift TMR Joysticks: More accurate while consuming less power versus Hall Effect joysticks, and also providing exceptional anti-drift performance
- Programmable Rear Buttons: Four fully programmable rear buttons with ergonomic design
- Dual-Mode Triggers: Seamless switching between micro-switch triggers with short travel and TMR sensor triggers with full travel
2. Use Potential Breakthrough to raise the cap
When a player reaches the maximum level allowed by their current star rank, the guides describe Potential Breakthrough as the next progression step. It consumes a mark associated with the player’s attribute type and raises the level cap. This is a cap increase, not another name for EXP training: after the breakthrough, train the player further using EXP.
Match the mark to the attribute
- Strength: Burning Force
- Technique: Jade Technique
- Speed: Blistering Speed
- Tenacity: Rock Solid
These mark names and their attribute associations are given in the MuMu Player guide and the approximately 2023 LDPlayer guide. LDPlayer also describes Potential Special Training stages for the four categories. Stage names, mark rarity, availability and rewards can be version-sensitive; confirm what the live game shows before planning a farming route.
Rank #2
- Code for bonus virtual item included (Storm King Fist)
- Advanced Gaming Buttons – Get an edge over the competition with two mappable buttons you can program on-the-fly, mid-game—no system settings to configure
- 3-Way Trigger Locks – Set the travel distance of the triggers with three different positions to pull off quicker actions in your favorite FPS games or go full throttle in a high-end race car
- Dual Rumble Motors – Take your gaming experience to the next level, providing tactile feedback and sensations that bring your virtual worlds to life
- Immersive Impulse Triggers – Provides reactive rumble sensations using built-in motors so you can feel the action of the game*
3. Develop skills with Boots
Skills have a separate upgrade path from player levels. GamingonPhone identifies Boots as items that increase a player’s skill level, so do not treat them as substitutes for EXP items. The guide also says breakthroughs unlock more skills, but the cited guides do not establish exact skill-up costs or player-specific unlock thresholds. Use the current skill screen to see which skills are available and what it requires.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Improve tactics, instructor strategies and positioning
Level tactics
The LDPlayer guide describes tactics as equipment and says unused tactic cards can be used to level them. Treat that as a general system description rather than a current recipe: the guide is approximately from 2023 and does not verify present costs or menu labels.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Works with Nintendo Switch 2. C button not available
- 3.5mm audio jack , Mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons
- Detachable 10ft (3m) USB Cable
- No batteries required
- Officially licensed by Nintendo with two-year limited warranty – visit PowerA.com/Support
Upgrade the instructor
GamingonPhone describes upgrading an instructor with required materials to unlock strategies and earn a rating bonus. The cited guide does not list the current material requirements, so inspect the instructor screen before committing resources.
Match players to positions
The same guide says compatibility with a player’s position can be increased by using appropriate players in the right positions. This is a team-setup consideration, separate from spending EXP, marks or Boots on an individual player.
Quick Recap
What to check before spending scarce items
- Look at the player’s current level cap and star rank; a breakthrough is relevant when the current cap has been reached.
- Check the player’s attribute before using a mark, since the guides describe four attribute-specific mark types.
- Keep EXP items and Boots distinct: the sources associate the former with player levels and the latter with skill levels.
- Read the live game’s costs and rewards for training stages, tactics and instructor upgrades. The available guides date from 2023–2024 and are not current official patch documentation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
