25) Solo games

Learn how to conquer Valkyrie Elysium with a solo Valkyrie! Get expert tips on skills, items, weapons, and avoiding game-breaking glitches for a smooth playthrough.

Hey there! So you're thinking about tackling Valkyrie Elysium with just Valkyrie, huh? It's totally doable, just like in Star Ocean 2! Since Valkyrie is the only one who can't be kicked out of your party, she's your go-to for a solo run. I'll share some pointers to help you through it. You can even do a 'pseudo-solo' where Valkyrie hangs out in the back, unable to attack or be attacked, with just one other character. I've managed to beat Jelanda on Easy and Lawfer on Hard this way!

My advice? Start with Normal difficulty. You'll need the Creation items that you just can't get on Easy. The first dungeon is a real challenge – you'll be chugging Elixirs just to survive. Seriously, dump your first 20 CP into Counter. It'll be your main damage dealer for a while. Once you hit level 2, focus your CP on anything that boosts your Avoid rating, like Fight and Hear Noise. Trust me, the game gets way easier after that. Oh, and snag a Feathered Tiara before the boss fight – it really helps.

After you clear the Artolian Mountain Ruins, craft a Bolt-Crossbow. This bad boy not only boosts your damage but also lets you guard crush those pesky Dragon Servants. From here on out, in each new Chapter, aim for the strongest 3-hit bow you can create. Seriously, forget swords! Bows do way more damage. For example, the Crescent Arrow in Chapter 4, with its 150 attack, hits harder than the Icicle Sword with its 1200 attack! Some other skills that are super useful include Combo Counter, Auto Item (set it to use Elixirs at 100%), and Slanting Rain.

When it comes to items, you'll want to keep an eye out for the Mirror of Pleiades, Earring of Healing (this one is crucial!), Bracelet of Zoe (you'll need all the HP you can get towards the end), and the Phoenix Feather. That Phoenix Feather should see you through most of the game, as you won't be dying much.

Now, there's a pretty annoying glitch you need to be aware of. If Valkyrie is the *only* character in your party, the game can freeze if an enemy casts a Great Magic. This applies to powerful spells from enemies like Lezard, Barbarossa, Gandar, Bloodbane, and Surt. To avoid this, just bring along a second, low-level party member and let them die at the start of the battle. As long as you began the fight with at least two people, the game won't freeze. Also, watch out – the game can also freeze if Valkyrie tries to use her bow PWS.

Towards the very end of the game, you'll get your hands on the Gram sword. It's generally better than your usual bows, especially against enemies with high RDM like Gyne. However, once you grab the Elven Bow from the Forest of Spirits, you'll likely want to switch back to bows. The Elven Bow does about the same damage as Gram when you have the Reverie skill equipped.