In Suikoden 2, your mission is to gather a group of 108 characters, famously known as the Stars of Destiny, to support your quest against the Kingdom of Highland. The challenge lies in the fact that many of these characters can be easily missed, and recruitment isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. But fear not, because our spoiler-free guide will help you recruit each character at the earliest chance and avoid any headaches along the way.
Understanding Suikoden 2’s Recruitment Mechanics
In this sequel, unlike the original Suikoden, many potential allies require you to complete a short side quest before they join your ranks. This aspect adds a layer of complexity to building your roster. Our guide is designed to list characters in the order you can first recruit them, providing alternate requirements where applicable.
Step-by-Step Suikoden 2 Recruitment Guide
Here, you’ll find a rundown of all the easily overlookable characters in Suikoden 2, along with some optional figures that don’t contribute to the 108 Stars of Destiny:
- Riou: As the protagonist, he’s with you from the start!
-
Mukumuku: Examine the large tree north of Riou’s home in Kyaro to recruit him.
- Alternate: If you miss him in Kyaro, you can randomly find him during battles between Two River and Greenhill.
- Nanami and Gengen: Both join during the story.
-
Zamza: Speak to him at Toto Inn with Nanami in your party. Alternatively, find him later at the South Window Inn.
-
Rikimaru: Pay his 3,000 Potch tab at Ryube.
- Alternate: If missed, he’ll be in Coronet.
- Millie: In Ryube, talk to her and then face Bonaparte in the Ryube Forest.
-
Kinnison and Shiro: Help a baby bird in Ryube Forest and return later to recruit them.
- Hanna: After Toto’s destruction, agree to fight together with her.
-
Tsai and Tuta: Join automatically; Tuta can be recruited early if you speak to him at Dr. Huan’s house in Muse.
-
Anita: Engage in a back-and-forth sequence of quests at Muse Tavern. If missed, she reappears at Banner Village.
- Templeton: After a spy mission, talk to him at the Mercenary Fortress and then at Toto.
-
Gilbert: Damage him for a switch-over during an army battle defending Muse City.
-
Characters like Ellie, Rina, Bolgan, Viktor, Flik, Freed Y, Apple, Leona, and others join as the story unfolds.
-
Oulan: Build an all-girl team, visit Kuskus, and fend off gangs with her help.
-
Tai Ho and Yam Koo: Win 5,000 Potch playing Chinchirorin at Kuskus docks.
- Richmond: Rescue him with a special coin in Radat to join.
-
Amada: Beat him in a solo duel in Radat.
- Clive: He’s available in South Window after a specific cutscene.
Characters like Hans, Fitcher, Ridley, and others come as part of story progression.
-
Tetsu: Toast Riou with Fried Tacos and speak to Tetsu in Lakewest.
- Stallion: Race and win in Radat to have him.
-
Shilo: Beat him in Chinchirorin in Lakewest for a win worth 5,000 Potch.
-
Gabocha, Sid, Meg, Gadget, Tony: Various story elements prompt their recruitment.
-
Hix and Tengaar: Complete a quest with them in Kobold Village.
-
Emilia and Jeane: Engagement in Greenhill’s New Leaf Academy and Two River Rune Shop leads to their recruitment.
-
Shin, Nina, Viki, Humphrey, and others: Progress through storylines aligns them with your cause.
-
Mondo and Sasuke: Are reachable depending on earlier in-game choices.
-
Annallee: Available at South Window after following her.
- Karen, L.C. Chan, Tenkou, and others: Compete in dance-offs or showcase other talents to get them.
Finally, you have the option to recruit optional characters like Abizboah and Rulodia, with unique circumstances like a completed save from the original Suikoden affecting their availability. Through this guide, you’ll navigate the complex recruitment landscape of Suikoden 2 with confidence, amassing a collection of characters that’s second to none.
