Master demon weaknesses and resistances in Shin Megami Tensei IV. Exploit elemental vulnerabilities to gain extra turns with the Press Turn system and crush yo.
Understanding demon weaknesses and resistances is paramount to success in Shin Megami Tensei IV. Exploiting an enemy's weakness grants you extra turns via the Press Turn system, allowing you to chain attacks and potentially defeat foes much faster. Conversely, hitting a demon with an attack it resists or is immune to can cost you valuable turns, leaving you vulnerable.
The following chart provides a general overview of common elemental weaknesses and resistances. Remember that individual demons within a race or category may have unique variations. Always pay attention to the battle log for visual cues (like a "Weak" or "Resist" notification) and the demon's status screen for detailed information.
| Element | Common Weaknesses | Common Resistances/Immunities |
|---|---|---|
| Fire (Agilao, Maragion) | Ice, Force | Fire |
| Ice (Bufu, Mabufu) | Fire, Electric | Ice |
| Electric (Zio, Mazio) | Force, Ice | Electric |
| Force (Garu, Magaru) | Electric, Fire | Force |
| Light (Hama, Mahama) | Dark | Light |
| Dark (Mudo, Mamudo) | Light | Dark |
| Physical (Strike, Pierce, Slash) | Varies greatly by demon type. Often weak to elemental attacks. | High resistance to physical attacks is common for many demons. |
| Null/Drain/Repel | N/A | These are absolute defenses against specific elements or attack types. Null prevents damage, Drain heals the attacker, and Repel reflects the attack back at the user. |
When facing a new demon, it's often best to start with a basic elemental attack (like Bufu or Zio) to test its defenses. If you get the "Weak" notification, press your advantage! If you see "Resist" or "Null," switch to a different element or a physical attack. Some demons may even have "Drains" or "Repels" specific elements, making them dangerous to attack with that particular type.
Pay close attention to the skills your own demons possess. Having a diverse range of elemental attacks in your party is crucial for adapting to any encounter. Demons with skills like "Elemental Mastery" can further amplify your damage output against weaknesses.
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