Bravely Default 2 is a huge game with complex parts and an often brutal combat system. There's a lot to figure out, from what collectible resources do to whether exploring the ship is worth it, and that's before you even get to some of Bravely Default's tough bosses. 2.
In this Bravely Default 2 gameplay tips guide, I'll cover some of these topics, along with other important ones, to give you everything you need to get started, whether you've played the previous games or just recently played the series.
Is the fodder worth it?
Fodder is one of the first skills you will unlock as a freelancer. It's worth using for a little while and often nets you EXP or JP orbs, as well as other handy items.
However, cutting grass beats fodder almost every time, as you'll often get large sums of money, restoration items, and even good grass-cutting equipment. In the first chapter, for example, I found an expensive ax for my Vanguard before I even got to Savalon.
What are collectible resources used for?
Bravely Default 2's collectible resources — those random monster parts you often get from battles — are primarily for sale. Some quests periodically require specific resources. However, they are fairly easy to find, so instead of hoarding them, do your wallet a favor and sell, sell, sell.
Boat exploration not working?
Your first side quest in Bravely Default 2 unlocks Ship Exploration, the sequel's version of city building to the original. It is impossible to miss the quest, and once you complete it, the old lady moves to the town where you are at the time.
You'll earn rewards from exploring ships while your Nintendo Switch is in sleep mode – and only when it's in sleep mode. If you talk to the boat lady, start exploring, then continue playing, the timer stays at zero.
After choosing to start crawling, put your system into sleep mode and you will continue crawling automatically for up to 12 hours.
If you start exploring ships with wireless turned off, you can expect two to four modest rewards, such as JP orbs or stat-boosting items. Connecting to the internet first means you'll "meet" other players while exploring and increase your chances of finding better items.
Overworld de Bravely Default 2
It's easy to get from one point to another in Bravely Default 2, but getting out of the way has its own rewards. Each overworld area has at least a dozen treasure chests to find. You'll see how many are left if you have a passive skill (which you should) from Divining Rod, though you can't always access it right away.
Some maps have optional side areas perfect for upgrading characters and jobs, and they're usually full of good gear and items.
Bravely Default 2 monstres rares
Exploring also means you'll encounter Bravely Default 2's rare monsters. These are unique beasts you can find at any time, but the safest bet is usually to wait a chapter or two after encountering them before challenging them. . You'll know it's a rare monster because they won't chase you when they see you.
These rare mobs are extremely powerful, as you'd expect, and can easily decimate your party if you're unprepared. Once you're strong enough to take them on and succeed, rare monsters will respawn when you leave the area, making this an effective way to work later in the game.
If you're looking for other JP grinding methods, check out our Job Points farming guide.
Job assignments
We'll have a more detailed job guide soon, but here are some general tips for getting started.
Bravely Default 2 opens up a lot more customization options than the original games with changes to job upgrades and character stats. Pay close attention to each character's stats as a freelancer and how other jobs affect them, as well as each job's weapon skills. The obvious construction is not always the best.
Take the example of Gloria. White Mage is a good job for her, which the game is quick to tell you. However, she's naturally stronger than you'd expect for a White Mage, and unlike previous games, White Mage is quite proficient with melee weapons.
Equipping Gloria with a bow makes her a viable attack unit when not healing. Since White Mage naturally gets a magic restore stat boost, you still have a higher restore power than Black Mage with a staff.
The same goes for other characters, with just a handful - Black Mage, for example - who are very obviously suited to just one thing in the game's combat system.
Combat tricks of combat Bravely Default 2
The most important combat tip is to keep a stockpile of Loupes on hand or always have a Freelancer sub to use Examine. Survival in Bravely Default 2 is all about exploiting weaknesses. Each of these options immediately details all of an enemy's weaknesses, meaning you can end battles faster – and alive.
This may go without saying, but always make sure you have at least one character with access to more than one elemental skill in your party. Enemies with specific resistances or that negate all but one damage type are the norm here. If there is no room for the black or red mage in your party, at least make sure you stock up on elemental attack items.
Likewise, don't be in too much of a rush to sell old or unused weapons you find while exploring. The Bravely Default 2 combat system allows you to change a character's weapon without using a turn. If you encounter enemies with weaknesses that your current weapons don't cover, a simple change can mean the difference between life and death.
And, of course, be aware of how you use the Brave and Default systems. Never go negative with more than one character unless you know you can win the battle right away.
Enemy parties tend to be larger and have a greater variety of skills, so it's easy to feel overwhelmed if you make a mistake. However, the default bet is still a valid option. Getting a defense boost and an extra turn is a win-win every time.
Tips for Defeating Bosses
Bravely Default 2's bosses are on another level than your standard monsters. Luckily, there are some solid methods you can use to complete every fight.
The most obvious is to be prepared. Have a powerful healer on hand, the best gear you can find, and plenty of ethers. It's also a good idea to have a Bard or Bard sub-job in your party after defeating Orpheus in Chapter One. Their first two abilities grant party-wide stackable defense and magic defense buffs, making them more useful than white mage wards and carapaces.
Never go into negative BP during boss fights unless the boss doesn't act either in the next turn or two. A boss storing BP is your default sign. This gives weaker characters a chance to survive if the boss targets them, and it means you're well placed for a counterattack or to heal up afterwards.
Bosses are subject to status effects. Feel free to cast Poison, Sleep, or Daub in their own way.
All big bad guys are subject to the same rules as you. Eventually they will run out of MPs, just like you. If you're having a lot of trouble, playing a defensive game until they run out of MP is viable, as is lowering the difficulty of boss fights.
A note on Galahad
The large armored elephant in the room is Galahad's battles from Bravely Default 2. Shieldmasters are designed to withstand all assaults and redirect attacks from allies towards themselves. Galahad's Leannan Sith allies inflict status effects on your team, and things can quickly spiral out of control if you don't defeat them quickly.
Galahad is susceptible to sleep and poison, so waste no time inflicting them. Sleep is ideal because it means Galahad can't intercept your attacks on his healer. Then gradually wear Galahad once his supports are gone and the battle is yours.
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All of these Bravely Default 2 tips should put you on the right path to victory no matter the situation. If you still need help, check out our other Bravely Default 2 guides while you're here.
