What Order Should I Play Scarlet Nexus?

The best way to play Scarlet Nexus is to play through both campaigns: first with Yuito Sumeragi, and then with Kasane Randall. This is the intended and most rewarding way to experience the full story, understanding the motivations and perspectives of both main characters. Playing in this order reveals the complete narrative puzzle piece by piece, preventing significant plot holes and enhancing the overall emotional impact.

Yuito First, Kasane Second: The Recommended Path

The developers at Bandai Namco designed Scarlet Nexus with intertwined storylines. While you can technically start with either character, choosing Yuito’s story first provides a better foundation for understanding the world, the political landscape, and the core conflict. Yuito’s perspective offers a more straightforward introduction to the game’s mechanics and characters.

Playing as Yuito allows you to organically discover the nuances of the world alongside him. His narrative introduces key concepts and characters without revealing the larger mysteries that Kasane’s route gradually unveils. Starting with Kasane can spoil certain plot points and diminish the impact of twists that are carefully crafted within Yuito’s campaign.

Once you complete Yuito’s story, the game encourages you to start Kasane’s playthrough. This is where the full picture begins to emerge. Kasane’s perspective sheds light on the motivations of certain characters and reveals secrets that were hidden from Yuito. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the overarching conspiracy and the true nature of the Others.

Benefits of Playing in the Recommended Order

• Gradual Unveiling of the Story: Yuito’s story acts as a strong introduction, while Kasane’s builds upon that foundation, creating a richer and more satisfying narrative experience.
• Character Development: Observing characters from both Yuito and Kasane’s perspectives deepens your understanding and appreciation for them.
• Avoiding Spoilers: Playing Yuito’s story first minimizes the risk of accidentally spoiling key plot points that are revealed later in Kasane’s route.
• Enhanced Emotional Impact: Experiencing the events of the game through both viewpoints intensifies the emotional resonance of the story’s major turning points.
• Complete Understanding of the World: You gain a more comprehensive grasp of the world, its history, and the various factions involved in the conflict.

What If I Already Started With Kasane?

Don’t worry if you’ve already begun your Scarlet Nexus journey with Kasane! While starting with Yuito is generally recommended, you can still enjoy the game from Kasane’s perspective. However, be prepared for potential spoilers and a slightly less cohesive understanding of the initial story beats.

After completing Kasane’s playthrough, consider starting a new game with Yuito. This will allow you to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle and appreciate the nuances that you may have missed during your first playthrough. Alternatively, you could watch a detailed story recap or explainer video that covers Yuito’s perspective.

The Importance of the Bond Episodes

Regardless of which character you choose to play first, completing Bond Episodes is crucial for understanding the relationships between characters and unlocking powerful combat abilities. Bond Episodes are special story sequences that occur when you’ve built a strong enough bond with your party members.

These episodes provide valuable insights into the characters’ personalities, motivations, and backstories. They also offer opportunities to strengthen your bond with them, which unlocks new SAS abilities that can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. Make sure to consistently give gifts and participate in team battles to maximize your bond levels with your companions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play Scarlet Nexus without playing both campaigns?

Yes, you can, but you will only get half the story. You’ll miss crucial plot details, character motivations, and a complete understanding of the world. Playing both campaigns is highly recommended for the best experience.

2. Does the gameplay differ between Yuito and Kasane?

Yes, the gameplay varies subtly between the two characters. Yuito is a close-range combatant who excels at quick attacks and combo chains. Kasane is a mid-range fighter who utilizes psychokinesis to control objects and deliver powerful ranged attacks. Their SAS abilities and party member combinations also differ, leading to unique combat strategies.

3. Are there any significant differences in the story between the two campaigns?

While the core narrative remains the same, there are significant differences in perspective, character interactions, and the information revealed. Each campaign uncovers different aspects of the story and focuses on different relationships. Kasane’s story, for instance, delves deeper into certain conspiracies and characters’ pasts that are only hinted at in Yuito’s route.

4. How long does it take to complete each campaign?

Each campaign typically takes between 25-35 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and difficulty setting. Completing both campaigns, including side quests and Bond Episodes, can easily take 60-80 hours.

5. Is there a New Game Plus mode?

Yes, Scarlet Nexus features a New Game Plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress from your first playthrough, including your levels, items, weapons, and SAS abilities. This makes it easier to complete the second campaign and explore any content you may have missed.

6. Should I play on a specific difficulty for my first playthrough?

The difficulty setting is largely a matter of personal preference. For your first playthrough, Normal difficulty is generally recommended, as it provides a balanced challenge without being overly punishing. If you’re an experienced action game player, you might consider starting on Hard.

7. Are there any missable items or events in Scarlet Nexus?

While there aren’t strictly missable items in the traditional sense, some Bond Episodes are time-sensitive and can be missed if you don’t reach a certain bond level with a character before a specific point in the story. Pay attention to your bond levels and prioritize Bond Episodes to avoid missing out on these important character moments.

8. What are SAS abilities, and why are they important?

SAS (Struggle Arms System) abilities are special powers that you can borrow from your party members during combat. These abilities can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness by allowing you to temporarily imbue your attacks with fire, electricity, invisibility, and other unique effects. Mastering SAS abilities is crucial for overcoming challenging enemies and bosses.

9. How do I increase my bond levels with party members?

You can increase your bond levels with party members by giving them gifts, participating in team battles, completing side quests together, and responding favorably to their dialogue prompts. Prioritize activities that involve your favorite characters to quickly build up your bond levels.

10. What are the best gifts to give to each character?

Each character has preferred gifts that will grant a larger bond level increase. Experiment with different gifts to discover each character’s preferences. Also, certain gifts become available as you progress through the story and increase your bond levels with specific characters.

11. Are there any post-game activities in Scarlet Nexus?

Yes, Scarlet Nexus features a post-game phase that allows you to continue exploring the world, completing side quests, and challenging powerful enemies. You can also unlock new outfits and accessories for your characters, and replay missions on higher difficulty settings.

12. Can I switch between Yuito and Kasane during gameplay?

No, you cannot switch between Yuito and Kasane during a single playthrough. You must complete one campaign before starting the other. However, you can access a “Brain Drive” ability in New Game Plus that allows you to use a power similar to the other character’s.

13. Is Scarlet Nexus a direct sequel to any other game?

No, Scarlet Nexus is a standalone game and does not require any prior knowledge of other games. It’s a self-contained story with its own unique world and characters.

14. What is the overall theme of Scarlet Nexus?

Scarlet Nexus explores themes of fate, destiny, connection, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. The story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating a world filled with prejudice and conflict.

15. Is Scarlet Nexus worth playing?

Absolutely! Scarlet Nexus is a highly enjoyable action RPG with a compelling story, engaging combat, and memorable characters. The dual protagonist system adds depth and replayability, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. The unique setting and creative enemy designs further enhance the game’s appeal.