Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance - Gameplay Features

A breakdown of returning, reworked, and new gameplay features in Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT5), including an overview of each feature available in the game.

Shin Megami Tensei V - Gameplay Features

All Gameplay Features in Shin Megami Tensei V

Shin Megami Tensei V - Gameplay Features

Here is a breakdown of game features, both returning and new features, in Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT 5). Shin Megami Tensei V shares similar elements from previous Shin Megami Tensei and Persona titles while having its own new and unique gameplay systems as well.

Here is a quick rundown of SMT V’s unique gameplay features. More features will be added so stay tuned!

Returning Features

Game Difficulties

Similar to the Nintendo Switch version release of SMT 3: Nocturne, SMT 5 will also release Safety Difficulty Mode. It is for players who wish to enjoy the game’s main story without having to worry about challenging encounters.

Game Difficulty Guide

Moon Phase System

Shin Megami Tensei V - Returning Features Moon Phase System

Among the returning features when it comes to exploration is the return of the Moon Phase System. This non-menu-based system has twelve (12) phases and it changes by how many steps the player Protagonist has made by moving around dungeons or large areas. Each phase affects multiple facets of the game such as battles, recruitment, fusion, and others.

In SMT 3: Nocturne, this system is present while in SMT 4: Apocalypse it was implemented differently and does not affect the mechanics of the game. For SMT 5, the Moon Phase System will return and function similar to SMT 3: Nocturne.

Moon Phase System Guide

Returning Demons

Demons from previous SMT titles will turn up again as allies and foes in Shin Megami Tensei V. Some of those demons that appeared in Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal, and Persona 5 Strikers series will be also carried over to the game.

Demonic Compendium

Reworked Features

Skill Types

Shin Megami Tensei V - Reworked Features Skill Types

When it comes to demon skills, SMT V did some changes to some skill types. One of which is Physical skills. These skills will no longer consume the user HP but rather MP. SMT Liberation Dx2, a mobile RPG game from the same franchise also shares this mechanic.

In addition, Expel and Curse skills are renamed to Light and Dark skills. Some skills under these skill types namely Hama- and Mudo- skills can now deal regular elemental damage along with the instant death chance.

Ailment skills appear simplified in SMT V and some terminologies resemble those from Persona games. The distinction between Status Ailment (Poison) and Mental Ailment (Sleep, Mute, Charm) skills no longer apply since both are under the same Ailment category.

Likewise, Recovery skills that cure ailments were also changed. There are no longer specific skills that cure a specific ailment. This time Patra and Me Patra can cure all ailment skills.

Skill Types Guide

Skill Potentials

Shin Megami Tensei V - Shin Megami Tensei V - Reworked Features Skill Potential Skill Affinities

In addition to changes in Skill Types, another skill mechanic from SMT 4: Apocalypse will carry over in SMT 5. These are called Skill Potentials and they refer to skill-type boosts unique to each demon. They were previously called Skill Affinities in SMT 4: Apocalypse.

Skill Potential Guide

Both Nahobino and his demon allies can utilize this mechanic. However, they must acquire Essence from other demons in order to implement this transfer of skills and affinities.

Essences Guide

Reworked Demons

SMT 4 and SMT 4 Apocalypse demons like Adramelech, Artemis, Idun, Cleopatra, Anahita, Demeter, and Mephisto will debut into their newest Unreal Engine 4 forms. These demons did not also debut in recent Persona games.

Demonic Compendium

New Features

Open-World Exploration

Shin Megami Tensei V - New Features Da'at New Open World Exploration

Likewise, exploration in Shin Megami Tensei has drastically changed. It now features a first-person perspective similar to modern JRPGs. Previously, SMT titles feature a birds-eye view exploration. In SMT 5, you can explore certain locations or habitats within Da’at with fewer restrictions.

You can see demons roaming around as well as mining points to gather items. While exploring the world of Da’at, the Moon Phase System will be active as an exploration mechanic.

New Ailment Skill, Illusion

Going back to Ailment skills, there is a new Illusion status added to SMT V. It appears that a target inflicted with this ailment will lose hit points or accuracy during battle.

All Ailment Skills

Magatsuhi Skills

Shin Megami Tensei V - New Features Magatsuhi Skills

New skills are introduced along with other skill types. One of which is Magatsuhi skills. Magatsuhi skills are strong race-based skills that do not cost MP but rather a full Magatsuhi gauge to execute. They do not count as a new attribute such as Physical, Fire, Ice, and etc. Rather they count an amplified skill under a certain skill type.

All Magatsuhi Skills

Miracle Skills

Miracles are also unique passive skills that boost certain stats or quality of Nahobino and his demon allies. It functions similarly to Persona 5 Strikers’ Bond Skills.

All Miracle Skills

In order to activate them, you must acquire Glory points from side quests and other activities. Speak to Sophia at the World of Shadows and select a Miracle skill to activate.

World of Shadows Guide

New Demons

In every new Shin Megami Tensei title, there are new demons that you will face, fuse, or recruit. Likewise, there will be new demons that will debut based on mythological figures and creatures such as Amanozako, Fionn mac Cumhail, Hayataro, and Manananggal.

Demonic Compendium

Other Strategy Guides

Shin Megami Tensei V - Strategy Guides BannerAll Strategy Guides

Getting Started

▼All Beginner Guides
Shin Megami Tensei V - Game Editions ButtonGame Editions Shin Megami Tensei V - DLC List and Information ButtonDLC List and Information
Shin Megami Tensei V - Game Difficulty ButtonGame Difficulty Shin Megami Tensei V - Game Controls ButtonGame Controls
Shin Megami Tensei V - Gameplay Features ButtonGameplay Features Shin Megami Tensei V - Permanent Events ButtonPermanent Events
Shin Megami Tensei V - World of Shadows ButtonWorld of Shadows Guide Shin Megami Tensei V - Cadaver's Hollow ButtonCadaver's Hollow Guide
Shin Megami Tensei V - Stats ButtonStats Guide Shin Megami Tensei V - Attributes ButtonAttributes Guide
Shin Megami Tensei V - Skill Types ButtonSkill Types Guide Shin Megami Tensei V - Status Effects ButtonStatus Effects Guide
Shin Megami Tensei V - Post-Game Unlockables ButtonPost-Game Unlockables Shin Megami Tensei V - New Game Plus Unlockables ButtonNew Game Plus Unlockables

Leave a Reply



Be the first to comment