Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeancebrings with it a host of changes to the original game. As such, there are plenty of things to prepare returning players for when they boot up this bold new version. Just the same, there are things that full-fledged newcomers will wish to bear in mind as well.
This SMT 5 guide centers on Vengeance especially, but we’ll delve into some all-rounders for those whose journey as the Nahobino is at its true beginning. If that’s you, and you want further guidance,many of our suggestions for the original Shin Megami Tensei 5hold up well today!
Save Everywhere, Save Often
In Shin Megami Tensei 5,saving your game was mainly confined to Leyline Founts, which serve multiple other purposes, includingfusing demons, shopping, and fast travel.
Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance changes things byallowing you to save almost anywhere. This means you can make a quick backup even in the middle of a huge map, or just prior to a big decision, or… you name it.
Saving anywhere is all the more reason to save frequently, since SMT 5’s toughest battles can spring up in surprisingly low-key situations.
Don’t Forget The Dyad
Another fantastic quality-of-life adjustment for Vengeance is the inclusion ofDyad Compendium Fusions. Through this option - something that’s popped up in other Shin Megami Tensei games galore - your fusion selections expand substantially.
The exact nature of Dyad Compendium Fusions lies in their name;with these, you’ll be able to fuse demons based not only on your current party, but on everything you’ve registeredas well.
While the list can be a bit overwhelming as such, it’s also amuch easier way of deducing what you truly have in your arsenal. All the better to make informed decisions on what new powers await your command.
You Can (Easily) Get Both Apsaras And Leanan Sidhe
This one’s for Vengeance and the original version alike, but in the first of the game’s regions,there’s a sub-quest given to you by Apsaras, a demon with seemingly benevolent intent.
Apsaras sends you to fightLeanan Sidhe, a more outwardly wicked sort of woman, though both demons make fair points about the situation. At this point,you must choose who to supportand battle the other one.
Thankfully,it’s possible to get the demon you don’t choosefairly early on. We know this beyond a shadow of a doubt about Apsaras;we chose Leanan Sidhe, and created Apsaras through fusing Cait Sith and Tsuchigumo.
Your Demon Guides Are Well Worth Following
Early on, you’ll be introduced toAmanazoko, a kimono-clad demon who will act as your guide. By “guide”, we mean she’ll know a bit about your environment, and she’ll regularlypoint out hidden treasures.
While the constant barrage of Amanazoku (and later demon guides) noticing stuff can be a bit grating, stick with it. Not only canquite valuable goods be found; you’ll alsouncover some hidden Magatsu Rails.
These railways are new to Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, andthey can beinvaluable tools for faster traversalof the substantial distances between Leyline Founts.
Be Mindful Of Auto-Battle
Atlus hastweaked the auto-battle featurein Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. You can now choose betweenletting your party use their skills or forcing them to stick to regular attacks.
While it’s tempting to let them go wild,we advise against using the ‘Auto-Skill’ option regularly. In our experience,your party often makes some odd decisions about which skills to use.
As a result, not only are youallowing everyone to rapidly deplete your SP; you’re not really getting a worthy trade-off, becausethey’re probably not spending that SP wisely.
You alsoreallydon’t want to use auto-battle againstMitama, those various-shaded, teardrop-shaped, demons.Defeating them provides wonderful rewards, and your party won’t deduce how to do so in auto-battle.
There’s no harm in using this when you’re readily capable of restoring SP on the regular, but if your enemies are weak enough,use the option that restricts your party to physical attacksinstead.
