Shin Megami Tensei V: All About the Moon Phases

It isn’t always clear what the Moon Phases affect in Shin Megami Tensei V. This guide goes over all the details about the Moon Phase system.

In Shin Megami Tensei V, the Moon Phases affect demon negotiation, demon fusion, and demon and Magatsuhi Crystal respawn.

The Moon Phase is always shown in the upper left corner of the screen during normal gameplay (not during cutscenes). A sound effect will also play when it becomes the New Moon or the Full Moon.

Most demons can’t be spoken to during a New Moon in Shin Megami Tensei V. On the other hand, most demons will be much more likely to join you when you talk to them if it is a Full Moon. It is still possible to fail these recruitment discussions, however.

The chance of demon fusion accidents is increased during the New Moon and Full Moon in Shin Megami Tensei V, although it is still rare. A fusion accident is when the resulting demon you get from a fusion is different than was expected when selecting the demons to fuse and their skills to carry over. You’ll know your fusion is an accident if Sophia turns red before descending in the fusion animation.

Fusion accidents can be both frustrating and great. If you don’t have the macca to perform another demon fusion for the demon you really wanted, it can be annoying to wait for another chance to perform the demon fusion. If you’re worried about fusion accidents, save your game before attempting any fusion. There is an upside to fusion accidents, though: demons made from fusion accidents may be a higher level than the Nahobino and will still join your garrison.

Shin Megami Tensei V uses encounters visible on the overworld instead of random encounters. The demons you defeat won’t respawn until the New Moon. The New Moon is also when the HP, MP, and Magatsuhi Crystals you can pick up respawn.

Although the moon waxes and wanes between the New and Full Moon phases in Shin Megami Tensei V, they don’t have an effect on the game. The vending machines that contain Relics you can sell refill randomly based on how much real time has passed and is not associated with the Moon Phases.

The Moon Phases in Shin Megami Tensei V change each time the Nahobino takes approximately 48 steps. They only change as the Nahobino walks around and is not associated with real time. Walking in the Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance exclusive Demon Haunt area also counts towards changing the Moon Phases.

If you want to take Shin Megami Tensei V or Vengeance on the go, check out our guide on the game’s compatibility with the Steam Deck.