Keep the upgrade paths separate
Agent level and promotion, skill levels, Core enhancement and Mindscapes are separate upgrade paths. Improving one does not automatically raise the others.
Basic, Dodge, Assist, Special and Chain each have their own skill level. Start with the actions you rely on, then check which family or Core effect an upgrade improves.
Related reading: Anby
Plan a defined starting and ending state
Plan material costs from your current level and promotion to the target you want. Include the skill and Core upgrades separately so your estimate reflects the full set of changes.
Then check what each upgrade does in combat. A higher skill multiplier, a stronger Core effect and a base-stat increase provide different benefits, even when their material costs are similar.
Check alternative kit states
Some Agents also have alternative kit states. Soldier 11’s skill descriptions distinguish Potential Awakening, so use the description and values that match the state available to you.
These optional states are separate from ordinary levels and Mindscapes. A listed alternative explains its mechanics, but does not mean every account already has access to it.
Related reading: Soldier 11’s kit · Mindscape Cinema