Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R Recruitment Guide
This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of recruiting characters in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. You’ll learn about the non-missable characters, the optional characters, and the specific conditions required to recruit each one. Whether you’re aiming for a specific team composition or just want to experience all the game has to offer, this guide will help you assemble the perfect party.
Introduction
Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R, a beloved remake of the original Star Ocean, offers a captivating journey through a vast and diverse world. As you embark on this adventure, you’ll encounter a vibrant cast of characters, each with unique skills and personalities. To truly experience the depth of the game’s story and gameplay, you’ll want to assemble a formidable party by recruiting a diverse range of companions.
However, the world of Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to party composition. The game restricts the number of characters you can have in your party at any given time, making strategic recruitment crucial. This guide aims to simplify the process of character recruitment, providing you with all the necessary information to ensure you don’t miss out on any valuable party members.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Star Ocean series or a newcomer to the franchise, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to build the ultimate party, ensuring you have the right companions to conquer any obstacle that lies ahead.
Non-Missable Characters
In Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R, there are a handful of characters who are integral to the story and cannot be excluded from your party. These characters are essential to the progression of the narrative and will always be available for you to recruit. Their presence is guaranteed, regardless of your choices or actions throughout the game.
These non-missable characters include⁚
- Roddick⁚ The protagonist of Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R, a skilled warrior with a strong sense of justice. He is a key player in every aspect of the game’s story and gameplay, and you’ll always have him by your side.
- Ilia⁚ A childhood friend of Roddick and a gifted sorceress, Ilia is a powerful mage who will be a valuable asset to your party. Her magical abilities will prove indispensable in many encounters.
- Ronyx⁚ A seasoned adventurer with a gruff exterior but a kind heart, Ronyx is a formidable fighter who will contribute significantly to your party’s strength. He will be a reliable ally throughout your journey.
- Millie⁚ A skilled healer and a close friend of Roddick, Millie’s healing abilities are crucial to your party’s survival, especially during challenging battles. She will always be there to mend your wounds and ensure your party’s health.
These four characters form the core of your party, providing a solid foundation for your adventures in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. Their unique skills and personalities will shape your gameplay experience, so be sure to make the most of their strengths.
Optional Characters
While the core party members are guaranteed, Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R offers a diverse cast of optional characters who can join your adventure, bringing unique abilities and perspectives to your team. These characters can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, but their recruitment often requires specific actions and choices. It’s up to you to decide which of these valuable allies you want to bring along on your journey.
These optional characters include⁚
- Cyuss⁚ A skilled swordsman with a noble spirit, Cyuss can be recruited after completing the Portmith delivery quest. However, recruiting him has a consequence⁚ you will be unable to recruit Erys and Ashlay.
- Ashlay⁚ A talented fighter and a loyal companion, Ashlay can be recruited in Astral, but only if you haven’t already recruited Cyuss. He is a crucial character for recruiting Erys.
- Ioshua⁚ A mysterious figure with a tragic past, Ioshua can join your party if you choose to enter the Purgatorium. He is essential for recruiting both Erys and Mavelle.
- Mavelle⁚ A fierce warrior with a strong sense of duty, Mavelle can join your party in Ionis if you have either Ioshua or Ashlay, or both. However, she is the only character in the game who can be dismissed from your party.
- Phia⁚ A powerful sorceress with a compassionate heart, Phia can join your party in Astral if you haven’t recruited Cyuss or Ashlay. If you have either of them, she will join you during the emblem quest if you have two free slots.
- Tnique⁚ A skilled swordsman and a rival of Roddick, Tnique can be recruited by defeating him in the Rank D arena during the emblem quest, but only if you have two free slots.
- Erys⁚ A mysterious princess with a hidden past, Erys can be recruited in the Old Race Ruins only if you have Ashlay, Ioshua, and Mavelle in your party.
- Welch⁚ A skilled archer with a strong sense of independence, Welch can be recruited at Welch’s Hut in the Van continent.
- Pericci⁚ A talented thief with a mysterious past, Pericci can be recruited after a lengthy process that involves finding the Ocarina in Portmith and performing specific actions.
Each of these optional characters possesses unique skills and stories, offering a variety of gameplay experiences. Carefully consider their strengths and weaknesses, and the impact their recruitment will have on your party, before making your decisions.
Cyuss
Cyuss is a skilled swordsman with a noble spirit who can join your party after you complete the Portmith delivery quest. He is a valuable addition to any team, possessing strong attack power and a variety of useful skills. However, his recruitment comes with a significant drawback⁚ if you choose to bring Cyuss into your party, you will be unable to recruit two other important characters⁚ Erys and Ashlay. This decision will have a lasting impact on your party composition, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Cyuss’s strengths lie in his swordsmanship. He is a powerful attacker, capable of dealing significant damage to enemies. He also possesses a variety of skills that can enhance his combat abilities and support his allies, making him a valuable asset in both offense and defense. He also has a strong moral compass and a deep sense of justice, which often leads him to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against the odds.
However, losing access to Erys and Ashlay is a substantial trade-off. Both characters are essential for recruiting Erys, a powerful sorceress with unique abilities. Ashlay, a skilled fighter, also provides valuable support in combat. If you choose to recruit Cyuss, you will have to decide if the benefits he brings to your party outweigh the loss of these two important allies. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and it will shape the direction of your journey in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R.
Ashlay
Ashlay is a skilled swordsman who can join your party in Astral City. He is a powerful fighter with a strong sense of duty and a dedication to protecting those he cares about. His recruitment is linked to Cyuss⁚ if you choose to recruit Cyuss before reaching Astral City, you will miss the opportunity to add Ashlay to your party. This means you’ll need to make a strategic decision early on, as Ashlay is a valuable asset to any team, particularly for those aiming to recruit Erys.
Ashlay’s fighting prowess is undeniable. He is a capable swordsman with a variety of skills that allow him to deal significant damage to enemies and provide support to his allies. He is also a skilled strategist, able to analyze situations and make tactical decisions that benefit his team. His unwavering loyalty and sense of justice make him a reliable ally, always willing to stand up for what he believes in.
Beyond his combat abilities, Ashlay plays a crucial role in the recruitment of Erys. Erys, a powerful sorceress, can only be recruited if you have both Ashlay and Ioshua in your party. This makes Ashlay a vital component for those seeking to assemble a team that includes Erys. However, if you opt to recruit Cyuss, you’ll need to find another way to gain access to Erys. The decision to recruit Ashlay or Cyuss will impact your party’s composition and the overall direction of your journey in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R.
Ioshua
Ioshua, a powerful mage with a mysterious past, is a valuable addition to any party in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. His recruitment is linked to a crucial story decision⁚ when offered the choice by Phia, you must choose to venture into the Purgatorium. This decision is not just about adding Ioshua to your team; it also opens up a path to recruit Erys, a powerful sorceress who requires both Ioshua and Ashlay to be in your party.
Ioshua’s magic prowess is undeniable. His offensive spells can decimate enemies, while his support magic can bolster the defenses of his allies. He’s a versatile mage, capable of adapting his strategies to different situations. Beyond his magical abilities, Ioshua’s knowledge of ancient secrets and his connection to the Purgatorium add a layer of intrigue to his character. His past is shrouded in mystery, leaving players to wonder about his true origins and motivations.
If you choose to delve into the Purgatorium, you’ll be rewarded with Ioshua’s powerful magic and his valuable insights into the game’s lore. His recruitment is crucial for those aiming to recruit Erys, as she can only be added to your party if you have both Ioshua and Ashlay. The decision to enter the Purgatorium is a significant one, but the reward of adding Ioshua to your team and opening up the possibility of recruiting Erys makes it a worthwhile choice for many players.
Mavelle
Mavelle, a skilled swordswoman with a noble heart, is an invaluable addition to any party in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. Her recruitment is tied to the presence of either Ioshua or Ashlay in your party. This means that if you choose to explore the Purgatorium and recruit Ioshua, or if you recruit Ashlay in Astral, Mavelle will automatically join your party upon reaching Ionis. However, if you skip the Purgatorium and choose not to recruit Ashlay, you’ll miss out on Mavelle’s presence in your party;
Mavelle’s fighting prowess is undeniable. Her swordsmanship is precise and deadly, making her a formidable force on the battlefield. Her strength and agility allow her to effortlessly navigate challenging terrain and engage in close-quarters combat. Mavelle’s noble spirit and unwavering loyalty to her friends make her a cherished member of any team. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand and is a source of encouragement and support during difficult times.
Mavelle’s recruitment is linked to the story’s progression, making her a non-missable character for those who choose to recruit either Ioshua or Ashlay. Her presence in your party opens up the possibility of recruiting Erys, who requires both Mavelle and Ashlay to be in your party. While Mavelle’s recruitment is tied to specific story choices, her valuable abilities and endearing personality make her a welcome addition to any party.
Phia
Phia, a skilled mage with a gentle heart, is a potent force in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. Her recruitment depends on the choices you make regarding other characters, specifically Cyuss and Ashlay. If you choose to recruit either of them, Phia will join your party automatically during the Emblem Quest, provided you have two open slots. However, if you choose to skip both Cyuss and Ashlay, Phia will join your party when you reach Astral, assuming you have an open slot.
Phia’s magical prowess is undeniable. Her mastery of various spells allows her to deal significant damage to enemies, support her allies, and even control the battlefield. Her spells are versatile, offering a blend of offensive and defensive options that make her a valuable asset in any situation. Phia’s gentle nature and unwavering optimism make her a calming presence in the midst of chaos. She’s always willing to offer words of encouragement and support, reminding her allies of the importance of hope even during challenging times.
Whether you recruit her during the Emblem Quest or upon reaching Astral, Phia’s unique abilities and kind heart make her a cherished member of any party. Her presence adds depth to the team dynamics, offering both tactical versatility and emotional support. As you progress through the game, Phia’s magical prowess will prove invaluable in overcoming challenging encounters and navigating intricate puzzles. Her unwavering optimism and compassionate spirit will inspire her allies to strive for a brighter future.
Tnique
Tnique, a skilled swordsman with a sharp wit and a penchant for dramatic flair, is a formidable addition to any party in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. His recruitment hinges on your progress in the Emblem Quest and your party composition. To secure his services, you must complete the Rank D arena by defeating him during the Emblem Quest. However, this is not enough – you must also have two open slots in your party. If you have more than six characters, Tnique will be unable to join your team.
Tnique’s swordsmanship is a sight to behold. He wields his blade with precision and grace, effortlessly dispatching foes with a flurry of attacks. His fighting style is characterized by agility and speed, allowing him to outmaneuver even the most formidable opponents. Beyond his combat prowess, Tnique’s charm and wit often lighten the mood, providing a welcome respite from the seriousness of the journey. He’s quick to crack a joke or offer a clever remark, keeping his companions entertained and their spirits high. Tnique’s presence in the party adds a layer of depth to the team dynamics, bringing a blend of strategic thinking and lighthearted humor.
If you’re looking to add a powerful and entertaining character to your team, Tnique is a worthy addition. His swordsmanship is unmatched, and his personality is a breath of fresh air. By completing the Rank D arena and ensuring you have two open slots, you can recruit this formidable swordsman and reap the benefits of his skills and charm. As you continue your adventure, Tnique’s combat prowess will prove invaluable in overcoming challenging encounters and securing victory. His unwavering spirit and infectious humor will keep your team motivated and ready to face any obstacle.
Erys
Erys, a powerful sorceress hailing from the ancient civilization of the Old Race, is a coveted recruit in Star Ocean⁚ First Departure R. Her recruitment is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and careful execution. To secure her services, you must have recruited three specific characters⁚ Ioshua, Mavelle, and Ashlay. These three characters are essential for unlocking Erys’s recruitment path.
Once you have all three characters, you must venture to the Old Race Ruins. This ancient, mysterious location holds the key to Erys’s freedom. As you explore the ruins, you’ll encounter a room where Erys is frozen in time. To free her, you must speak to Ioshua and express your desire to help. This will trigger a series of events that will lead to Erys’s liberation.
It’s important to note that recruiting Erys comes at a cost. Mavelle, the powerful mage, will be permanently removed from your party. This decision should be made carefully, as Mavelle is a valuable asset to any team. Before freeing Erys, it’s wise to save your game so you can choose to keep Mavelle if you desire. Erys’s mastery of elemental magic is a powerful force to be reckoned with. She wields her magic with precision and grace, unleashing devastating spells that can turn the tide of battle. Her presence on the battlefield adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing you to exploit enemy weaknesses and overwhelm them with powerful elemental attacks.