Faster level-up speed and permanent mall ability upgrades carry over between dives. Davy's dungeon level does not: he begins each new dive at level 1. Unlocking Zombie Skills at Bessie Burger expands future choices rather than preserving the exact skill build from the previous attempt.
Loot retention also depends on how you leave the dungeon. Use a Landing Area and read the exit warning instead of assuming a collapse and a safe return preserve the same items.
Permanent progress and run choices
| System | What persists or changes |
|---|---|
| Growth from defeated enemies | Improves later level-up speed, including after failed dives |
| Mall ability upgrades | Permanent |
| Zombie Skill unlocks | Broaden the Level-Up Receipt pool |
| Dungeon level | Resets to 1 on entry |
| Level-Up Receipt selections | Chosen again from the options offered during a dive |
| Acquired monster Styles | Temporary transformations with a remaining floor limit |
The displayed values are from one run, not a fixed gain for every return.
OT Gear is part of the lasting preparation you develop at the mall. Collecting a new part during a dive and having it safely available for future preparation are different steps, which is why your exit choice matters.
Return from a Landing Area when protecting loot
Landing Areas pause the timer and provide a place to decide whether to continue. For a planned return, use the return-to-mall option there and inspect the confirmation.
Leaving during an active stretch or collapsing can cost collected resources. An exact loss percentage or universal item-by-item penalty is not listed here. Read the warning attached to your current exit rather than assuming a rule from a different situation.
Do not mistake a new build for lost progress
The skills offered through Receipts can vary from one dive to another. You may have unlocked an ability permanently without seeing it on the next selection. That is a choice-pool system, not a promise that every unlocked skill appears immediately.
Likewise, returning in the base Zombie Style is compatible with the game's structure. Build the new dive around the cores and Receipts you encounter, while using the gear, mall upgrades and improved leveling you have already earned.