Izanagi No Okami: Mastering New Game Plus
So, you've conquered the challenges of Persona, huh? You've maxed out your social links, saved the world (or maybe a few!), and now you're staring at that sweet, sweet New Game Plus option. But before you dive back in headfirst, let's talk about Izanagi-no-Okami, the ultimate Persona, and how to make the most of your NG+ run. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from carrying over your precious progress to steamrolling your enemies with the power of a god.
Understanding Izanagi-no-Okami and New Game Plus
Alright, let's break this down. Izanagi-no-Okami isn't just any Persona; it's the final form of the protagonist's initial Persona, Izanagi. Think of it as the ultimate evolution, the culmination of your journey. Obtaining it requires a specific set of circumstances, typically only achievable in a New Game Plus run. Why? Because you need to have seen the True Ending of the game. This ending usually involves completing specific social links or making certain choices throughout your playthrough. Miss those, and you're stuck with a regular ending, which means no Izanagi-no-Okami for you… yet!
Now, what exactly is New Game Plus? Simply put, it's a feature that allows you to start a new game while carrying over progress from your previous playthrough. What carries over can vary from game to game, but generally, you can expect to keep things like your Persona Compendium, your character level (or a portion of it), your social stats (Knowledge, Courage, etc.), equipment, money, and skill cards. This gives you a massive advantage right from the start, allowing you to tackle challenges you might have struggled with previously. Imagine facing early-game bosses with a Persona roster filled with late-game powerhouses! That's the kind of fun New Game Plus offers.
Izanagi-no-Okami, specifically, is a game-changer in New Game Plus. Its stats are incredibly high, and it learns powerful skills that can decimate enemies. With the right build, you can essentially breeze through most of the game's content. But remember, even with a god on your side, strategy still matters! Don't just blindly attack; understand enemy weaknesses and plan your moves accordingly. That's the key to truly dominating your NG+ run.
Preparing for Your New Game Plus Adventure
Before you even click that "New Game Plus" button, take a moment to strategize. What do you want to accomplish this time around? Are you aiming to max out all social links? Do you want to complete every side quest? Or are you simply looking to experience the story again with a significant power boost? Knowing your goals will help you make the most of your time. Crucially, planning which social links to prioritize early on will save you headaches later, especially if you missed some key ones during your initial run. Consider creating a schedule or using a guide to optimize your social link progression.
Next, take stock of your inventory and Persona Compendium. Which items do you want to carry over? Which Personas do you want to fuse early on? Think about which skills you found most useful in your previous playthrough and try to recreate those builds as soon as possible. If you have any powerful equipment, make sure to equip it on your main character before starting New Game Plus, as this will give you a noticeable advantage in the early battles.
Also, consider the difficulty level. If you found your first playthrough too easy, now might be the time to crank it up a notch. New Game Plus gives you the perfect opportunity to test your skills against tougher opponents, especially since you'll be starting with a significant advantage. On the other hand, if you struggled with the difficulty, you can always lower it to enjoy a more relaxed and power-fantasy-esque experience.
Finally, and this is a big one, make sure you've actually unlocked the ability to fuse Izanagi-no-Okami. This usually involves seeing the True Ending of the game. If you didn't, you'll have to play through the game again and make the correct choices to unlock it. There's nothing more disappointing than starting a New Game Plus run, expecting to fuse your ultimate Persona, only to find out that you haven't met the requirements.
Unlocking and Fusing Izanagi-no-Okami
Okay, so you've seen the True Ending, and you're ready to unleash the power of Izanagi-no-Okami. But how exactly do you get your hands on this godlike Persona? The process typically involves a special fusion recipe that requires specific Personas. These Personas are usually high-level and may require you to complete certain quests or defeat optional bosses to obtain them. Therefore, be prepared for a bit of grinding and exploration.
The specific Personas required for the fusion can vary depending on the game. Typically, it involves fusing multiple Personas in a specific order to create a chain reaction that ultimately leads to Izanagi-no-Okami. Refer to a reliable guide or online resource to find the exact fusion recipe for your particular game. Don't just randomly start fusing Personas; you'll likely end up wasting valuable resources and time. Precision is key when it comes to fusing such a powerful Persona.
Once you have all the necessary Personas, head to the Velvet Room and speak to Igor. He'll guide you through the fusion process and, with a bit of luck (and enough money), you'll finally be able to summon Izanagi-no-Okami. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on the fusion, as it's usually quite expensive. However, trust me, it's worth every penny!
Building the Ultimate Izanagi-no-Okami
Having Izanagi-no-Okami is only half the battle. To truly maximize its potential, you need to build it correctly. This involves carefully selecting the skills it inherits during the fusion process and using skill cards to teach it new abilities. The ideal skill set for Izanagi-no-Okami will depend on your play style and the challenges you want to overcome, but there are some skills that are universally useful.
Myriad Truths is arguably the most important skill for Izanagi-no-Okami. It's a unique skill that deals heavy Almighty damage to all enemies, bypassing resistances and weaknesses. This makes it incredibly effective against almost any foe. Other useful skills include healing abilities like Salvation or Mediarahan, which allow you to keep your party alive in tough battles, and buffing skills like Heat Riser or Debilitate, which can significantly increase your damage output and survivability.
Consider skills that cover any weaknesses Izanagi-no-Okami might have. For example, if it's weak to a particular element, you can use a skill card to teach it a resistance or nullification skill for that element. This will make it much more resilient and less susceptible to enemy attacks. Also, don't forget about passive skills that boost your stats or provide other benefits. Skills like Magic Ability or Firm Stance can significantly enhance Izanagi-no-Okami's overall performance.
Experiment with different skill combinations to find what works best for you. There's no single "best" build for Izanagi-no-Okami, as it depends on your personal preferences and the specific challenges you're facing. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what kind of results you can achieve.
Dominating Your New Game Plus Run
With Izanagi-no-Okami at your side, your New Game Plus run should be a breeze. However, that doesn't mean you can just mindlessly mash buttons and expect to win. Strategy still matters, even with a godlike Persona. Pay attention to enemy weaknesses, use buffs and debuffs to your advantage, and don't be afraid to use items when necessary.
Use your newfound power to tackle challenges you might have struggled with in your previous playthrough. Maybe there was a particular boss that gave you a lot of trouble. Now's your chance to show them who's boss! Experiment with different tactics and strategies to see what works best against each enemy.
Don't forget to explore areas you might have missed in your first playthrough. New Game Plus is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden secrets and complete any side quests you might have skipped. You might even find some valuable items or equipment that can further enhance your power.
Most importantly, have fun! New Game Plus is all about enjoying the game in a new and exciting way. Embrace the power of Izanagi-no-Okami and let loose. After all, you've earned it!
Final Thoughts
Izanagi-no-Okami in New Game Plus is a power trip unlike any other. It allows you to experience the game in a completely new way, dominating enemies and effortlessly overcoming challenges. But remember, true mastery comes from understanding the game's mechanics, planning your moves, and experimenting with different strategies. So, go forth, embrace the power of the ultimate Persona, and conquer your New Game Plus adventure!
So, whether you're aiming to max out every social link, unlock every achievement, or simply relive the story with a godlike ally, Izanagi-no-Okami makes New Game Plus an unforgettable experience. Now go forth and create your legend!