Soul Hackers 2 Introduces Hangout Events, Soul Levels & Customization Elaboration

Atlus has published the fourth Soul Hackers 2 Summoners Guide, detailing the protagonist Ringo, her fellow Aion agent, Figue, and several gameplay mechanics. The pair recently received a dedicated character trailer.

• View our coverage of Soul Hackers 2 Summoners Guide Vol. 1
• View our coverage of Soul Hackers 2 Summoners Guide Vol. 2
• View our coverage of Soul Hackers 2 Summoners Guide Vol. 3

Ringo elaborates about how she is an agent of Aion, birthed to prevent the world’s end. However, she’s still learning about human behavior. Regarding combat, Ringo’s COMP is ordinarily a gun, though it’s unique compared to the rest of the cast since it can morph into a gun-type during a Sabbath. Further, her elemental affinities strongly correlate to Almighty and Electricity, with her physical attack power also being notably exceptional. Ringo then teases a skill she learns that expands demons’ skill slots, an undeniably valuable tool.

Figue is then explained as an Aion agent simultaneously born with Ringo, who can be seen as a sister figure of sorts. Though, unlike Ringo, Figue is far more cautious and conventionally dependable. Those personality traits are best emphasized in her support roles, comprising intel and analysis. She also possesses an owl-esque drone named Mimi that scouts dungeons for the party. Mimi is essentially a navigator as it warns the player of incoming enemies during exploration, alongside informing them of Demon Recon developments. Ringo then mentions that Mimi’s favorite food is Taiyaki for the hell of it.

Next, Ringo discusses that for the will of Aion to be passed down to her and Figue, a being named Flamma was born, who tells the pair about what they must do, albeit in perhaps not the most congenial of ways.

Moving onto more gameplay components, the Mansei Realm facility, Comp Smith, is highlighted, which modifies COMPs from utilized materials acquired by the player. The shopkeeper, Tara, can customize weapons in various ways, such as decreasing MP costs and enhancing physical attack values. Another noticeable modification is Pick-Me-Up, a skill that heightens item drop chance from defeated foes. Moreover, Ringo’s COMP is explicitly stated to have exclusive Commander Skills.

Zafiro, an accessory shop in Shinsado, is briefly mentioned as a resource to effectively utilize for obvious reasons. Party stats can be significantly influenced by gear, and knowing what playstyle you’re pursuing will make shopping and character configurations simpler. The Heidrun Bar in the same region as Zafiro is showcased next, where the party can participate in Hangout Events. By conversing and drinking with Ringo’s compatriots, their Soul Levels will increase, numerically representing their mutual bonds. Soul Levels will also be altered via story choices.

You can view Soul Hackers 2 Summoners Guide Vol. 4 via Atlus Japan’s Youtube channel below:

For those unaware, Soul Hackers is a Shin Megami Tensei offshoot that last released for the 3DS, under Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers. Initially, Soul Hackers was considered an entry in the Devil Summoner subseries of Shin Megami Tensei games. However, with Soul Hackers 2, it is now its own series while still retaining some ties to the subfranchise.

Atlus West has announced that the game will have the option to choose between English and Japanese audio, with English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitle options also being selectable, providing greater audience accessibility.

Soul Hackers 2 will release on August 26, 2022, on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.