Traits are bonus modifiers you choose alongside your perk, and Decaying Winter currently documents 16 of them. Most add a positive, some add a downside (underlined in-game), and the right trait can cancel a perk's weakness. This page lists every effect the beginner guide records.
Combat traits
Violent Tendencies makes light melee swings 45% faster. Manic does the same for heavy swings. Methodical adds +15% melee damage, Honorable gives +35% fist damage and a parry, and Aggressive Behaviour adds +25% fist damage plus faster shoves — recommended for Sovereigns.
Defensive and survivability traits
Dependable cuts damage taken by 15%, Fearless cuts firearm and explosive damage by 25%, Tormented raises max health by 20, Survivor heals 1 HP per 10 seconds, and Relentless grants infinite stamina below 30 HP. Calm adds +75 max stamina.
Utility traits
Paranoid fires semi-auto guns 50% faster, Reliable reloads 65% faster, Professional cuts recoil 65%, Impatient adds +15% move speed, and Lonewolf improves hip-fire accuracy. Pick traits that match your perk rather than just stacking pros.
How to choose
The guide recommends at least one defensive trait (Dependable or Fearless) and notes Impatient is great for looting. Let your perk's downside guide you: cover its con, or amplify its strength with a stacking trait.