The release of Shin Megami Tensei V brought with it a slew of new challenges, including a set of formidable super bosses. One of the most daunting of these is Satan, a boss that blocks the path to Godborn. This guide is split into two parts: first, we’ll cover the fight’s mechanics, and then we’ll move on to the builds used to overcome this challenge.

Note: If you simply want to bypass the challenge and unlock Godborn, you can switch to Safety Mode, where Satan becomes significantly easier to defeat. However, if you’re up for the challenge of fighting Satan under normal conditions, this guide is for you.

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Understanding Satan’s Mechanics

1. Megido Arc and Demon Allies

The battle against Satan hinges on managing two key mechanics:

• Megido Arc: A powerful, single-target Almighty attack that can one-shot most party members.
• Demon Allies: Satan periodically summons demons to assist him, which he can absorb to gain various buffs.

The first Megido Arc is unavoidable. To survive it, it is highly recommended to equip Enduring Soul on all party members, or at the very least on your main character. Subsequent casts of Megido Arc can be countered by strategically managing Satan’s press turns.

2. Managing Press Turns with Luminescent Mirage

Satan’s press turns are key to controlling the battle. His first turn typically involves using Megidolaon, followed by another skill, which can include Megido Arc. By causing Satan to lose a press turn, you can effectively prevent him from using Megido Arc again.

The most reliable way to do this is with Luminescent Mirage, a skill that guarantees a dodge on the next attack for one turn. Since Satan almost always starts with Megidolaon, this skill ensures that he wastes a press turn, preventing the deadly Megido Arc.

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Handling Demon Allies and Magahi Plunder

Satan follows a predictable pattern of summoning and absorbing demon allies:

• Turn 1: Summons two demons and casts Megido Arc.
• Every three turns: Uses Magahi Plunder to absorb a demon, healing himself and gaining new resistances and skills.

To mitigate the effects of Magahi Plunder:

• Kill all but one demon to control which demon is absorbed.
• Lower the HP of the remaining demon as much as possible to minimize Satan’s healing.
• Avoid letting Satan absorb Hariti or Sarasvati as they heal him significantly.

Killing all demons can delay Magahi Plunder but not prevent it. Allowing Satan to absorb a low-HP demon helps manage the fight.

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Advanced Strategy: Rotations and Summons

Once Satan’s HP drops below 50%, he increases the number of demons summoned to three at a time, following a strict rotation. Controlling which demons he absorbs becomes even more crucial at this stage.

A recommended approach is to:

1. Prioritize killing Hariti and Sarasvati immediately.
2. Leave a less dangerous demon alive to control the absorbed skills and resistances.
3. Adjust your party’s attack focus based on the demon absorbed.

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Optimal Builds for Defeating Satan

Main Character: Dodge Tank Support

• Key Skills:
  • Luminescent Mirage (most important for avoiding Megido Arc)
  • Enduring Soul (to survive the first Megido Arc)
  • Paracelene Blur (offensive choice for free press turns)
  • Intercession (for extra press turns)
• Focus: Sustain and dodge-based survival, with an emphasis on MP management.

Bebub: The Debuffer

• Key Skills:
  • Energy Drain (to manage MP and chip down demons)
  • Debilitate (to weaken Satan effectively)
  • Luster Candy (to maintain buffs)
• Focus: Maintain debuffs on Satan and provide additional healing and MP sustain.

Konanas Sakuya: The Healer

• Key Skills:
  • Sakuya Sakura (for healing and MP restoration)
  • Energy Drain (for MP and HP management)
  • Enduring Soul (for survival against Megido Arc)
• Focus: Healing and MP management for the long battle.

Masakado: The Main Damage Dealer

• Key Skills:
  • Scarlet Blade (critical boost and high damage)
  • Frey Cougal (for consistent single-target damage)
  • Enduring Soul (for survival against Megido Arc)
• Focus: Maximize critical hits and manage MP efficiently.

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Conclusion

By controlling Satan’s press turns, managing which demons are absorbed, and optimizing your party’s builds, you can turn this grueling battle into a more manageable challenge. Stick to the strategies outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well-equipped to defeat Satan and unlock Godborn.

For more tips and strategies on Shin Megami Tensei V, stay tuned to our updates!