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Split Formation Command  - Trick/Cheat/Cheap                          [SFC]
Persona 3 Portable

Split Formation Command - Trick/Cheat/Cheap [SFC]

Learn how to effectively use the Split Formation Command (SFC) in Persona 3 Portable to explore areas or defeat shadows, saving time and resources.

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Learn how to effectively use the Split Formation Command (SFC) in Persona 3 Portable to explore areas or defeat shadows, saving time and resources.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Using Split: Explore Area (EA): As long as enemy dots are not visible on the minimap, your allies won't engage them. Move away from enemies to keep their dots off the minimap.
  2. 2
    Triggers that Stop Exploration:
    • Ally finds AccessPoint: This does not halt progress; continue moving forward.
  3. 3
    Ally finds stairs to the next level:
    • If your goal is to reach the next boss or ascend further, take the stairs.
  4. 4
    If your goal is to collect treasures, use your judgment. If two chests are found, proceed to the next floor. If the stairs are close and no chests have been found, remain on the current floor. Carefully walk to the stairs and be ready to move to the next floor once two chests are opened. Alternatively, use "Regroup" and walk.
  5. 5
    Escaping Death: If Death is approaching and you wish to avoid a fight, quickly use "Split: Defeat Shadows" to sacrifice your team and escape. This allows you to save your game without losing significant progress.
  6. 6
    Special Floors: Approach special floors with caution. Some may be filled with Gold Shadows, making "Split" a poor choice. If no enemies are present, quickly locate the stairs and use "Split: Explore" until you hear the cue that Death is approaching.
  7. 7
    Collecting Items and Avoiding Solo Battles: When using "Split," do not move until all items on the current floor are obtained. Use "Regroup" to prevent allies from engaging shadows solo. Avoid solo battles unless you are significantly overleveled.
  8. 8
    Maximizing Chest Collection: If the stairs are very close, continue searching until the entire map is revealed, indicating all chests have been found.
Tips
  • It is often more efficient to quickly find the stairs and then send your allies to explore. This allows you to control your exit rather than relying on luck. The worst-case scenario is allies finding distant stairs before any chests are discovered.
  • In Persona 3 Portable, all items obtained from chests, including money (yen), are directly given to you.
  • Periodically press the Start button to open the map and assess the explored portion of the current floor. Try to locate the stairs or estimate their position.
  • The "Explore Area" method is particularly useful for dealing with "Missing One" missions. By the time you reach floors where these enemies appear, returning to lower levels to fight them can feel like a waste of time and effort, especially after climbing high and searching for stairs. Using "Split: Explore Area" allows you to bypass regular enemies and focus on reaching the next objective without the frustration of backtracking for these specific missions.

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