Shin Megami Tensei V Beginner’s Tips — How To Survive The Minato Underworld

The initial zone of Shin Megami Tensei V presents a formidable challenge that demands strategic thinking and careful preparation to overcome successfully.

Let’s be direct: the Minato underworld serves as an exceptionally demanding proving ground. While the entire game maintains high difficulty, you’ll encounter particularly intense opposition as you establish your footing and master the complexities of the Nahobino transformation. Successfully navigating Minato’s devastated landscape and uncovering its mysteries demonstrates you possess the capability to triumph over the game’s subsequent trials.

Fortunately, we’ve conquered this punishing introductory segment and compiled elite survival strategies for this frightening new reality. Continue reading for combat-proven guidance from veterans who’ve previously walked the Nahobino path, ensuring you’re optimally equipped to face Shin Megami Tensei V’s demanding tests.

Mastering Vending Machine Looting

Remember discovering unexpected coins in a vending machine’s return slot? Every vending machine in Shin Megami Tensei V operates similarly—though instead of currency, they distribute artifacts from the collapsed civilization that previously existed… which you’ll ultimately exchange for Macca regardless.

Each machine dispenses randomized relics that, when vended at Cadaver’s Hollow, can generate substantial income. It’s beneficial to systematically plunder every accessible machine—assuming it doesn’t expose you to excessive risk naturally. You can also return to previously discovered vending machines following specific time intervals to gather additional items. Machines you’ve already located that currently lack merchandise will display as gray on your minimap, while those containing available loot will show as white.

The majority of discovered items serve no purpose beyond vending, though certain artifacts can fulfill side mission requirements. Avoid accumulating obsolete materials unnecessarily—they provide greater immediate value when converted to currency.

Optimizing Sidequest Completion

Undertaking secondary missions in Shin Megami Tensei V delivers exceptional returns. Every completed subquest awards generous experience distribution across your entire demon roster and frequently provides unique items alongside Macca. Among the most prized obtainable items are Talismans, which permanently activate exclusive Magatsuhi abilities accessible to particular demon classifications. You’ll desire to acquire these valuable items whenever possible!

Mission completion isn’t consistently straightforward however. You’ll occasionally face extremely powerful adversaries—enemies that might significantly exceed your current capabilities. Secondary missions impose no temporal restrictions, so if encountering unreasonable difficulty, postpone and return when better prepared. (One specific Minato assignment, The Gold Dragon’s Arrival, remains incompletable until achieving substantially higher levels, so disregard that particular challenge currently!)

Most missions follow relatively simple structures, though you’ll sometimes become involved in inter-demon disputes or presented with decisions. Based on your responses, mission outcomes can develop with dramatically varied consequences. For instance, one demon might request you eliminate another, but you could alternatively choose to negotiate and align with the intended target while eliminating the initial petitioner! Depending on which faction you support, you’ll receive different rewards and recruit alternative demons (while simultaneously shifting the Nahobino’s alignment toward Law or Chaos). Consider options deliberately before committing!

Eliminating Demonic Abscesses

Observe that irritating pink mist obscuring your map? At its epicenter lies a demonic abscess, summoning entities from other dimensions, disrupting your cartographic display, and generally creating significant obstruction. Whenever presented with abscess elimination opportunities, prioritize destruction immediately! This action not only clarifies your navigation interface and exposes numerous previously concealed details, but each destroyed abscess enables acquisition of additional Miracles. Miracles represent permanent enhancements requiring Glory expenditure to unlock, and they’ll prove fundamental to your advancement.

Essential Early-Game Miracles

Your initial Glory investments should target foundational Miracles that dramatically improve survivability and progression efficiency. The Recovery Item Proficiency Miracle reduces consumable costs by 20%, while Magatsuhi Walking accelerates gauge accumulation during exploration. Demon Stock EXP Share ensures benched party members gain partial experience, crucial for maintaining balanced team development. Avoid spreading Glory too thinly—focus on completing critical Miracle tiers before diversifying.

Advanced Battle Techniques

Mastering defensive mechanics proves vital for enduring Shin Megami Tensei V’s punishing encounters. Regular blocking reduces incoming damage by approximately 40% and preserves precious HP resources. Time your blocks to coincide with enemy attack animations for maximum effectiveness. Positional awareness during combat enables superior defensive positioning and creates counterattack opportunities.

Emergency Magatsuhi Utilization

When confronting seemingly insurmountable situations, your accumulated Magatsuhi gauge provides critical emergency options. The Mysterious Magatsuhi skill unleashes a devastating area assault that frequently neutralizes standard enemies instantly. Reserve this powerful ability for critical moments when standard tactics prove insufficient for overcoming opposition.

Strategic Demon Recruitment

Finding yourself overwhelmed? Search for recognizable demonic entities willing to negotiate. Many previously encountered demons reappear throughout your journey, and successful persuasion can rapidly bolster your forces. Familiar demons often require less experience investment to reach their full potential.

Mastering Mitama Encounters

These rare spectral entities provide extraordinary rewards but demand specific elimination approaches. Mitama demons typically attempt escape after taking significant damage, so prioritize high-damage single-turn eliminations. Successful Mitama defeats yield massive Glory bonuses and substantial experience windfalls, accelerating your Miracle acquisition and level progression dramatically.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Shin Megami Tensei V Beginner’s Tips — How To Survive The Minato Underworld Essential survival strategies for conquering Shin Megami Tensei V's brutal Minato underworld and mastering demon combat