Shin Megami Tensei 5 added a few new features to the uber-difficult demon-recruiting franchise and having the phases of the moon affect various other gameplay features is one of them. Depending on whether the moon is new or full, certain activities may become easier or harder.

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The game's moon works on a cycle of eight phases. This goes from the new moon (0/8) where the moon is invisible to the naked eye, to the full moon (8/8) where it is shining and white in resplendent beauty. This is denoted on the field in the upper-left corner of the menu. Let's dive into what this means for you, the player.

What The Moon Phase Affects

Shin Megami Tensei 5 recruiting slime near full moon

The phases of the moon are primarily how the game tracks time. As you play through the game you'll fight demons and pick up useful Magatsuhi orbs that heal your HP, heal your MP, and fill up your Magatsuhi gauge. These will respawn every time you reach the new moon phase.

This is a great feature, as it means that you will never run out of demons to fight or recruit - grinding can be quite the necessity on higher difficulties.


Speaking of demon recruitment, your conversations can also be affected by the phase of the moon. Some demons will be particularly receptive during a new moon, and some will enjoy the full moon. It's possible for a happy demon to instantly join your party if you enter a conversation with them during the phase they enjoy.

Conversely, demons may also have a hated moon phase. Trying to negotiate with them at this point is a futile effort and you should simply resign yourself to fighting them and waiting for a bit of time to pass to try and recruit them.


A note hidden in the explanation section of the World of Shadows will tell you that the phase of the moon affects the likelihood of a Fusion Accident happening. This random event occurs during any regular fusion and will give you a demon you weren't expecting. These are more likely to happen specifically on a full moon, so take extra care when you decide to do some fusing.

NOTE: It is important to note that Fusion Accidents do not take your main character's level into account. Usually, you'd need a post-game Miracle to fuse demons of a higher level but with accidents, you could end up with a powerful demon before you're supposed to be able to get them. Fishing for a Fusion Accident could be a last-resort strategy for getting past a tough battle.

NEXT: Shin Megami Tensei 5: How To Use Essences