Shin Megami Tensei V: The lunar phases - Game Guide

 In Shin Megami Tensei V, you will notice at the top left of the screen a moon with numbers in fraction form. This is called the lunar phases. Different effects occur depending on the different phases of the moon, whether in combat, during exploration or in the shadow world.

EVOLUTION OF KAGUTSUCHI PHASES

the phases follow the following order:

• New Moon
• From 1/8 to 8/8 with a Half moon at 4/8
• Full moon (8/8)
• From 8/8 to 1/8
• New Moon

The loop then repeats itself endlessly. To make the phases evolve, all you have to do is move , whether in dungeons, in cities, or on the World Map. Phases cannot be changed during combat . In fact, if you want a particular phase for a fight or to perform an action possible only during a particular phase, you can simply go around in circles until you get the phase you want.

THE EFFECTS OF THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF KAGUTSUCHI

Most phases 1/8 to 8/8 have absolutely no effect and are considered neutral. However, when the moon is near a new phase (2/8 or 3/8), it will be much easier to trade with a demon . Indeed, when you start the conversation, a message saying that the demon is in a good mood appears and the latter will not ask you any questions and will directly ask for a single gift to join you. Be careful, near a new moon does not just mean when the moon is at 3/8. The moon must be in the descending phase, that is to say that it is approaching the new moon (ex: it goes from phase 4/8 to 3/8), and not from the full moon.

New moon and full moon have the following effects:

• Demons from random encounters (not bosses therefore) are much more aggressive, which implies the following things: their physical and magical attacks are increased , they are more inclined to attack , it is much more difficult to flee from combat . They are generally also more numerous on the ground (5 or 6 instead of 2 or 3). During these times, it will also not be possible to negotiate with demons.

• The chances of an accident during a merger are much higher. So be careful if you are looking for a particular demon when it comes time to merge it. This can however turn to your advantage as this demon can be higher level than you, with better stats than normal. You will notice that the music is different during these phases, and Sophia also warns you when entering the shadow world.

• The chances of getting the essence of a demon when level-up increased from 5% to 25% . Level-up demons during a full moon is therefore the easiest way to farm Essences, especially for demons that you cannot find on the map. Be careful, the demon must first have learned all of his attacks in order to be able to give you his Essence. Once a demon gives you its Essence, it will not give you any more, so you will have to recreate it to get it again.