How to Recruit Maximilian in Suikoden II: A Comprehensive Guide

To recruit Maximilian (Max) in Suikoden II, simply visit South Window City after completing the battle against Luca Blight. Upon entering, you’ll encounter Max, who is eager to join your cause. When presented with dialogue options, choose the first option to allow him to join your party. Avoid selecting the second option (“Don’t waste your breath, old man”), as this will cause him to leave permanently, making him unrecruitable for the rest of the game. Max is a valuable asset due to his leadership skills and access to powerful unite attacks.

Maximillian: A Stalwart Knight

Maximilian is more than just a strong fighter; he represents a connection to the old guard and a dedication to duty. He brings a level of experience and tactical thinking to your army that is invaluable, particularly in the early to mid-game stages. Max’s leadership abilities and unite attacks make him a must-have for any completionist playthrough of Suikoden II.

Understanding Max’s Role in Your Army

Max is a physical attacker with decent stats. He also has an interesting unite attack in combination with his retinue. He is a solid character to bring along for many of the mid-game battles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recruiting Max and Related Topics

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further insight into recruiting Max and other related aspects of Suikoden II:

Question 1: Can I recruit Max at any point after defeating Luca Blight?

Yes, you can recruit Max at any time after the battle against Luca Blight as long as you select the correct dialogue option upon encountering him in South Window City. There is no specific time constraint.

Question 2: What happens if I choose the wrong dialogue option when talking to Max?

If you select the second dialogue option (“Don’t waste your breath, old man”), Max will leave permanently, and you will be unable to recruit him for the rest of the game. So, make sure you save before trying to recruit him, just in case.

Question 3: Is Max a required character to get the best ending in Suikoden II?

Yes, Max is one of the 108 Stars of Destiny, and recruiting all 108 is a requirement for unlocking the best ending. If you are going for 100% completion make sure you recruit this character.

Question 4: Does Max have any unique equipment or skills?

Max does not have any specifically unique equipment. However, he, as most physical attackers, benefits from items that increase attack power and critical hit chance. His skills are those of a typical physical fighter.

Question 5: What unite attacks does Max participate in?

Max is involved in the “Maximillian Knights” Unite attack, which includes Lowen, and Annallee. This Unite attack can be quite powerful in the early stages of the game. Be sure to take advantage of Max’s unique unite attack.

Question 6: How important is Max in the story of Suikoden II?

While not central to the main plot, Max contributes to the overall narrative through his dedication to the Allied Forces and his experience as a knight. He provides insight and support to the protagonist.

Question 7: Where else can I find information about Suikoden II and its characters?

You can find detailed information about Suikoden II and its characters on various gaming wikis and online forums dedicated to the series.

Question 8: How does recruiting Max impact the difficulty of the game?

Recruiting Max provides you with a solid physical attacker and leader, making battles somewhat easier, especially in the mid-game. His leadership abilities can also positively affect your army’s performance.

Question 9: What are some other easily missable characters in Suikoden II?

Besides Max, Clive is another easily missable character. You must trigger the scene with Elza in Muse after completing the White Deer Inn quest to recruit Clive later.

Question 10: What is the significance of recruiting all 108 Stars of Destiny?

Recruiting all 108 Stars of Destiny is essential for unlocking the best ending in Suikoden II, which provides a more complete and satisfying resolution to the story.

Question 11: Does Max have any connections to other characters in the game?

Yes, Max is closely associated with Lowen and Annallee, who form the Maximillian Knights. Recruiting all three unlocks their powerful Unite attack.

Question 12: Can Max reach level 99 like Mazus can through a glitch?

No, Max cannot reach level 99 through the same glitch that affects Mazus. Mazus is an exception due to a unique programming quirk.

Question 13: Is there a recommended level for recruiting Max?

There is no level requirement for recruiting Max. You can recruit him as soon as you have defeated Luca Blight and can access South Window City.

Question 14: What role does strategic thinking play in recruiting and utilizing characters in Suikoden II?

Strategic thinking is crucial. Understanding each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and Unite attacks allows you to build a well-rounded party capable of tackling various challenges. For instance, knowing Max’s role in the Maximillian Knights Unite is essential for maximizing his potential. You can enhance your knowledge of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website. Their research could help you better understand game design and how it impacts player behavior: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Question 15: How does Suikoden II build upon the character recruitment mechanics of the original Suikoden?

Suikoden II expands upon the character recruitment system of the first game by adding more complex requirements, missable characters, and intricate backstories, making the process more engaging and rewarding for players.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting Maximilian is a straightforward process, provided you remember to choose the correct dialogue option. He is a valuable addition to your army, contributing to both combat prowess and the overall narrative. Don’t miss out on this stalwart knight!