In this guide, we will delve into a comprehensive set of tips and strategies for Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, exploring everything from effective team-building and skill inheritance to managing resources and defeating challenging bosses. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, this guide aims to enhance your gameplay experience.

---

Choosing Your Path: Canon of Vengeance vs. Canon of Creation

At the beginning of your journey, you will face a crucial choice that determines the storyline you will experience: Take the girl’s hand to follow the new Canon of Vengeance path, or Do not take the girl’s hand to experience the original Canon of Creation storyline. Make sure you choose wisely, as this decision is irreversible without restarting the game.

---

Early Game Demon Recruitment

Aggressively recruiting demons in the first areas is essential. As money is scarce early on, recruitment is a cost-effective way to build a diverse and powerful roster. Recruit as many different demons as possible to expand your options for demon fusion later. This also fills out your compendium, making it easier to fuse powerful demons when you need them.

---

Efficient Money-Making: Vending Machines and Relics

Loot every vending machine you find to gather relics, which can be sold to Gustav at Cadaver’s Hollow. These machines respawn periodically, so make it a habit to revisit them. Additionally, acquiring the Forager skill for demons and miracles like Hand of God can increase your relic yield, providing a steady stream of income.

---

Optimizing Demon Skills: Innate Skills

In SMT V: Vengeance, all demons come with innate skills that can significantly influence battle outcomes. For example:

• Neko Shogun and Kate Sith share a synergy skill that boosts damage when paired.
• Onkot’s One-Two Punch skill enhances evasion and defense for allies.

Choose demons whose innate skills complement each other and align with your combat strategy.

---

Combat Tips: Spyglasses and Dampeners

• Spyglasses: Always carry these to instantly reveal enemy weaknesses, saving turns and preventing wasted attacks.
• Dampeners: Use these strategically when bosses charge their powerful magatsuhi attacks. Correct use can nullify devastating skills and turn the tide of battle.

---

Buffs and Debuffs

Prioritize debuffs early in the game, as buffs are less efficient until you unlock party-wide skills. Skills like Rakunda(lowers enemy defense) and Sukunda (lowers enemy attack) can drastically reduce the difficulty of tough encounters.

---

Efficient Use of Miracles

Invest in Magatsuhi-related miracles early to enhance your gauge regeneration. Skills like Magatsuhi Spring provide valuable passive benefits such as HP and MP recovery each turn.

---

Navigating the Demon Haunt

Pay attention to demon haunts as you progress. Talking to demons here can yield items, essence, or even stat boosts. Regularly check in to maximize these benefits.

---

Essence Management

Essences allow you to transfer skills and affinities. Prioritize acquiring essences that cover your weaknesses or enhance your main character’s resistances. Using essences effectively can create a versatile protagonist capable of adapting to various combat scenarios.

---

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only survive but thrive in the challenging world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Continue to recruit demons, optimize your builds, and use resources wisely to conquer the many challenges ahead.