Shin Megami Tensei IV Walkthrough

Understanding Basic Controls#

Welcome to the world of Shin Megami Tensei IV! Before diving into demon battles and the post-apocalyptic Tokyo, let’s get you comfortable with the controls. Whether you’re fighting enemies or navigating menus, knowing your way around the game is key. Here’s a quick rundown of the basic controls to get you started.

Circle Pad: Use this to move your character in any direction. It works smoothly, giving you precise control whether you’re exploring dungeons or the overworld.
D-Pad: Perfect for menu navigation. Up and Down scroll through options, while Left and Right are for additional menu commands or category switches.

A Button: Your go-to button for selecting options, confirming choices, and talking to NPCs.
B Button: This button is your best friend for canceling actions or going back in menus. Get used to hitting this when you click on something by mistake.
X Button: Opens up the game menu where you can manage your party, check your inventory, and access various game settings.
Y Button: This handy little button opens the map. Essential for ensuring you don’t get lost!

Combat Controls#

L Button: Use this to automatically target the next enemy during battles. Super useful for quick-targeting!
R Button: Checks the status of your current party members or enemies. Great for planning your next move or keeping track of your weaknesses and strengths.
Start Button: If you’re ever in a battle and need to pause, just press this. You can also access the save menu, which is crucial for progress.
Select Button: Lets you skip battle animations. Perfect for when you’re grinding and just want to speed things up a bit.

Special Actions#

Touch Screen: This is a super versatile part of your control scheme. You can tap on options in menus for quick selections. While exploring, the touch screen can also give you additional info like skill descriptions or enemy details.
Mic Input: Believe it or not, Shin Megami Tensei IV uses the microphone for certain interactions. Keep that in mind if the game ever prompts you to speak up.

Tips for Mastery#

Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time in a safe area getting used to moving around and navigating menus. It’ll make your life easier when things heat up!
Save Often: The Start Button is your friend. Save frequently to avoid losing progress, especially before tough battles.
Use the Map: The Y Button’s map feature is a lifesaver. Check it often to know where you’re headed and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Being comfortable with the controls is the first step to mastering Shin Megami Tensei IV. Understanding these basics will help you focus more on strategy and less on fumbling through menus. Happy demon hunting!

Navigating the Game World#

Shin Megami Tensei IV throws players into a sprawling, intricate world filled with demons, danger, and opportunities. Navigating this world can be a bit overwhelming, especially for newcomers. So let’s break it down and get you moving confidently through the game.

Understanding the Map#

World Map: You’ll often find yourself checking the world map. It highlights key locations you can visit, such as cities, dungeons, and other points of interest. While traveling, watch for landmarks and specific icons to help you determine your next destination.
Mini-Map: Always keep an eye on your mini-map in the corner. It shows immediate surroundings and crucial markers like save points, shops, and quest locations. If you ever feel lost, the mini-map will be your best friend.

Key Locations#

You’re going to spend a lot of time in various notable spots in Tokyo and the medieval kingdom of Mikado. Here are some places you’ll frequent:

Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya: Each area is packed with its own quests, shops, and NPCs. These are more than just places to visit—they’re deeply woven into the story and the side missions.
Mikado Castle: This is your home base early in the game. Here, you can rest, save, and purchase items before heading out into the wild.

Fast Travel#

You can’t just walk everywhere. That’s where the fast travel system comes in handy.

Terminals: These are your fast travel hubs. Unlock more terminals as you progress through areas to make backtracking and exploration easier. If you see one, make sure you interact with it to add it to your list of active terminals.
Chagall Café Terminals: These special terminals allow you to quickly warp back to the café, which is a significant story hub where you receive guidance and important updates.

NPC Interactions#

Throughout your journey, you’ll meet various Non-Playable Characters (NPCs). They often hold valuable information, side quests, and sometimes even rare items. Talk to everyone—you never know who might offer you the next big clue or helpful tip.

Hunter Quests: NPCs found in Hunter Bars hand out side quests. These range from monster extermination to item collection. Completing these quests can yield great rewards, so don’t skip them!

Demon Encounters#

Demons are everywhere in Shin Megami Tensei IV, so meeting them is inevitable. Here’s how to manage:

Random Encounters: These occur frequently when you’re exploring. A good strategy is to always be prepared with healing items and a well-balanced team.
Negotiation: Instead of fighting every demon, try negotiating with them. Successful negotiations can turn enemies into allies or yield useful items and money. Pay attention to each demon’s personality during negotiations.

Environmental Hazards#

The game world is not only populated by demons but also filled with traps and hazards:

Poison Swamps and Spikes: These hurt you as you try to cross them. Make sure to heal up and assess if taking damage is worth the shortcut or loot.
Dark Areas: Some areas are pitch black, requiring you to navigate almost blindly. Use your map, and be prepared for sudden ambushes.

Save Often#

Finally, save your game often. Shin Megami Tensei IV is known for its difficulty spikes, and losing progress can be a real downer. Use save points whenever you find them to ensure you don’t lose valuable playtime.

By mastering these navigational strategies, you’ll find yourself becoming more efficient and confident as you explore the vast and dangerous world of Shin Megami Tensei IV. So gear up, keep your wits about you, and happy exploring!

Shin Megami Tensei IV Walkthrough#

Key Locations and Their Challenges#

Welcome to our guide on the key locations in Shin Megami Tensei IV and the challenges you’ll face in each one. SMT IV is known for its labyrinthine dungeons, eerie settings, and formidable enemies. Let’s dive in!

1. Mikado Castle#

Mikado Castle is your starting hub. It’s where you get missions and meet central characters. Early challenges include:

Training Exercise: Basics of combat and demon negotiation. Focus on mastering these to ease your journey ahead.
Navarre’s Quests: Prepare for mini-boss encounters. They’re tougher than regular fights but doable with proper strategies.

Tip: Make sure to save often and keep an eye on your resources.

2. Naraku#

Naraku is a massive multi-level dungeon filled with demons and puzzles. As you descend, each level becomes tougher.

Level 1-2: Fight off basic demons, solve switch-based puzzles.
Level 3-4: Encounter more complex enemies, including your first minor boss.
Level 5: Challenge Minotaur. Use buffs and debuffs to turn this grueling fight in your favor.

Tip: Stock up on healing items and be ready to fuse new demons to keep up with stronger enemies.

3. Tokyo: Shinjuku Region#

Shinjuku is your introduction to the harsher side of Tokyo. Expect urban ruins and more lethal foes.

Ruined Buildings: Mitamas (rare, powerful enemies) appear here. Capture them for big rewards.
Shinjuku National Park: Mid-bosses test your skills. Use elemental weaknesses to exploit vulnerabilities.
Underground Areas: Dark, maze-like with tough encounters. Have a good map or guide handy.

Tip: Fuse demons with light and dark attacks. Many enemies here are weak to those elements.

4. Ikebukuro#

This area is heavy on exploration and features a significant story progression.

Ikebukuro Underground: Watch out for traps and tough demons.
Fairgrounds: Tasks you with dealing with demon factions. Choose your alliances wisely.
Ikebukuro Facility: Home to the formidable boss enemy, Medusa. Her stony gaze attack can be lethal.

Tip: Prioritize gear that boosts resistance to petrification.

5. Roppongi Hills#

Elevate your strategy—it’s a vertical climb filled with challenges.

Abandoned Buildings: Expect stack-heavy encounters. Equip your party with AoE skills.
Rooftop Battles: High-damage enemies. Your positioning and skill cooldowns matter here.
Sunset Tower: Defeat Isabeau, one of the game’s challenging boss fights. Time your attacks well, and don’t shy away from healing mid-fight.

Tip: Buffs and debuffs can decide the outcome. Make sure your party has these skills.

6. Tsukiji Konganji#

A sacred place with unholy challenges.

Temple Grounds: Puzzle-heavy with nuanced enemy placement.
Charnel House: Ghostly enemies using status effects. Carry plenty of status heals.
Inner Sanctum: Boss battle against Kenji. Defeat him to uncover deeper story arcs.

Tip: Balance your team with offensive powerhouses and defensive support.

Final Thoughts#

Each key location in Shin Megami Tensei IV tests your mettle. From mastering combat tactics to solving environmental puzzles, there’s always something ahead. Remember, fusing demons and managing resources are your best friends. Save often, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your party setups. Happy demon hunting!

Using Abilities and Demons Effectively in Shin Megami Tensei IV#

If you want to succeed in Shin Megami Tensei IV, you need to master using abilities and managing your demons. It’s more than just picking the strongest attacks or coolest monsters; it’s about strategy and knowing when to use what. Here’s how you can make the most out of your abilities and demonic allies.

Build a Balanced Team#

Just like in a good RPG, having a balanced team can make all the difference. When you’re forming your demon team, consider:

Attack Types: Mix up the types of attacks your demons have. Physical, Fire, Ice, Electric, and more. Covering different elements will help you exploit enemy weaknesses.
Roles: Think about having a healer, a damage dealer, and a support demon. This way, you’re prepared for different situations.

Exploiting Weaknesses#

Every enemy has a weakness. Find out what it is and hit them where it hurts:

Use Scan Ability: Use your scan abilities to check enemy weaknesses.
Exploit for Extra Turns: When you hit an enemy’s weakness, it can give you extra turns. Use these turns wisely—you can keep hitting weaknesses or buff your party.

Managing MP and HP Efficiently#

Using abilities costs MP (Magic Points), and taking hits costs HP (Health Points). Keep an eye on both:

Conserve MP: Don’t waste powerful spells on weak enemies. Save those big moves for boss fights or tougher enemies.
Heal Regularly: Keep your demons’ HP topped off. It’s tempting to save MP for attacks, but a dead demon can’t help you.
Items are Your Friends: Stock up on items that restore MP and HP. Use them in and out of battle to keep your team in fighting shape.

Using Fusion to Your Advantage#

Demon Fusion is a core mechanic in SMT IV. It allows you to combine demons and create new, potentially stronger ones. Here’s how to go about it:

Plan Ahead: Before fusing, decide what type of abilities you need. Do you need more healing, offense, or buffs?
Transfer Skills: When you fuse demons, you can transfer some skills from the parent demons to the new one. Make sure to pass on useful abilities.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Some of the best demons come from unexpected pairings.

Align Your Skills with Your Demons#

Your main character’s abilities should complement your demons’. If your demons are weak in certain areas, try to cover those gaps with your own skills:

Enemy Debuffs: If your demons don’t have debuffs, learn some yourself to weaken enemies.
Party Buffs: Strengthen your party with buffs if your demons don’t have them.
Single Target vs AoE: Balance between single-target skills for tough enemies and area-of-effect (AoE) skills for groups.

Know When to Retreat#

Sometimes the best offensive move is a good retreat. Don’t be afraid to leave a battle if things go south:

Escape When Needed: If you’re low on health and items, it’s better to retreat and regroup.
Save Often: Save your game regularly. If a battle goes wrong, you can reload to a safer point.

Using these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the dark and challenging world of Shin Megami Tensei IV. Keep experimenting and refining your approach, and remember, every battle is a chance to learn and grow!

Strategies for Boss Battles#

Boss battles in Shin Megami Tensei IV can be tough, but don’t worry! With the right strategies, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Here are some tips to help you dominate those intense boss fights.

Know Your Enemy#

Before diving into a boss battle, gather information about your opponent. Learn their weaknesses, resistances, and attack patterns. You can do this by:

Talking to NPCs: They often provide hints about upcoming bosses.
Analyzing Demons: Use the Analyze option in battle to reveal a boss’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

Build the Right Team#

Creating a balanced team is crucial. Here’s what you need to consider:

Elemental Coverage: Ensure your party can exploit the boss’s weaknesses. Having demons that can use various elemental attacks (fire, ice, electric, etc.) gives you the upper hand.
Support Roles: Include demons with healing and buffing skills. These can turn the tide of battle by keeping your team healthy and boosting their stats.
Diverse Skills: Avoid redundancy. Bring in demons with a mix of skills so you can handle different situations.

Buffs and Debuffs#

Don’t underestimate the power of buffs and debuffs:

Buffs: Increase your team’s attack, defense, and agility. Skills like Tarukaja (boosts attack) and Rakukaja (boosts defense) can be game changers.
Debuffs: Decrease the boss’s attack, defense, and agility. Using skills like Tarunda (lowers attack) and Rakunda (lowers defense) can significantly weaken the boss.

Pace Your Turns#

Taking advantage of the Press Turn System is key. Follow these guidelines:

Hitting Weaknesses: Attacking a boss’s weak points grants you extra turns. Use this to your advantage and chain multiple hits.
Pass and Defend: If a demon’s attacks are ineffective, have them pass their turn or defend. This saves you from wasting turns and taking unnecessary damage.

Items are Your Friends#

Never neglect your item inventory. Stock up on:

Healing Items: Potions, beads, and other healing items to keep your HP up.
Chakras: To replenish MP during long battles.
Status Ailment Remedies: Items that cure poison, paralysis, and other conditions can be lifesavers.

Exploit Smirk#

The Smirk mechanic can be a game-changer:

Gain Smirk: Landing critical hits or exploiting weaknesses can cause your character to Smirk, boosting their next attack and evading enemy attacks.
Plan for Smirk: Aim to strategize around this to maximize damage while minimizing incoming hits.

Elemental Affinity#

Keep an eye on elemental affinities:

Red Affinity: Used for dealing more damage.
Blue Affinity: Offers defensive advantages.
Green Affinity: Enhances support abilities.

Understanding and leveraging these affinities can help manage how much damage your party deals and takes in different scenarios.

Adapt and Adjust#

Sometimes, you’ll face bosses that seem unbeatable. Don’t be afraid to:

Respec Your Demons: Fuse new demons to get better skills and resistances.
Rearrange Your Team: Swap out demons that aren’t performing well against a particular boss.
Level Up: Sometimes a few more levels can make a huge difference.

Boss battles in Shin Megami Tensei IV can test your strategic thinking and preparedness. By knowing your enemy, building a strong team, using buffs and debuffs, pacing your turns, relying on items, exploiting Smirk, understanding elemental affinities, and adapting your strategy, you’ll be ready to take on whatever the game throws your way.

Good luck, and remember—every loss is just a step towards victory!